The central message of Christmas is the joy, peace and love of God who sent His son, Jesus, as a Saviour King to all people (Luke 2:10). Pastor Ken shared the three miracles of Christmas:
1) Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)
“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us”. God did not send a decoy, an angel or a representative; Jesus came personally, in person, to live among us. To save us, work with and for us, not against us. Better yet, before He ascended to heaven, He left the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us so we can have God in us at all times.
2) Second Birth (Matthew 1:20-21)
Jesus came, lived a sinless life and then died on the cross to atone for our sins. Having been made righteous with Jesus’ sacrifice, man is reconciled to God. We therefore do not need to die a spiritual death to pay for our sins. Additionally, we are given the Spirit of the Son in us and hence elevated to the highest status to inherit the full rights as sons of God (Gal 4:6). We are a new creation with a new beginning and new future!
3) Healing and Wholeness (Psalm 107:20)
God promised that when we believe in Him, He will give us an abundant life. We are also made whole. Pastor Ken shared His experiences in the mission field and in his church on how people who were stricken with illnesses were given sight, hearing and healing from their infirmities. He encouraged the congregation not to ‘beg’ God to heal but to proclaim healing. Although he does not yet know why some do not get healed, he asked that they continue to press on in faith.
In closing, Pastor Ken urged Riverlifers to receive anew the miracles of Christmas – experience God, receive or lead someone to receive the second birth by believing in Jesus and proclaim the healing and wholeness promised by God.
Discussion Questions
1) As 2015 draws to a close, what does Christmas mean to you this year? [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: This is an open sharing to lead people into the discussion proper.
2) Since the birth of Christ happened more than 2,000 years ago, how can one experience “Emmanuel, God with us” today? [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: When we receive Christ into our lives, we receive also the Holy Spirit who dwells inside us. He is therefore available to us 24/7; He goes through whatever we go through and completely understands our situations. Romans 8:26 says that even though we may feel too overwhelmed and do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes and pray what we cannot utter. We can also experience God in our everyday lives through speaking or praying to Him, reading the Bible, do our daily devotion, seek wise Godly counsel; even just by staying still and ponder God. There are many pathways to God; we need only constantly seek. Remember that even though sometimes we cannot see God’s hand, we can trust His heart.
3) Which of the three miracles of Christmas mean the most to you? Why? [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: Allow members to reflect on the sermon and share what the miracles that Pastor Ken shared mean to them.
4) Share one action you might take to make this Christmas special. [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: The commercialization of Christmas can sometimes distract even a Christian from its true meaning. Encourage members to determine to do something, even seemingly small, to make this Christmas a little bit more special. Baby steps include inviting family and friends to the various church events, praying for pre-believers, reconciling with someone God brings to mind, show care as the Spirit prompts, etc.
