Scripture referenced 2 passages
The passage this message was preached from, in full, with every other passage it reached for.
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Luke 2:8-11 read aloud during the lighting of the Advent candle of joy
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
World English Bible · Read it in another translation
Keep this verse
2 Thessalonians 3:16
spoken as a benediction at the close of the service
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
World English Bible · Read it in another translation
Recap
The message in order, in a few minutes of reading.
This Sunday's service was a Christmas pageant called "Reflections," presented by the children and youth of First B Jackson. Rather than a traditional sermon, the message came through a series of short dramatic scenes and songs built around one central question: what does Christmas actually mean? The benediction closed with a reading from 2 Thessalonians: "May the Lord of peace himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with all of you."
What was said
The service opened with Richard and Andrea Largie lighting the third Advent candle, the candle of joy. They read from Luke 2:8-11, where the angel tells the shepherds not to be afraid because the good news of great joy has come for all people. That framing set the tone for everything that followed.
The pageant itself was a series of conversations between children and Santa Claus. Each child came with a request or a question, and each scene pushed further toward the same conclusion: that Santa, for all his goodwill, could not actually give what people most needed.
One child had simply mixed up the Christmas story, placing Santa in the manger alongside the wise men. When gently corrected, she worked through the difference on her own: Santa gives toys, but Jesus is the one who makes people better, teaches them, and answers when you talk to Him. She noted she writes to Santa once a year and never gets a reply, but talks to Jesus every night.
Another child asked Santa to give her Christmas gifts to children she had seen in a magazine, children in Africa who had very little. She told Santa she already had plenty, and if he knew someone who could really help the poor in the world, he should call them.
The scene that drew the whole pageant together was a child who had been learning about sin at church. She reasoned through it plainly: everyone sins, nothing we do can fix it, and she had wondered whether Santa could help Jesus, maybe build some kind of machine. When Santa said he could not take away sin, she arrived at her own conclusion. "I guess Jesus is our only hope," she said, and then told Santa that this year, all she needed for Christmas was a savior.
The pageant closed with the choir singing "Mary, Did You Know" and then "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," letting the music carry the weight of what the children had said in their scenes. The point the whole service had been building toward was simple: the joy of Advent belongs to Jesus, and He is the one thing no one else can give.
Doing a Bible study?
Here is a guide we have prepared for you: the passages in order, questions for the group, and room to write.
- The candle of joy was lit this third Sunday in Advent, with the reading from Luke 2 that the angel brought 'good news of great joy that will be for all the people.' Where do you find it hardest to hold onto that kind of joy, and what does it mean to you that the angel said it is for all the people?
- One of the children in the pageant told Santa, 'You only give stuff. Jesus is the one who really helps us.' What is the difference, in your own experience, between receiving things and receiving real help?
and 3 more questions in the guide
Read the full transcript 3,482 words
0:00
You are here. We are here together. This is great. Welcome, everybody. Hey.
0:05
Here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna just start off by singing a hymn together. Oh, come all you faithful. So if you would, would you stand up, and we'll sing nice and loud together. Okay?
0:15
And Florine's gonna lead on the piano. Alright. Here we go. You ready? Amen.
2:42
Y'all can be seated. I'm going to invite my good buddy, Renzi.
2:47
Alright. So, we do have a few announcements this morning before we get rolling. If you're wondering why church didn't start till ten this morning or why there is a manger on the stages because we have a Christmas play today. So, that is gonna be our service today which is exciting. The kids have been working really hard on this.
3:05
So, I hope you all enjoy. We're gonna get rolling here with that just in a few minutes but we do have a few announcements to start out with. Awana on Monday, tomorrow, right at 05:45. Is that when the actual start time is? Ten two?
3:21
06:00? 06:00. 05:45, 06:00, seven, eight. Followed by, we have got Monday night or not followed by but at 06:00 down in the fellowship hall, we have got Monday nights. Carl leads that.
3:39
There's dinner meal music, meal, and a message. The chili cook off. My goodness. It is officially here. Today is the day.
3:48
We are starting at 04:30 for caroling. We're gonna load up on the hay trailers and we'll get pulled around town and do some caroling around Town Square at 04:30. Probably get out here around closer to five but be here at 04:30 for that and then the chili cook off will follow that at 06:00 down in the Fellowship Hall. So, bring some award winning chilis if you can't take home one of the three category prizes. I believe it's gonna be spiciest, most unique and just best overall.
4:16
So those are the three things. If you're looking for an idea for your chili, maybe think in those categories. But that's happening this evening. Also, who is interested in Young Life is officially started and going alive and well here in Jackson and we have the big Christmas event. It's called Mr.
