Tag: Christianity

Resurrection Day: An Easter Sunday Devotion

Scripture – But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day.” Then they remembered that He had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell His eleven disciples-and everyone else-what had happened. (Luke 24:1-9)

Devotion – Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday as it’s often called, marks the joyous celebration of Jesus’ resurrection-the triumphant victory over sin and death. In Luke 24:1-9, we read about the women who went to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. As they stood in confusion, two angels appeared and reminded them of Jesus’ promise that He would rise from the dead.

This announcement transformed their sorrow into joy, as they realized the fulfillment of Jesus’ words. His resurrection signifies the defeat of sin and the promise of eternal life. It is a day of hope, reminding us that no darkness is final and that life in Christ brings new beginnings. As we celebrate Easter Sunday, we are called to rejoice in the assurance that through Jesus, we have been granted victory over sin and a fresh start. The resurrection empowers us to live with purpose, courage, and joy, knowing that we are deeply loved and redeemed.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does Jesus’ resurrection influence your understanding of victory over sin and the promise of eternal life?
  2. In what ways can you embrace and share the joy of the resurrection in your daily life?
  3. How does the assurance of new life in Christ inspire you to live with hope and purpose?

Prayer – Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus’ resurrection, which declares victory over sin and death. As I celebrate this joyous occasion, fill my heart with hope and gratitude. Help me to embrace the new life You offer and live in the light of Your love. Guide me to share this joy with others, reflecting Your transformative grace in all I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

Followup Worship Activity – Bring someone with you to an Easter service today so you can corporately rejoice in the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.

*This devotion was written as a part of the Holy Week devotional “The Week that Changed Everything” for Celebration Church NOLA. It is available at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library.

**Image courtesy of Bruno van der Kraan

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Quiet Waiting With Anticipation: A Holy Saturday Devotion

Scripture – The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while He was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent His disciples from coming and stealing His body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.” Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it. (Matthew 27:62-66)

Devotion – Holy Saturday is often a day characterized by silence and stillness, nestled between the sorrow of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter Sunday. In the scripture above, we observe the chief priests and Pharisees securing Jesus’ tomb, expressing their concerns about His disciples potentially moving His body. They ensure the tomb is sealed and guarded, reflecting their fear and uncertainty.

For those who followed Jesus, this day must have been filled with a profound sense of waiting and wondering. It was a time of grieving the loss of their teacher and contemplating the mystery of His words about His resurrection. In the quietness of the day, there lies a space for contemplation and hopeful anticipation.

Holy Saturday invites us to pause and reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and love. It is a day to sit in the tension between death and resurrection, to embrace the quiet and ponder the promise of what is to come. We are reminded that even in the silence, God is at work, preparing to reveal the miracle of resurrection.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How can you find hope and peace in moments of quiet and uncertainty, particularly on this day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?
  2. In what ways can you embrace the stillness of Holy Saturday as a time of reflection on Jesus’ love and sacrifice?
  3. How does the anticipation of Easter Sunday fill you with hope and transformative expectation in your own spiritual journey?

Prayer – Lord, in the stillness of Holy Saturday, I come before You with a heart open to reflection and hope. Thank You for the depth of Jesus’ love and His willingness to sacrifice for me. As I sit in the quiet, help me to embrace the promise of resurrection and renewal. Fill me with anticipation for the joy of Easter morning, and guide me to live a life that reflects Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Worship Activity – In your journal or on a piece of paper, write out a prayer to the Lord, thanking Jesus for His sacrifice on Good Friday and thanking God for what is to come on Easter Sunday.

*This devotion was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything” by Celebration Church in New Orleans. The 8-day devotional is available at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

*Image courtesy of Sincerely Media

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The Place of the Skull: A Good Friday Devotion

Scripture – Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull. There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with Him, one on either side, with Jesus between them… When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His clothes among the four of them. They also took His robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it…” 

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” 

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:17-18, 23-24, 25-30)

Devotion – As we meditate on John 19 today, we find ourselves at the foot of the cross where Jesus, the Son of God, is crucified. This moment is a powerful reminder of the immense suffering He willingly endured out of His love for humanity. Jesus’ journey to Calvary was marked by humiliation, agony, and betrayal, yet His love remained steadfast.

