A timeless message encouraging faith and trust in Christ (shared at Christmas Eve Service). Luke 2:8-20, Titus 2:11-13

"Celebrate the Life-Changing Gift of Jesus - Christmas Eve":

I. Introduction: The Spirit of Giving at Christmas

• Illustration: The experience of giving and receiving gifts
• The material gifts we give pale in comparison to the life-changing gift of Jesus.

II. The Gift of Jesus: Our True Source of Hope

• A. Uncertainty in Life and Our Need for Assurance
  • Reflecting on the unpredictability of recent times (weather, economy, social challenges)
  • Jesus provides peace and hope amidst life's uncertainties.
• B. The Shepherds and the Good News
  • Shepherds as unlikely recipients of the angel's message
  • The humble circumstances and divine announcement to shepherds reflect God’s love for all.

III. Jesus as Both Shepherd and Sacrifice

• A. The Significance of the Shepherds’ Role
  • Shepherds often cared for sheep destined for sacrifice, symbolizing Jesus’ role.
• B. Jesus: The Good Shepherd and the Perfect Lamb
  • Jesus embodies both the caring shepherd and the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
  • His life and death ended the need for sacrifices, fulfilling God’s promise.

IV. God's Invitation to All People

• A. The Personal Nature of the Gift
  • Jesus' birth is a personal gift, meant for "you" individually.
  • Salvation isn’t exclusive; it's available to everyone, breaking barriers of culture and status.
• B. The Peace and Favor of God for Believers
  • Through Jesus, we receive peace with God and live in His favor.
  • This peace allows us to face struggles with confidence in God’s plan.

V. Living in Hope, Awaiting Christ’s Return

• A. Living Out Our Faith While We Wait
  • Titus 2:11-13 - Living a self-controlled, godly life as we await Christ’s return.
  • God equips us to resist sin and pursue righteousness in challenging times.
• B. Sharing the Message of Hope and Discipleship
  • As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to share the gospel with others.
  • Jude 23 - "Rescue others from the flames" as we hold out the word of life.

VI. Personal Reflection and Assurance in Christ

• A. Assurance of Salvation Through Faith in Jesus
  • Testimony of finding salvation in Jesus and assurance through the Holy Spirit.
• B. Offering Christ to Others
  • Encouraging others to receive Jesus and find peace and purpose in their lives.

VII. Conclusion: Responding Like the Shepherds

• A. The Shepherds’ Response to the Good News
  • They immediately shared the message with others, spreading joy and wonder.
• B. Embracing Opportunities in 2024
  • Encouragement to celebrate, share, and live out the hope we have in Christ as we enter the new year.

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Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.