A Christmas To Remember
Day 1: God Made This Day a Big Deal
Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Devotional: When God sent His Son into the world, He didn't do it quietly. He orchestrated a celestial celebration—angels filled the sky, shepherds rushed to witness the miracle, and a star guided seekers from afar. God made Jesus' birth a moment to remember because salvation had arrived. Today, reflect on how God still makes big deals out of His work in your life. He doesn't save you quietly; He transforms you boldly. Just as Mary treasured these things in her heart, what moments of God's faithfulness can you treasure today? Don't minimize what God has magnified. This Christmas season, celebrate loudly the God who came down to rescue us.
Application: Write down three "big moments" when God showed up in your life. Thank Him specifically for each one.
Day 2: A Day to Remember and Celebrate
Reading: Zechariah 2:10-11; John 1:1-5
Devotional: "Shout and be glad!" God declares. The Incarnation wasn't meant to be observed with solemn silence but with joyful celebration. Jesus is the light that shines in darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it. In your life's chaos and struggles, Christmas reminds you that God broke into human history to bring hope. The Christmas tree points us to the Tree of Calvary; the lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World; the gifts reflect God's ultimate gift of salvation. Don't let commercialism steal your joy—redeem every symbol to point others to Jesus. Let this season be marked by intentional celebration of the hope we have in Christ.
Application: Decorate one area of your home intentionally this week, using each element to remind you of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Day 3: Making God Known to a Lost World
Reading: John 17:1-3, 25-26; Acts 17:22-31
Devotional: Jesus came with one mission: to make God known. Paul followed this example on Mars Hill, taking what people worshiped in ignorance and redirecting them to the one true God. The world around us doesn't know Jesus—how can we expect them to honor Him? This Christmas season is your greatest evangelistic opportunity. Rather than criticizing how the world celebrates, be like Paul: wise, cunning, and redemptive. Use every conversation, every gift, every gathering to shine the light of Christ. Your joy, generosity, and hope should make people curious about the God you serve. Don't be a "bah humbug" Christian; be a bearer of good news.
Application: Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Pray for them daily this week and look for an opportunity to share the hope you have.
Day 4: The Gift That Costs Everything
Reading: Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:15
Devotional: Every gift has two sides: the giver who pays the price and the receiver who accepts it with gratitude. God gave the ultimate gift—His Son—wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger, destined for a cross. Jesus became cursed for us, hung on a tree to break the curse of sin. The Christmas presents we exchange are mere shadows of this profound generosity. As you give and receive gifts this season, let them remind you of the costly grace extended to you. Salvation is free to receive but cost Jesus everything. Respond with gratitude, generosity, and a life that honors His sacrifice.
Application: As you purchase or wrap gifts this week, pause to thank God for the gift of Jesus. Consider giving a meaningful gift that shares the Gospel message.
Day 5: Be the Light in the Darkness
Reading: Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:25-27
Devotional: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." You carry within you the very presence of the God who lit up the night sky with angelic hosts. This Christmas, the world doesn't need more judgment or criticism from Christians—it needs the light of Christ shining through joyful, generous, hope-filled believers. Let your life be a walking celebration of what God has done. When people see you, they should see someone alive with purpose, overflowing with peace even in chaos, and eager to share the reason for your hope. Don't let the darkness of commercialism or cultural confusion dim your light. Shine brightly, point clearly to Jesus, and celebrate boldly.
Application: Commit one act of unexpected generosity this week that reflects God's love. Let someone know it's because of what Jesus has done for you.
Closing Prayer for the Week: Father God, thank You for making the birth of Your Son a day to remember and celebrate. Help me to honor You this Christmas season by living with joy, sharing with generosity, and pointing others to Jesus. May Christ in me be the hope of glory to everyone I encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Devotional: When God sent His Son into the world, He didn't do it quietly. He orchestrated a celestial celebration—angels filled the sky, shepherds rushed to witness the miracle, and a star guided seekers from afar. God made Jesus' birth a moment to remember because salvation had arrived. Today, reflect on how God still makes big deals out of His work in your life. He doesn't save you quietly; He transforms you boldly. Just as Mary treasured these things in her heart, what moments of God's faithfulness can you treasure today? Don't minimize what God has magnified. This Christmas season, celebrate loudly the God who came down to rescue us.