In John 19:30, Jesus utters the words, “It is finished.” With these words, Jesus declared the completion of His mission to save us from our sins. The significance of His suffering cannot be overstated-it was a sacrifice made so that we might receive eternal life. Reflecting on the depth of Jesus’ love and the extent of His suffering invites us to consider the vastness of His grace. Despite the pain and suffering, His actions demonstrate a profound love that transcends human understanding. Through His death, we gain life. As you contemplate the significance of Good Friday, let these truths deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What emotions do you experience when you envision Jesus on the cross, willingly taking on the burden of sin for humanity?
  2. How does Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” impact your understanding of His work of salvation?
  3. In what ways can you live out the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated through His suffering and sacrifice?

Prayer – Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the profound suffering of Jesus on the cross, I am overwhelmed by His boundless love for me. Thank You for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice that was made on my behalf. Help me to live in a way that reflects Jesus’ love and grace to others. May my heart be forever grateful, and may I draw closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Worship Activity – Make plans to attend a Good Friday service this evening. As you observe communion, reflect upon all Jesus has done for you.

*This devotion was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything” Holy Week Devotional by Celebration Church NOLA

**Photo courtesy of Alicia Quan

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The Widow’s Mite – A Holy Tuesday Devotion

Scripture – While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:1-3)

Devotion: On Holy Tuesday, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem to teach and engage with the people. During this time, He addressed various people, including the religious leaders, challenging their authority and highlighting the importance of sincere faith and righteousness. Jesus also used this opportunity to convey parables and teachings about the kingdom of God, emphasizing such themes as justice, humility, and true devotion. His presence in the temple underscored His role as a teacher and prophet, preparing the way for the events that would unfold later in the week. 

As we reflect on the happenings and teachings of Jesus on Holy Tuesday, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true worship, as demonstrated by the widow’s humble offering. Her actions teach us valuable lessons about sacrifice, sincerity, and true devotion to God. The widow gave all she had, illustrating that worship is not about the size of our gift, but about the heart with which it is given. Her act of worship was one of deep trust and adoration, reminding us to consider not simply what we offer, but how and why we offer it to the Lord. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. What are some ways we can offer our resources and talents as forms of worship, regardless of their size?
  2. How does the widow’s example challenge us to reconsider what true sacrifice and devotion is really about?
  3. In what areas of our lives can we put more trust and reliance on God, much like the widow did?

Prayer – Lord, thank You for the powerful example of the widow’s faith and devotion. Help us today to understand that true worship comes from the heart and that our offerings, no matter how small, are significant when given in sincerity and love. Guide us to be more sacrificial in our daily lives, trusting in Your provision and grace. Teach us to give generously, knowing that our acts of worship are pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Followup Worship Activity – In your journal or on a piece of paper, make a list of several ways God has provided for you throughout your life. Then, write out a prayer of worship, thanking God for His provision and declaring that you put your faith and hope in Him.

*This devotion was originally written for “The Week that Changed Everything” Holy Week Devotional for Celebration Church in New Orleans. The full devotional is available for free download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

**Image courtesy of Europeana

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Cleansing Your Temple – A Holy Monday Devotion

Scripture – The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so He went over to see if He could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard Him say it. 

When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” (Mark 11:12-17)

Devotion – In the scripture above, we read about Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the Temple. The fig tree, with its leaves blossoming but having no fruit, symbolizes a life filled with appearances but lacking substance. Likewise, Jesus finds the Temple bustling with commerce, distracting worshipers from its true purpose – prayer and worship of God. 

Holy Monday invites us to reflect on the areas of our own lives that may resemble the fig tree or the Temple. Are there aspects where we present a thriving appearance but are lacking genuine spiritual fruit? Are there distractions or clutter in our lives preventing us from focusing on God? 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are there habits or behaviors in our lives that look fruitful from the outside but aren’t producing the spiritual fruit they should?
  2. What tables in my heart might Jesus want to overturn to help me refocus on Him?
  3. How can we create personal spaces or routines dedicated to uninterrupted time with God, focusing solely on prayer and reflection?

