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Explore the different perspectives of Christmas and discover why believers rejoice at this time of year. From the secular celebrations to the religious traditions, learn the deeper meaning behind the joy of Christmas. Discover the joy of Zacharias and Elizabeth, Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi, and find out why Christians celebrate with friends and family during this season. Reflect on the greatest gift ever given and consider if you have received God’s gift.
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Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Reasons for Rejoicing at ChristmasSelected Scriptures Joy: “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” Joy is a common theme in both Christian and secular versions of Christmas
Secular Perspective of Christmas Secular = of the world = not religious, sacred or spiritual Rejoice over the gathering of family and friends Rejoice over a holiday romance Rejoice over getting a day off work - or getting holiday pay
Secular Perspective of Christmas Rejoice over fun winter activities and seasonal traditions - including the creative mythologies Rejoice over gifts - both giving and receiving
Evidence of the Dominance of the Secular Perspective of Christmas Avoidance of mentioning Christmas – Happy Holidays!
Evidence of the Dominance of the Secular Perspective of Christmas Government entities that ban references to Christmas in the public square The state is supposed to be blocked from interfering with the free exercise of religion, not the opposite
Evidence of the Dominance of the Secular Perspective of Christmas How professing Christians celebrate it Many churches cancelled their services in 2005 & 2011 because Christmas day was a Sunday
Religious Perspective of Christmas The creche scene The danger is romanticized version losing sight of the reality of what occurred
Religious Perspective of Christmas Christmas Traditions The danger is forgetting their purpose and meaning
Religious Perspective of Christmas Church celebrations The danger is socialization replacing fellowship
Religious Perspective of Christmas Charitable giving The danger is for religious organizations to forget the gospel as part of their purpose
Believer’s Perspective of ChristmasSelected Scriptures Believers can enjoy the same or similar activities as anyone, but they have deeper meaning in the truth caivrw / chairō = inward joy with cause often finding outward expression and a desire to share
Joy of Zacharias & ElizabethLuke 1:8f Gabriel tells Zacharias that he and Elizabeth will have a son Luke 1:41-45 John in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy over Jesus in Mary’s womb Elizabeth recognizes Jesus is Lord though still in Mary’s womb - rejoicing the incarnation has taken place
Joy of MaryLuke 1:46-55 Her soul exalts in the Lord, her spirit rejoices in God her savior Luke 1:48-49. Mary rejoices that God has chosen her to be the mother of the Messiah
Joy of MaryLuke 1:46-55 Luke 1:50-55. Mary rejoices over God’s character, fulfillment of prophecy & what He will through Messiah
Joy of the ShepherdsLuke 2:7-20 Nearby shepherds are startled by an angel and heavenly host The shepherds go see Jesus in the manger - then return glorifying & praising for what they heard & saw
Joy of the ShepherdsLuke 2:7-20 They rejoiced over the identity of the child in the manger - “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Multiple prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ birth which brought hope to Israel and all mankind
The Joy of the MagiMatthew 2:1-12 Religious and political king makers from the Persian empire Due to Daniel’s influence in the sixth century B.C. , they would have known Jewish prophecy Numbers 24:17 - They noticed some sort of special star that appeared in conjunction with Jesus’ birth
The Joy of the MagiMatthew 2:1-12 They arrived in Jerusalem looking for “He who is born King of the Jews” for they saw His star As they traveled to Bethlehem, they saw the star again and “rejoiced with exceeding great joy”
The Joy of the MagiMatthew 2:1-12 These Gentiles worship Jesus and brought Him gifts indicating they understood He was more than a king
Conclusions Christians rejoice at Christmas is because God became a man in Jesus and the plan of redemption began Christians also rejoice because Jesus fulfilled the rest of the prophecies and fulfilled the plan of redemption
Conclusions Christians rejoice because our names are written in the book of life - and Jesus will take us to heaven
Conclusions We rejoice with friends and family because we want to share We give gifts in reflection of the greatest gift ever given - Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior Have you received God’s gift?
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