Application: Write down three "big moments" when God showed up in your life. Thank Him specifically for each one.
Day 2: A Day to Remember and Celebrate
Reading: Zechariah 2:10-11; John 1:1-5
Devotional: "Shout and be glad!" God declares. The Incarnation wasn't meant to be observed with solemn silence but with joyful celebration. Jesus is the light that shines in darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it. In your life's chaos and struggles, Christmas reminds you that God broke into human history to bring hope. The Christmas tree points us to the Tree of Calvary; the lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World; the gifts reflect God's ultimate gift of salvation. Don't let commercialism steal your joy—redeem every symbol to point others to Jesus. Let this season be marked by intentional celebration of the hope we have in Christ.
Application: Decorate one area of your home intentionally this week, using each element to remind you of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Day 3: Making God Known to a Lost World
Reading: John 17:1-3, 25-26; Acts 17:22-31
Devotional: Jesus came with one mission: to make God known. Paul followed this example on Mars Hill, taking what people worshiped in ignorance and redirecting them to the one true God. The world around us doesn't know Jesus—how can we expect them to honor Him? This Christmas season is your greatest evangelistic opportunity. Rather than criticizing how the world celebrates, be like Paul: wise, cunning, and redemptive. Use every conversation, every gift, every gathering to shine the light of Christ. Your joy, generosity, and hope should make people curious about the God you serve. Don't be a "bah humbug" Christian; be a bearer of good news.
Application: Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Pray for them daily this week and look for an opportunity to share the hope you have.
Day 4: The Gift That Costs Everything
Reading: Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:15
Devotional: Every gift has two sides: the giver who pays the price and the receiver who accepts it with gratitude. God gave the ultimate gift—His Son—wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger, destined for a cross. Jesus became cursed for us, hung on a tree to break the curse of sin. The Christmas presents we exchange are mere shadows of this profound generosity. As you give and receive gifts this season, let them remind you of the costly grace extended to you. Salvation is free to receive but cost Jesus everything. Respond with gratitude, generosity, and a life that honors His sacrifice.
Application: As you purchase or wrap gifts this week, pause to thank God for the gift of Jesus. Consider giving a meaningful gift that shares the Gospel message.
Day 5: Be the Light in the Darkness
Reading: Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:25-27
Devotional: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." You carry within you the very presence of the God who lit up the night sky with angelic hosts. This Christmas, the world doesn't need more judgment or criticism from Christians—it needs the light of Christ shining through joyful, generous, hope-filled believers. Let your life be a walking celebration of what God has done. When people see you, they should see someone alive with purpose, overflowing with peace even in chaos, and eager to share the reason for your hope. Don't let the darkness of commercialism or cultural confusion dim your light. Shine brightly, point clearly to Jesus, and celebrate boldly.
Application: Commit one act of unexpected generosity this week that reflects God's love. Let someone know it's because of what Jesus has done for you.
Closing Prayer for the Week: Father God, thank You for making the birth of Your Son a day to remember and celebrate. Help me to honor You this Christmas season by living with joy, sharing with generosity, and pointing others to Jesus. May Christ in me be the hope of glory to everyone I encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Extra questions to think about...
How does understanding that God made Christmas a 'big deal' through angelic announcements and divine preparation change the way you approach celebrating this season?
In what ways can Christians 'redeem' cultural or commercialized aspects of Christmas to point others toward Jesus, similar to how Paul used the altar to an 'unknown god' in Athens?
What does it mean to be a 'light of the world' during Christmas, and how can you practically shine Christ's light in your workplace, family, or community during this season?
How does the Christmas tree serve as a dual reminder of both the hope Jesus brings and the price He paid on the cross for our salvation?
Why do you think God chose to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds rather than to religious leaders or royalty, and what does this reveal about His heart for humanity?
The sermon challenges us not to be 'bah humbug Christians' who criticize Christmas. What attitudes or complaints about the holiday might prevent us from effectively sharing the gospel during this season?
How can the act of gift-giving during Christmas become a meaningful reflection of God's ultimate gift of His Son rather than just participating in consumerism?
What practical steps can you take to help someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus understand the true meaning of Christmas this year?
How does recognizing that 'the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it' give you hope during personal or global chaos?
In what ways can your joy and generosity during Christmas serve as a testimony that draws others to ask about the hope you have in Christ?