Prayer – Lord, as we reflect on Holy Monday, give us insight into our own lives. Help us identify areas that need cleansing and renewal, where we might be more focused on appearances than on genuine faith and spiritual growth. Teach us to remove distractions from our lives that keep us from connecting with You. Guide us in cultivating our lives so they bear true spiritual fruit, anchored in Your Word. May our hearts always be temples of prayer and devotion, always seeking Your will and Your presence. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Followup Worship Activity – In your journal or on a piece of paper, write out a prayer of personal dedication to the Lord, expressing your willingness to purge the areas of your own life that need spiritual cleansing.

*This devotion was written for “The Week That Changed Everything,” a Holy Week Devotional for Celebration Church in New Orleans. The entire devotional is available for download at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

**Image Courtesy of Nellie Adamyan

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WHEN WORSHIP WELCOMES THE KING: A Palm Sunday Sermon Outline

Read Matthew 21:1-11

  • Palm Sunday is when we remember Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
  • “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.” (Zechariah 9:9)
  • The Triumphal Entry of Jesus wasn’t simply a parade; it was a Masterclass in worship. 
  • To worship Jesus as He deserves, we must cease being spectators in the crowd and become true worshippers of Him. 

Truly Worshiping Jesus Requires: PREPARING FOR HIS PRESENCE

  • “Jesus sent two of them (disciples) on ahead. ‘Go into the village over there,’ He said. ‘As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” (Matthew 21:1-3)
  • Preparing for God’s presence involves finding both corporate and personal places to worship.
  • “When He came to the village of Nazareth, His boyhood home, He went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath…” (Luke 4:16)
  • Jesus’ example of regularly participating in corporate worship should encourage us to do the same. 
  • “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (Luke 5:16)
  • Jesus’ example of preparing for worship should encourage us to create environments where we can experience God’s presence. 
  • Preparing for God’s presence involves confessing our sins and aligning our hearts with His.
  • David – “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.” (Psalm 51:10-12)

Truly Worshiping Jesus Requires: PRAISING HIM WHOLEHEARTEDLY 

  • Worshiping Jesus requires a genuine expression of devotion that is both physical and verbal.
  • “Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of Him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.” (Matthew 21:8)
  • The actions of those who welcomed Jesus was an outward demonstration of the condition of their hearts – overflowing with excitement and reverence. 
  • Praising God physically includes different postures – kneeling; bowing our heads; lifting and clapping our hands; etc… 
  • “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” (Psalm 95:6)
  • Paul – “I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God…” (1 Timothy 2:8)
  • “Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!” (Psalm 47:1)
  • Worshiping Jesus also includes praising Him verbally.
  • “Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around Him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9)
  • The praises of those who welcomed Jesus were alive with faith and expectation, and they used their voices to exalt Him. 
  • “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God!” (Psalm 100:1-3)
  • Worshiping Jesus wholeheartedly includes verbal actions like singing, shouting, reading Scripture, acknowledging Him, thanking Him, sharing testimonies about Him, and declaring His worth.
  • “But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your followers for saying things like that!’ He replied, ‘If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!’” (Luke 19:39-40)
  • Jesus is God and He will be praised, one way or another. 
  • “Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Truly Worshiping Jesus Requires: PROCLAIMING HIM AS LORD

  • “The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as He entered. ‘Who is this?’ they asked. And the crowds replied, ‘It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’” (Matthew 21:10-11)
  • Proclaiming Jesus as Lord includes acknowledging Him before others.
  • “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)
  • When we acknowledge Jesus, we publicly declare who He is and the good news He offers.
  • “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
  • Proclaiming Jesus as Lord includes identifying with and following Him. 
  • “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
  • Identifying with Jesus means being willing to stand with Him even when it is unpopular or leads to rejection. 
  • Jesus – “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in His glory…” (Luke 9:26)
  • Proclaiming Jesus as Lord includes surrendering our lives to Him daily. 
  • Jesus – “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
  • Surrender is an act of worship – a daily decision to put aside our own desires in order to follow His lead in all we do. 

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” (Romans 12:1)

*This sermon was originally written for the campuses of Celebration Church in the New Orleans region. Special thanks for consultation with Pastors Dennis Watson and David Ford.

