Christmas – Redland Hills Church: Recent Episodes
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Even though the wisemen had a shining star to follow and show the way they still got lost. Instead of giving up, Jesus was worth the journey. This story is an encouragement not to give up. No matter how far or impossible the destination is, that Jesus is worth the journey.
This isn’t an ordinary Christmas message. This is the scandal of Christmas. In this series we will open up the book of Matthew and take a deep dive into Mary and Joseph and the controversy surrounding Jesus’s birth. Today we will find out that God had a plan for Mary and Joseph that the world just didn’t understand.
Christmas is the season we recognize God’s amazing gift of Jesus was born into our world. Jesus, our salvation, comes wrapped in love. When we’ve been transformed by that love, we also should become more loving. From John 3 and 1 John 4.
At Christmas we celebrate the coming of God into the world. Jesus was fully God with flesh on. He offered his presence and the world could feel the touch of God. That example helps us offer our presence to others.
The word ‘peace’ surrounds us this time of year. It was central to the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth. Yet it may feel very elusive in our lives. What were they proclaiming and does it matter?
There is a lot to worry about this Christmas. The original participants in the Christmas story had some fears as well. But God actually comes to us in our fears and calls us forward into faith.
There is a lot to be anxious about. Yet Christmas is a reminder that the Prince of Peace has come.
Christmas is a celebration that a King is born! Those born in a democracy have to work a little harder to understand the role of a king. But what exactly does that mean that Jesus is King? From Luke 1 & 2.
The Christmas story includes an insecure king who wanted his name to be great. In the end he becomes a largely forgotten ruler in the shadow of a baby whom we still celebrate as the King above all kings.
God’s gift of his presence comes to us in Jesus. Jesus’ presence shows us how to relate to God and relate to others. This Christmas, give the gift of your presence.
Relational brokenness can be extra painful at the holidays. Taking a step towards forgiveness could be the most costly gift you give someone this season. From Luke 7.
The Christmas season brings many hopes. But if we aren’t careful, those hopes will be based on circumstances we can’t control. The Christmas story is a reminder that our greatest hope is in a baby born in Bethlehem.
Some of us have a good mapped out plan we follow, but is there a “God plan” you’ve been ignoring? What would it look like to relinquish your plan?
The Christmas story is told from four perspectives- all of which enlarge our understanding of what God was doing through birth of Jesus. Ultimately, their goal is more than information, but to lead us to a place of belief.
In the Christmas story darkness is represented by Herod, who works to extinguish the light coming into the world. But as John reminds us, darkness always looses to the light.
Holidays can hard for many reasons. If you’re in a difficult season John has some great encouragement about the light that overcomes the darkness.