The Gospel in Christmas – Jesus
Bible Reading
- John 1:14-17
- Philippians 2:8
- Hebrews 1:3
Observation Questions
- What was Lee Strobel’s initial attitude towards Christianity, and what led him to investigate it? [02:50]
- How does John 1:14 describe the incarnation of Christ, and why was this concept controversial to the Jews of the first century? [12:08]
- What is the connection between the manger and the cross as described in the sermon? [16:08]
- How does the sermon describe the relationship between Christmas and Easter? [18:07]
Interpretation Questions
- How does Lee Strobel’s journey from skepticism to faith illustrate the power of seeking truth with an open heart? [04:44]
- In what ways does John 1:14 challenge believers to understand the depth of God’s love and presence among us? [12:08]
- How does the sermon explain the significance of recognizing Jesus as a divine treasure in a world that often overlooks Him? [21:13]
- What does the sermon suggest about the ongoing impact of God’s grace in our lives, from creation to resurrection? [31:27]
Application Questions
- Reflect on a time when you wrestled with doubts or skepticism about your faith. How did you seek answers, and what was the outcome? [06:06]
- How can you intentionally reflect on the profound mystery of the incarnation during this Christmas season? What specific actions can you take to deepen your understanding? [12:08]
- In what ways can you keep the connection between Christmas and Easter alive in your daily life, especially during the holiday season? [18:07]
- Identify one way you can actively seek and embrace the treasure of Christ in your life. How can you make this a regular practice? [21:13]
- Consider the abundance of God’s grace in your life. How can you share this grace with others, especially those who may not yet know Christ? [31:27]
- What specific steps can you take to ensure that you don’t overlook the divine treasure of Jesus in your daily routine? [21:13]
- How can you use your personal story of experiencing God’s grace to encourage someone else in their faith journey? [30:44]
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Seeking Truth
Lee Strobel’s journey from atheism to Christianity is a testament to the transformative power of seeking truth with an open heart. As a journalist, Strobel approached the claims of Christianity with skepticism, determined to disprove them. However, his rigorous investigation led him to undeniable evidence of Christ’s resurrection, which ultimately brought him to faith. This narrative encourages us to confront our doubts and questions, trusting that God will reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. In a world filled with skepticism, Strobel’s story serves as a powerful reminder that truth and grace have the power to transform lives. [04:44]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”
Reflection: What doubts or questions about your faith have you been hesitant to explore? How can you begin to seek answers with an open heart today?
Day 2: The Mystery of God Becoming Flesh
John 1:14 reveals the profound mystery of the incarnation, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This verse challenges us to grasp the depth of God’s love and the significance of His presence in our lives. The concept of God becoming human was revolutionary and controversial to the Jews of the first century, yet it is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, guiding us through our journey. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to impact us today. [12:08]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Reflection: How does the reality of God becoming flesh change your understanding of His presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to become more aware of His guidance?
Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Christmas and Easter
The Christian narrative intricately links Christmas and Easter, emphasizing that the birth of Christ is a precursor to His resurrection. Without Easter, the significance of Christmas would be lost, as the miracle of Christ’s birth finds its fulfillment in the miracle of His resurrection. This connection highlights the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, from the manger to the cross. As we celebrate these events, we are reminded of the profound love and grace that God extends to humanity through Jesus Christ. [18:07]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
Reflection: How can you celebrate both Christmas and Easter in a way that acknowledges their interconnectedness? What traditions or practices can you incorporate to honor this connection?
Day 4: Embracing the Divine Treasure of Jesus
In a world that often overlooks the divine treasure of Jesus, we are called to seek and embrace His glory and grace. Recognizing the treasure that is Christ requires intentional reflection and a willingness to see Him for who He truly is. As we reflect on the glory of Christ revealed through His life, death, and resurrection, we are encouraged to seek His grace, which is abundant and never-ending. This grace sustains us through life’s challenges and reminds us of God’s unending love and provision. [21:13]
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (ESV): “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
Reflection: In what ways have you overlooked the treasure of Jesus in your life? How can you intentionally seek and embrace His grace and glory today?
Day 5: The Limitless Abundance of God’s Grace
God’s grace is limitless and ever-present, woven into the fabric of our faith from creation to the resurrection. This grace sustains us through life’s challenges and reminds us of God’s unending love and provision. As we navigate our journey, we are encouraged to recognize and embrace the abundance of God’s grace, which is evident in every aspect of our lives. This grace is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His desire to be intimately involved in our lives, guiding us and providing for us in every season. [31:27]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.”
Reflection: How have you experienced God’s grace in your life recently? What specific steps can you take to acknowledge and embrace His grace more fully in your daily walk?
