December 8th, 2024
by Pastor Gary Moritz
by Pastor Gary Moritz
*This blog post was generated using church.tech from the talk that was preached for Stepping Into Christmas part 2
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season? You’re not alone. Many of us get caught up in the whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and endless to-do lists, often losing sight of what Christmas truly means. But what if this year could be different? What if you could find a deeper purpose in the midst of the chaos? This Christmas, let’s shift our focus from the external to the internal, from tradition to transformation.
The heart of Christmas is not just about celebrating a historical event but understanding why Jesus came for us. In Isaiah 9:6, we read about a child born for us, a son given to us, named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. This isn’t just a story; it’s an invitation to experience life in a new way. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good; He came to give dead people life. Let’s explore how this truth can transform your Christmas season.
The heart of Christmas is not just about celebrating a historical event but understanding why Jesus came for us. In Isaiah 9:6, we read about a child born for us, a son given to us, named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. This isn’t just a story; it’s an invitation to experience life in a new way. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good; He came to give dead people life. Let’s explore how this truth can transform your Christmas season.
Recognize Your Deeper Need
Before we can embrace the true meaning of Christmas, we need to recognize our deeper need. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminds us that we were once spiritually dead, trapped in sin, and unable to save ourselves. No amount of self-improvement or good intentions can change this reality. Like a dead phone that needs power, we need the life that only Jesus can provide.
Consider this: Are you trying to fix your life with surface-level changes? Maybe you’ve tried New Year’s resolutions, self-help books, or even religious rituals, but still feel empty inside. The truth is, we need more than just a makeover; we need a heart transformation. Romans 8:3 tells us that what the law couldn’t do, God did by sending Jesus. He came to meet our deepest need, offering us life and hope.
Consider this: Are you trying to fix your life with surface-level changes? Maybe you’ve tried New Year’s resolutions, self-help books, or even religious rituals, but still feel empty inside. The truth is, we need more than just a makeover; we need a heart transformation. Romans 8:3 tells us that what the law couldn’t do, God did by sending Jesus. He came to meet our deepest need, offering us life and hope.
Let Go of Performance
It’s easy to fall into the trap of performance, thinking we need to earn God’s love or approval. But the beauty of Christmas is that Jesus came to fulfill the law for us. We don’t have to strive for perfection; we simply need to embrace God’s plan. Philippians 2:6-8 shows us that Jesus came as a servant, humbling Himself to meet us where we are.
This Christmas, let go of the pressure to perform. Instead, focus on receiving the gift of Jesus’ love and grace. It’s not about what you can achieve, but what you can receive. Trust in His power to transform you from the inside out.
This Christmas, let go of the pressure to perform. Instead, focus on receiving the gift of Jesus’ love and grace. It’s not about what you can achieve, but what you can receive. Trust in His power to transform you from the inside out.
Embrace God's Plan
Jesus came to give us life abundantly (John 10:10). This isn’t just a promise for the future; it’s a reality you can experience now. By staying connected to Jesus, you can live a life of purpose and joy.
Think about the paradigm shifts you need to make: Trust instead of trying harder. Receive instead of striving to achieve. Abide in Jesus rather than relying on your own strength. These shifts can lead to a life of true transformation, where you’re not just surviving but thriving.
Think about the paradigm shifts you need to make: Trust instead of trying harder. Receive instead of striving to achieve. Abide in Jesus rather than relying on your own strength. These shifts can lead to a life of true transformation, where you’re not just surviving but thriving.
Conclusion
As you step into this Christmas season, remember that Jesus came not just to be celebrated, but to be embraced. He offers you a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose. What will you do this week to embrace the perfect purpose of Christmas? Will you pause and invite Jesus into your heart, allowing Him to transform you from the inside out?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to give us life. Help us to recognize our deeper need and let go of the pressure to perform. Teach us to trust in your power and embrace your plan for our lives. May this Christmas be a time of true transformation as we receive your love and grace. Amen.
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