Christmas Eve Service 4:30pm.

In one paragraph

This Christmas Eve message centered on three New Testament verses and the grammatical structure within them, showing that God's actions in sending Jesus are certain, while the gift those actions make available requires a response. The preacher, a self-described grammar enthusiast, walked the room through what he called the "henna clause" to show that God has stated not only what He did but why He...

Read together

1. John 8:12 Jesus declares He is the light of the world; whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness
2. Isaiah 7:14 prophecy that a virgin will bear a son named Emmanuel, cited as a sign from the Lord
3. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophecy of a child born to us, called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, ruling on David's throne
4. Micah 5:2 prophecy that a ruler of Israel will come from Bethlehem Ephrathah
5. Matthew 1:18-24 angel appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him Mary's child is of the Holy Spirit and to name Him Jesus
6. Luke 2:1-20 census decree, birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, angels announcing good news of great joy to the shepherds
7. Matthew 2:1-12 Magi arrive seeking the king of the Jews, Herod's troubled response, the star leading them to worship Jesus with gifts
8. Galatians 4:4-5 God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem us so that we might receive adoption as sons
9. 2 Corinthians 8:9 though Christ was rich, He became poor so that through His poverty we might become rich
10. John 3:16 God gave His only Son so that whoever puts their trust in Him might not perish but have eternal life
11. John 1:5 the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it
12. Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus calls His followers the light of the world, telling them to let their light shine so others glorify the Father

Talk about it

1. The message pointed to four different responses to the news of Jesus' birth: Mary's willing acceptance, Joseph's immediate obedience, the shepherds' hurrying to find the child, and Herod's fear and opposition. Which of those responses do you find yourself closest to right now, and why?
2. The preacher spent time on the idea that Jesus, as an adopted son of Joseph, knows firsthand what adoption feels like, and that God's purpose in sending Him was so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters. What does it mean to you personally to think of your relationship with God in terms of adoption rather than just forgiveness?
3. Three passages were highlighted: Galatians 4:4-5, 2 Corinthians 8:9, and John 3:16. Each one has a 'so that' built into it, showing God's purpose behind what He did. Looking at those three purposes together, what stands out to you most, and what questions do they raise for you?
4. The message drew a contrast between the Magi, who traveled far and worshiped when they found Jesus, and the chief priests and scribes, who knew the scriptures and knew exactly where the Messiah would be born but did not go. What do you think keeps someone from acting on what they already know to be true?
5. The service closed with the candle lighting and the reminder from John 1:5 that the darkness can never extinguish the light, alongside Jesus' words in Matthew 5 that His followers are the light of the world. Where in your everyday life do you feel the most pressure to hide that light, and what would it look like to let it shine there?