In what ways can Christians 'redeem' cultural or commercialized aspects of Christmas to point others toward Jesus, similar to how Paul used the altar to an 'unknown god' in Athens?
What does it mean to be a 'light of the world' during Christmas, and how can you practically shine Christ's light in your workplace, family, or community during this season?
How does the Christmas tree serve as a dual reminder of both the hope Jesus brings and the price He paid on the cross for our salvation?
Why do you think God chose to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds rather than to religious leaders or royalty, and what does this reveal about His heart for humanity?
The sermon challenges us not to be 'bah humbug Christians' who criticize Christmas. What attitudes or complaints about the holiday might prevent us from effectively sharing the gospel during this season?
How can the act of gift-giving during Christmas become a meaningful reflection of God's ultimate gift of His Son rather than just participating in consumerism?
What practical steps can you take to help someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus understand the true meaning of Christmas this year?
How does recognizing that 'the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it' give you hope during personal or global chaos?
In what ways can your joy and generosity during Christmas serve as a testimony that draws others to ask about the hope you have in Christ?
Digging In Deeper
# Scripture References from the Sermon
## Directly Referenced Scriptures:
1. **Luke 2:1-20** - The Christmas narrative (read in full at the beginning)
2. **Zechariah 2:10-11** - "Shout and be glad, daughter Zion, for I am coming"
3. **Acts 17** - Paul on Mars Hill in Athens (mentioned but not quoted in full)
4. **Jeremiah 23:5-6** - The righteous king/savior prophecy
5. **Deuteronomy 21:22-23** - Anyone hung on a pole is under God's curse
6. **John 1:4-5** - "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind"
7. **John 17:1-3, 26** - Jesus' prayer about making God known and eternal life
8. **John 3:16-17** - God so loved the world; God didn't send His Son to condemn
## Alluded to or Thematically Referenced:
9. **Genesis 12:1-3** - God's promise to Abraham (mentioned as the promise God kept)
10. **Exodus 1-2** - Moses wrapped and placed in the Nile (the story of Moses' rescue)
11. **Exodus 12** - Passover and Jewish holidays God established
12. **Matthew 9:10-13** - Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners
13. **Luke 10:3** - Being wise as serpents (Jesus telling disciples to be wise and cunning)
14. **Colossians 1:25-27** - Paul's commission to present God's word (quoted at the end)
## Suggested Related Verses for Main Themes:
- **Isaiah 9:6-7** - For unto us a child is born (Christmas prophecy)
- **Matthew 1:18-25** - Joseph and the birth of Jesus
- **Philippians 2:5-11** - Christ's humility in coming to earth
- **1 John 4:9-10** - God's love demonstrated through sending His Son
- **Matthew 5:14-16** - You are the light of the world
## Directly Referenced Scriptures:
1. **Luke 2:1-20** - The Christmas narrative (read in full at the beginning)
2. **Zechariah 2:10-11** - "Shout and be glad, daughter Zion, for I am coming"
3. **Acts 17** - Paul on Mars Hill in Athens (mentioned but not quoted in full)
4. **Jeremiah 23:5-6** - The righteous king/savior prophecy
5. **Deuteronomy 21:22-23** - Anyone hung on a pole is under God's curse
6. **John 1:4-5** - "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind"
7. **John 17:1-3, 26** - Jesus' prayer about making God known and eternal life
8. **John 3:16-17** - God so loved the world; God didn't send His Son to condemn
## Alluded to or Thematically Referenced:
9. **Genesis 12:1-3** - God's promise to Abraham (mentioned as the promise God kept)
10. **Exodus 1-2** - Moses wrapped and placed in the Nile (the story of Moses' rescue)
11. **Exodus 12** - Passover and Jewish holidays God established
12. **Matthew 9:10-13** - Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners
13. **Luke 10:3** - Being wise as serpents (Jesus telling disciples to be wise and cunning)
14. **Colossians 1:25-27** - Paul's commission to present God's word (quoted at the end)
## Suggested Related Verses for Main Themes:
- **Isaiah 9:6-7** - For unto us a child is born (Christmas prophecy)
- **Matthew 1:18-25** - Joseph and the birth of Jesus
- **Philippians 2:5-11** - Christ's humility in coming to earth
- **1 John 4:9-10** - God's love demonstrated through sending His Son
- **Matthew 5:14-16** - You are the light of the world