Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas
As we approach the holiday season, it’s essential to remember the significance of Christmas and its impact on our faith. In Exodus 12:14, the Lord instructed Moses to observe the Passover as a memorial day, a feast to the Lord. This celebration was not optional; it was God’s idea, and it played a crucial role in the faith of future generations.
Similarly, the annual celebrations of the saving work of Jesus Christ through his incarnation, death, and resurrection are vital to the spiritual well-being of God’s children. These events are the greatest in world history, and they should be commemorated with prayerful preparation, sermons, and services that evoke the question, “What do these things mean?”
The Beautiful Story of Christmas
On Christmas Eve, the eternal Son of God stood poised at the rim of the universe, radiating light. He then dove headlong into the galaxies, becoming a zygote, embryo, fetus, and eventually, a baby born of Mary in a barnyard. This story is the most beautiful ever told, but it’s often lost amidst the glittering sentiment of our culture.
As pastors, our task is to create services that preach the great story in its rich biblical context, accompanied by hymns and songs that lift up the glories of the incarnation. This way, our children and grandchildren will wonder at and understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Resources for Celebrating Christmas
To aid busy pastors, here are some Bible passages that make excellent preaching texts for the Christmas season:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2-7, Micah 5:2-5
- New Testament: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20
Music can also reaffirm the truth of the gospel and inspire joy during the Christmas season. Consider these classic and modern hymns for congregational worship:
- Classic Advent and Christmas Hymns: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
- Recent Advent and Christmas Hymns and Songs: “Mary, Did You Know?” “O Holy Night”
Centering Your Family’s Celebration on the Word of God
A Christmas gathering is an excellent opportunity to focus your family’s celebration on the Word of God. Take time to read Scripture together, such as these seven passages:
- Isaiah 9:2-7
- Micah 5:2-5
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Luke 2:1-20
- John 1:1-14
- Hebrews 1:1-4
- Revelation 22:1-6
Remember, the Christmas story is a story of God making himself available, making himself near. It’s a story for everyone who feels distant from God. As we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, may we experience the joy and peace that come from knowing Jesus Christ.
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