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INTRODUCTION
The Christmas season is here! During the month of December, we experience many things—Christmas parties, the decorating of trees, sparkling lights, gift exchanges, the busyness of shopping, and time with family and friends. However, these experiences don’t truly capture the true essence of Christmas. At Christmas our focus should be directed towards Jesus and the reason for His birth.
“But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10-11
At Christmas this year, let’s focus on what matters most. We will discover:
December 14/17 At Christmas: We Find Silence
December 24 At Christmas: We Find Jesus - (Christmas Eve-On Campus at 10:30 am and 5 pm)
December 31 At Christmas: We Find Purpose - (New Year’s Eve - Online Only with Communion)
Text: John 1:1-14; Luke 2:19 (NIV, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: The fulness of God is often revealed in silence.
Week 1 - WE FIND SILENCE
Jesus Christ’s birth ended the silence, but at the same time our appropriate response is one of awe, wonder, and silence.
At Christmas this year, we need:
I. TO STAND IN
OF GOD’S GOODNESS (John 1:3-5)
A. Contemplate our
B. Contemplate our
II. TO STAND IN
THAT GOD SEEKS ME (John 1:6-13)
If you let Him, God will find you.
III. TO STAND IN
OF GOD’S INDWELLING (John 1:14)
CONCLUSION: What do you need to do to fully experience the silence of Christmas?
Christmas Eve at City United Church
Plan on joining us on campus for one of our two Christmas Eve gatherings.
Christmas Eve Morning Gathering
December 24, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Christmas Eve with your City United family! This morning gathering will be full of Christmas-ness and everything you need to kick off your Christmas. Only the City Kids’ Shine classroom, ages 6 weeks to 2.9 years of age, will be open on Christmas Eve morning.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Gathering
December 24, 5–6 p.m.
This family-friendly Christmas Eve candlelight gathering will include classic Christmas songs, a Christmas story for all, candy canes for the young and old, and the oh so peaceful moment of singing Silent Night by candlelight. Children will experience the candlelight gathering with their families.
DEEP DIVES:
How does contemplating our place and sin contribute to standing in awe of God’s goodness, especially during the Christmas season?
In what ways can we actively allow God to find us, as discussed in the sermon’s emphasis on standing in wonder that God seeks us?
Discuss the concept of God’s indwelling, as mentioned in John 1:14. How does understanding this enhance the meaning of Christmas?
Reflect on the idea that Jesus Christ’s birth ended silence but calls for our response of awe, wonder, and silence. How can we practically incorporate this response into our Christmas celebrations?