INTRODUCTION
Christmas is a tradition and a time of year that helps us focus on Jesus. It is a time when we pause and recognize that over 2,000 years ago, our Savior was born. He came as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and three days later rose to life again. As followers of Jesus, we watch and wait for His eventual return. Sadly, our culture has diluted the true meaning of Christmas. However, we know that the keys to Christmas are what gives us hope for the future.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8
The story of a coming Savior and King has been passed down since the beginning of time. It has been changing lives from generation to generation. It is still changing lives today.
In this Christmas collection of talks we will look at the following Keys to Christmas:
December 6 - The Key to Christmas Past – Jesus is Sovereign
December 13 - The Key to Christmas Present – Jesus is Always with Us
December 20 - The Key to Christmas Future – Jesus is Our Security
December 24 - Special Christmas Eve Gathering
Text: Philippians 2:5-11 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.
Intro #1: The
Intro #2: Paul writes about Jesus dwelling with us.
I. THE
OF JESUS (2:5-7)
A. Jesus came to
“I and the Father are one.” —John 10:30
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” —John 1:14
B. Jesus became a
He was
“While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” —Luke 2:6-7
He
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.” —Luke 2:52
He was
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15
He
“He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.”’ —Matthew 26:38
II. THE
OF JESUS (2:8)
Jesus came to
A. To demonstrate God’s
“God’s love was revealed among us[a] in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him.” —I John 4:9
B. To pay for my
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit:” —I Peter 3:18
III. THE
OF JESUS (2:9-11)
A. Jesus is
“He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.” —Colossians 1:18
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 14:11
B. Jesus is
Everyone will call Jesus “Lord”. You can do it now and enjoy it in heaven forever, or you can do it later and regret it in hell forever. Is Jesus your Lord?
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” —Luke 6:46
Humble yourself and establish Jesus as King of your life by doing two things:
“If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” —Romans 10:9
“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” —John 15:11
“I am with you always.” —Matthew 28:20b
CONCLUSION
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS
Pastor Gary gave examples of how Jesus was like us. How can this strengthen your relationship with Him?
Read Colossians 1:18. Discuss Jesus’ authority and position over the church. What does this mean for us as His followers?
If Jesus is Lord of your life, what do you need to surrender to Him this Christmas season?
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