4:33
Christmas Tree where we've selected or the the peers of each class at the high school have selected a male to do a beauty pageant, a Christmas beauty pageant where they're gonna be asked questions. They're going to have to do a talent, all sorts of wonderful things. So, if you would like to come and be a part of that, watch it. It's going to be entertaining. I know the host.
4:54
He's super handsome. He looks a lot like Kyler Areola and myself will be hosting it. So, it's going to be a good time. But that is tomorrow, 07:47 at the Pink Gardner Theatre. Also, we still have a lot of tags for the Christmas Angel Tree.
5:14
If you haven't grabbed one of those and you would like to participate in this, it's great to make Christmas for some kids that wouldn't normally get gifts at Christmas time. So, grab a tag off the tree, find out what it says, purchase that, bring it back, and we'll make sure that they go out to those families. The deadline for that is next Sunday. So, grab those takes today, bring em back next Sunday and we will make sure that they get distributed by Christmas. Alright.
5:40
Family Fellowship and Faith. If you guys don't know yet, we are doing a campaign to raise money for a remodel in the fellowship hall and a new kitchen. That room gets used a ton by almost every ministry here at First B and then people outside of First B use it all the time as well and it is due for an update. So, I just wanna give you guys an update on that. We, here is our thermometer hand.
6:02
You might not be able to see it on these small screens but we are officially right with 58 pledgers and money already gathered. We are right at about $121,000 for that. So we're just right there on the cusp of halfway. So yes. Which is great.
6:20
So, we just need to raise about that much again and we'll be ready to go but if you're thinking of your end of the year giving and you would like to give toward this, it's a great opportunity to help bless all the community people that use it. Also, this church that use it all the time. So, family, fellowship, and faith campaign full on underway and for all other announcements, check your bulletin. As always and it is week number three of the Advent. So I'm going to invite up Richard and Andrea Largie.
6:55
Let's give them a round of applause. Yes. Nice job, Largies.
7:06
Good morning. On this third Sunday in Advent, the joy, the candle of joy is lit. Jesus came to give us fullness of joy and abundant life. Joy is ours because of Jesus. His presence brings the promise of joy.
7:36
Luke two eight through 11 says, and there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shown around them. And they were terrified. But the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
7:54
Today in the town of David, a savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
8:10
Red mic here. And this might feel a little about out of order, but we I'd like to invite the frontline team up. We're going to continue here in the worship through giving. And so I'd like to invite those guys up. And while they're coming up, I would like to pray.
8:27
Do we have a frontline team? I'm just curious. Oh, there do we do. Good. Wonderful.
8:32
Alright.
8:33
Let's pray together. God, I do thank you for the joy that you bring. It is it's not just a temporary joy. It is an eternal. It is an everlasting joy that you bring.
8:44
And I thank you that that joy can be ours. And it comes through the person of Jesus Christ. And so I thank you for the gift of Jesus during this Christmas Eve as I thank you for this place right here to remind us of that again and again and again and I thank you God for every good and perfect gift that you bring and for your generosity in in giving us your son. And, Lord, you set the example, and I pray that, your example of being so generous, that would that would rub off on us and that we would be generous givers as well and give back what you've given. And so I thank you, God, in advance for how you use these resources, really so that you would be known and that joy can be ours.
9:31
In Jesus name, amen. All right. I think we're ready. So without further ado, I'd like to present to you Reflections, our Christmas pageant.
13:01
Hello, Angel. What would you like for Christmas?
13:05
I want a castle.
13:07
A toy castle. I'll work on that for you.
13:10
I didn't say a toy castle. I said a castle. And you have got to give me what I want.
13:16
Well, sweetie, Santa's not really in the construction business.
13:22
Now listen to me, mister. I want a real castle.
13:28
What would you do with a real castle?
13:30
I need a real castle so a real prince can come and rescue me.
13:36
A real prince, do those still exist?
13:39
I don't know, but if they do, I need a castle so he will know where to find me. My mommy says I have to get a job, but I just know that's easier. That way, I don't have to work. My principal will do everything for me, clean the
13:53
house and never ever watch football.
14:01
Don't you just want a Barbie or something?
14:04
My principal might be all the Barbies I want, and it's your job to get the castle ready.
14:11
I I'll see what I can do, but you might have to wait until next Christmas.
14:18
You have nine days, and this time, I'll be checking twice.
14:24
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
14:43
How did you do it?
14:46
Horted me?
14:48
Don't play reindeer games with me. You know you did it. I mean, I know you did it. You know you did it, but I just don't know how you did it.
14:58
Here we go. I think we have another one of those other Liz children here.
15:05
Squid pro quo. You came into our house again last year, and I want to know how you did it.
15:11
Well, through the chimney, of course.
