12-24-2016 Christmas Eve Sermon
- Expectation leads to preparation (for what is to come)
- Expectation leads to intense focus (on what is to come)
- Expectation leads to positioning (for what is to come)
For the last 4 weeks, we have been celebrating the coming of Jesus
We had great expectation for this weekend to celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ
Back then, the people waited for the promised Messiah, but they did not have the whole story – they did not know His true purpose.
We know the story. The whole story…. Jesus Christ was born to die.
1 John 4:9 – “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.” [NLT]
During Advent, many of you have prepared to celebrate the birth.
During Advent, many of you have been more focused on Jesus.
Tonight, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we look at the positioning we take when we are in the presence of Jesus… the positioning of REJOICING and REFLECTION.
When people encounter Jesus, they REJOICE and REFLECT
The three wise men bowed down and worshipped him (Matthew 2:11).
When the shepherds encountered Jesus, they glorified & praised God for all they heard & seen (Luke 2:20)
As we celebrate Jesus, we REJOICE
When we think of rejoicing, we think of singing
For 4 weeks, we spoke about 4 different songs, THE ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST
Mary’s Song of Anticipatory Faith
Zechariah’s Song of Fulfillment
The Angels’ Song of Peace
Simeon’s Song sung while embracing Jesus
Today, we sing a New Song– He puts a new song in our hearts and on our lips
Psalm 149:1 “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song.”
As we celebrate Jesus, we also REFLECT
Mary treasured things. She kept all these things in her heart. She thought about them often (Luke 2:19).
What do you treasure in your heart about Jesus?
Remember how He moved in your life over the years.
Where are you and Jesus at right now? Consider your relationship.
Are you prepared for Jesus to move?Have you made room for Him in your life? Are you expecting Him to move?
Are you focused on Jesus, the Perfector of our faith?Are you living for Jesus? Are you seeking Him with all you have?
Are you giving your all where God has positioned you, trusting that He is doing something right now through you?
Every day we can celebrate Jesus. Every day we should celebrate Jesus.
Fall at His feet. Rejoice. Reflect. The King is Here!
Tania Gutekunst 