**Image Courtesy of Brooke Lark

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Welcome the King – A Palm Sunday Devotion

Scripture – As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” He said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.’” The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to Him and threw their garments over the colt, and He sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of Him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around Him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” (Mark 11:1-10)

Devotion – As we reflect on Matthew’s description of Palm Sunday, we are drawn into the vibrant scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This moment is filled with anticipation and joy as the crowds gather, waving palm branches and shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David!” Their excitement and hope are palpable, celebrating Jesus as their long awaited Messiah and King.

This passage invites us to consider how we welcome Jesus into our lives. The people of Jerusalem received Him with open arms and hearts, acknowledging His presence with enthusiasm and worship. In the same way, we should open our hearts to Jesus, embracing Him with the same anticipation and joy.

To truly welcome Jesus, it’s essential to cultivate an attitude of openness and readiness. This means setting aside distractions and making room for His influence in our daily lives. It involves recognizing Him as our guiding force and drawing upon His teachings to shape our decisions and actions. We must also welcome Him with our worship and gratitude, acknowledging His love and grace in our lives, and expressing our reverence and appreciation for all that Jesus has done and continues to do for us. Today, let’s strive to be like those in Jerusalem who, with joyful hearts, laid palm branches at His feet, expressing not only their adoration but also their willingness to have Him rule over their lives. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. In what ways can I welcome the Lord more into my life today?
  2. How can I express my joy and gratitude for Jesus every day through my personal worship and spiritual disciplines?
  3. What distractions might I need to set aside to make room for Christ’s influence in my life? 

Prayer – Lord, help me make room for Your presence every day of my life, setting aside distractions and embracing You, Your Word, and Your will for my life. Today, let me honor You with my words and actions, expressing my complete gratitude for Your everlasting love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Followup Worship Activity – Today, as you begin your time of private worship, take a moment to enthusiastically welcome the presence of the Lord.

* Image Courtesy of Brady Leavell

** This devotion is part of the Holy Week Devotional titled “The Week That Changed Everything” by Celebration Church in New Orleans.

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The Marine and the Imago Dei

My dad went to Heaven in January. As you can imagine, it’s been a difficult few weeks for my mom, my sisters, and for Kathy and me. However, it’s also been a time to celebrate my dad’s life. He was Marine Corps MSGT Johnny Frady, often called Top Frady. He served for 22 years, completing two tours in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Bronze Star for Combat. 

After his military career, my dad worked for the military as a civilian before moving into his third career as a farmer in Arkansas. Even though he was a tough Marine, he was probably the most humane person I’ve ever met. He cared about animals, no matter if they were in the woods, in the fields, in the barns, or in the house. In a similar way, Daddy cared about people and taught us to care about them, regardless of their ethnicity, economic status, or educational background. To him, you respected people because they were people. 

Daddy never used this term, but he instilled in me a strong belief in the Imago Dei, or “image of God.” The Imago Dei is the belief that humans are created in God’s likeness and therefore possess inherent dignity and worth. This idea is rooted in Genesis 1:27, which states, “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them.” This scripture emphasizes that men and women everywhere reflect God’s nature, fostering the understanding that every person should be treated with respect, care, and love because, even if they don’t realize it, they bear the image of their Creator. 

Life today would be so much better if everyone believed in the Imago Dei. A strong belief that people are made in God’s imageleads us to treat one another with respect, kindness, and compassion, recognizing the inherent value in every person. Understanding that everyone is made in the image of God encourages empathy, fosters a sense of community, and highlights our shared humanity. The Imago Dei promotes the idea that we should honor one another’s dignity and value their existence, regardless of our differences. We should intentionally strive to create environments where love and understanding prevail. Finally, we should strive to reflect care and support for the well-being of every person with whom we interact, either in person or online. It’s my prayer that we would all remember to treat others as if they were made in the image of God. If we did, oh my, how different today’s world would be.