15:14
We don't have a chimney.
15:16
Well, then I came through the back door.
15:19
I stepped by the back door last year, and you didn't go in there.
15:23
How do you know I just didn't step over you?
15:26
I taped my hand to the door to feel a movement. And I know you didn't go through the front door because I taped my chihuahua killer to the door. And after about 3AM, he didn't make a sound.
15:41
Well then, I came through the windows.
15:45
I put all my Legos on the seals and you didn't and I know you didn't go there go through the windows because my dad was the first one to scream. I even booby trapped the cookies.
15:55
Booby trapped?
15:56
It wasn't just powdered sugar on the cookies. Think about what you put on your
16:00
eggs. Well,
16:06
I'll be honest. I slipped you a little North Pole dust to make you sleep more heavily than normal. Does that came through the window of your parents' room.
16:16
Does that penetrate your Darth Vader mask?
16:19
Yeah. It sure does. I cheater.
16:23
Well, I've got other kids in line, mister, so move along. Well, hello there. How are you?
16:44
I'm fine. Guess what? I know where you were born.
16:48
Really? Where was I?
16:50
You were born in a town called Bethlehem in a manger.
16:53
What?
16:54
Yeah. It was like a stable and all the reindeer were around you and that's how you met them. And then this smart man came and gave you presents. When you got grown up, you wanted to give kids presents too. So you gave the ranger special powers, and now you fly with them to give kids presents better than what you got because the smart man only got you perfume.
17:15
And baby boys can't play with perfume.
17:19
That's not exactly the right story. You think you're mixing up
17:24
Nope. That's what I heard.
17:27
Well, Santa wasn't born in a manger. Jesus was born in a manger.
17:32
Oh, yeah. Jesus Jesus was born on Christmas too. Santa, I forgot. Does Jesus give gifts too?
17:40
No. Jesus doesn't give toys, but
17:43
I So then Jesus is the guy who peaches and gives people fish and makes them better. Right?
17:48
Well, I'm not sure.
17:50
Yeah. Yeah. He does. I remember now. I got confused.
17:54
Santa gives toys and Jesus makes people better. I remember a long time ago, my mom got sick, and all I wanted to do was make her feel better. Santa, do you make people feel better?
18:06
No. I'm no doctor. I just
18:09
Do you teach people things like to be nice and not to run-in church?
18:12
Well, I don't really
18:14
I remember a long time ago, my mom got sick, and all I wanted to do was make her feel better. None of my toys and my movies, none of them helped her feel better. Santa, you should work harder to make people feel better and teach them things.
18:29
Well, I I mean,
18:30
Jesus can make people feel better and teach them and help them. I really like my Christmas presents, but Santa, you only give stuff. Jesus is the one one who really helps us.
18:40
Not indeed.
18:41
And I talk to Jesus every night. Well, every night. And I only write to you once a year. And you never answer me. Last year, I asked for a playhouse, but you gave me a t shirt.
18:53
What a rip off.
18:56
But it was a
18:57
Santa, if Jesus is so much better than you,
19:00
why is everyone so crazy about you?
19:03
I gotta go. Bye, Santa.
19:05
Merry Christmas. Well, here's a lady and a scholar.
19:20
Not yet, but that's where you come in.
19:22
What do you mean?
19:24
I need a trust fund. $500,000 to be applied directly to university expenses. Only accessible upon legal recognition of adulthood.
19:33
That's not really a normal Christmas request.
19:42
Is it normal to live in an uninhabitable wasteland and be escorted by flying mammals?
19:49
I don't think I can get you a trust fund.
19:52
I wonder what the IRS thinks of clue eyed English speaking Caucasian who lives in a foreign country with no government, no bank accounts, and yet still manages to manufacture and donate thousands of toys to children all over the world by invading their homes at night.
20:09
Are you blackmailing me?
20:11
Of course not. Just seems like someone like that would go on the suspicious list at least.
20:18
I have nothing to hide.
20:20
And I have nothing to lose.
20:25
Can't I offer you some toys?
20:28
Santa, you're a good guy, but I can wait a few years for toys. I wanna grow up, get an education, work for Apple, and invent iSpy. They are glasses that analyze the emotions of people so you can tell if a person likes another person or not. Then I can buy all the toys they want and talk to people well.
20:47
Well, you certainly have a plan, young lady.
20:50
Working smarter, not harder. Something I could recommend to you. Here's a copy of my birth certificate so you can set up the account. Have a wonderful night and I look forward to seeing what you provide on Christmas. After all, you wouldn't wanna destroy the future of any kids you care so much about.
21:09
Right?
21:10
Right.
21:11
Nice doing business with you.
21:13
I'm wondering where the Christmas. Well, hello, little girl. What could I bring you for Christmas? Oh, come now. Surely, you must want something.
21:38
A doll, a bicycle perhaps. Well, if you have nothing on your list, why did you come see this old man?
21:48
I have a question.
21:51
A question? Shoot.
21:53
I don't want you to get mad.
21:55
Oh, I won't get mad. I have a reputation for being very jolly.
22:03
Well, it's just that okay.
22:05
I was in
22:06
the doctor's office the other day and I saw a magazine with a picture of a boy from Africa, I think, and there are a lot of children in the pictures and they were really poor.
22:16
I don't even think they
22:18
had a TV. Do you know who I'm talking about?
22:24
There are a lot of children in Africa. I think I would have to see a picture.
22:28
You can visit their mall too. Right? Oh,
22:33
yes. So I think so.
22:36
Anyways, this they're really poor and some of them looked really sad and all my friends are talking about what they want for Christmas. My friend Daniella thinks that she's gonna get an iPhone. Is that true?
22:49
Well, she might be, but that's a secret.
22:53
I hope not. She's not nice. Anyways, I can't stop thinking about how happy I was when I got my Shopkins toys last year and I want those kids to be happy too. So this year, can you give my gifts to the kids in Africa? I still play with my Shopkins toys so I don't really need anything new.
23:15
I just want those kids to be happy like me.
23:18
Well, sweetie, I'll I'll see what I can do.
23:23
Why don't you bring better gifts to the kids in Africa? Haven't they been good too? You can give them my toys if you want.
23:32
I got a lot
23:33
and they don't have any. But if you know someone who can help the porcup in the world, you should probably call them.
23:39
Bye, Santa.
23:40
Merry Christmas. Hello. How are you today?
23:54
I'm confused.
23:57
Really? About what?
23:59
Well, I've got a problem.
24:02
Let's hear it.
24:04
Alright. So I've been going to church, and sometimes the preacher talks about sin. Have you heard of it?
24:12
Well, a little.
24:15
The preacher says that sin is a problem we all have. Sin happens when we do things like lying or stealing or disobeying our parents or even saying bad words. We hurt God and we hurt other people when we sin.
24:31
That's true.
24:32
The preacher says that if we sin, we might go to the bad place. That's where there's fire forever and Satan lives there. It's the very opposite of the North Pole.
24:45
Yes.
24:47
The preacher says that nothing we can ever do will be able to save us from sin. But if that's true, are we all going to the bad place? Well, maybe not you. Well Santa, have you heard of the guy named Jesus?
25:05
Yes. I've heard of Jesus.
25:07
The preacher says that Jesus can take away sin. I'm still learning all this stuff, but he sounds like a real nice guy. Sure he's not your cousin or something?
25:16
Oh, I'm sure.
25:18
Oh, well, he's really nice and you're really nice. And I've been thinking, if there are so many people in this world who sin, then they really need help. Everyone I know sins, but they can't stop sinning. So I have an idea. You could help Jesus.
25:37
Right? I mean, you're Santa Claus. You fly in a sleigh. You deliver presents in one night all over the world. You could really help Jesus if you two work together, but there is one problem.
25:53
Can you take away sin?
25:57
No. No. I I can't take away sin.
26:00
You can't make like a machine or anything to take away sin?
26:06
No. It it doesn't work like that. Yeah.
26:13
I guess if you could make something to take away sin, you already would've. That's too bad. I guess I guess Jesus is our only hope. I'm gonna go see if I can talk to him. You know, Santa, you're a real good guy, but this year, all I need for Christmas is a savior.
26:35
See
26:36
you. Merry Christmas.
41:12
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come that deliver will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hands?
42:05
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod when you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God. Oh, did you know? Lord of all creation? Married, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know that your
44:57
that he should give his only son to make a wretch his treasure how great the pain of searing long many sons to glory behold the man upon a cross my sin upon his shoulders ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the comforts it was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished his dying breath has brought me light I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything no gifts, no power, no wisdom but I will boast in Jesus Christ his death and resurrection. Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer,
1:04:22
I'm not sure that there's much more to add to that than lot of thank yous. So can we thank our choir here for being beautiful? And then can I also invite up Nancy and Shauna? Nancy and Shauna, Shauna here too. Anyway, a lot of behind the scenes stuff that make this work.
1:04:44
And so we want to give them a big, big thank you. So ladies here. With that, we'd like to excuse you, but know this, there are cookies and coffee and cocoa. So if you like to linger longer, please hang out here. And if you'd stand up, I'd like to give you this little benediction as we part.
1:05:15
So would you stand up? And I'd like to share this from second Thessalonians now. May the Lord of peace himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with all of you. Amen.
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