* Photo courtesy of Chad Stembridge via Unsplash

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My Top Books Read in 2025

In 2025, I read 106 books. While some of those books deserve much attention and hoopla, some deserve no mention at all. With that in mind, I’m sharing my list of those I actually recommend…

Fiction

  • The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis 
  • Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
  • How To Stop Time by Matt Haig 
  • The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
  • The Tenant by Freida McFadden 
  • The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
  • None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
  • Son by Lois Lowry
  • My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Ministry

  • Church for Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community for Emerging Generations by Dan Kreiss and Efrem Smith
  • Insider Outsider: My Journey as a Stranger in White Evangelicalism and My Hope for Us All by Bryan Loritts
  • In Church As It Is In Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture by Jamaal E. Williams and Timothy Paul Jones
  • Ethnic Blends: Mixing Diversity into Your Local Church by Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li.
  • Story Shaped Worship: Following Patterns from the Bible and History by Robbie F. Castleman
  • The Color of Church: A Biblical and Practical Paradigm for Multiracial Churches by Rodney M. Woo

Spiritual

  • One Year Bible
  • Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge
  • The Hour that Changes the World: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer by Dick Eastman
  • New Morning Mercies by David Paul Tripp

Leadership/Growth

  • Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller
  • David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Gladwell
  • Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guildara
  • The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

Biography

  • When Life Gives You Pears: the Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People by Jeannie Gaffigan

Travel

  • Five Finger Feast: Two Years in Kazakhstan by Tim Suchsland.
  • On the Hippie Trail by Rick Steves

*Image Courtesy of Tom Hermans

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Christmas is a Time for Salvation Sermon

This sermon outline was the second in Celebration Church’s CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED series. I hope you will find it helpful if you’re planning a Christmas sermon.

  • “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she (Mary) will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)
  • The first Christmas was a pivotal moment for Salvation, fulfilling God’s promise to humanity to redeem us.
  • “But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
  • Christmas is the celebration of God’s perfect timing in sending His Son into the world exactly as prophesied, so salvation could be accessible to all. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SIN

  • Every person, despite their best efforts, falls short of God’s standard.
  • “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)
  • “For ____________ has sinned; ____________ falls short of God’s glorious standard.” (put in your own name here)
  • We are actually the source of most of our own problems. 
  • “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3)
  • “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
  • C.S. Lewis – “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
  • Jesus came specifically because we cannot achieve salvation on our own. 
  • “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

FIND FREEDOM FROM OUR HURTS, HABITS, AND HANGUPS

  • “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for He has anointed Me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” (Luke 4:18)
  • The story of Christmas is the story of freedom – Jesus was born not to simply live among us, but to liberate us from our deepest struggles. 
  • “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
  • “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Jesus invites us to bring our hurts, our habits, and our hangups to Him, and He promises to walk alongside us as we journey through our healing and restoration.
  • Christmas is the perfect time to embrace the new life Jesus offers, letting go of the past and stepping into the freedom of His transformative love. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

EXPERIENCE FULFILLMENT THROUGH CHRIST

  • “The thief’s purpose is to kill and steal and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10)
  • Helping us transform our existence into lives that are meaningful and abundant is at the core of Jesus’ mission.
  • “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” (Colossians 2:9-10)
  • The birth of Christ symbolizes the fullness of God wrapped in human skin,  accessible and ready to fill every voice in our hearts. 
  • “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.” (Romans 15:3) 
  • Our trust in God allows us to embrace joy and peace, reshaping our lives with a new perspective and purpose. 

Because Jesus Came at Christmas, We Can:

LIVE FOREVER IN HEAVEN WITH THE LORD

  • “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
  • God’s immense love was manifested in the gift of His Son, born so that all who believe in Him can enjoy eternity with Him.
  • “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:2-3)
  • Because Jesus was born, lived a perfect life, died to pay the price for our sins, and rose again, we can have an eternal future with Him in Heaven.
  • “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down…we will have a house in Heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
  • Heaven is a place where all of our stress, anxiety, fear, depression, disease, hurt, and agony is replaced by peace, patience, fulfillment, freedom, and joy forever.
  • Our assurance of Heaven should always lift our spirits, reminding us that our earthly existence is simply the beginning of an eternal journey with God. 
  • “He who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17)

“Joseph, son of David… do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she (Mary) will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

*Image Courtesy of Jack Chambers

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