Tag: Love

Christmas is a Time for Love Sermon Outline

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

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR LOVE

John 1:1-5, 14, 3:16; 1 John 3:16, 4:9-10

  • “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it…So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:1-5, 14)
  • “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” (John 1:18)
  • Jesus, the unique One, full of unfailing love and faithfulness, came to earth on Christmas, to reveal to us all how much the Father loves us. 
  • “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
  • The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds was a message of love and hope to all people.
  • “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
  • No matter how the world may define Christmas, it has always been, first and foremost, about Love.

Christmas Is A Time To:

REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES US

  • “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
  • Christmas is filled with reminders of God’s generous love for humanity. 
  • For a Child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
  • “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” (Luke 2:10-11)
  • Jesus’ birth, first proclaimed to humble shepherds, shows that God’s love and the gift of His Son bring hope and peace to all who believe, regardless of status or background. 
  • “Look! The virgin will conceive a Child! She will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
  • By sending Jesus, God shows that He is not a distant deity but a loving God who wants to be involved in our lives. 
  • “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5)
  • Jesus’ birth is a beacon of unending love and hope which comes with a promise that the darkness will never overcome us. 
  • Question – When was the last time you thanked God for His love for you?

Christmas Is A Time To:

RESPOND TO GOD’S LOVE

  • “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)
  • Our worship is a natural expression of gratitude for the amazing love that was given to us which is further seen in Jesus’ humble birth. 
  • “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:6-7)
  • “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)
  • When we worship, we align our hearts with the humility of Jesus, acknowledge His sacrifice, and respond with lives that reflect His love.
  • “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:5-7)
  • “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
  • Christmas is just the beginning of God showing how much He truly loves us.
  • “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
  • Question: What are some ways we can show our love for God this Christmas season?

Christmas Is A Time To:

SHARE GOD’S LOVE WITH OTHERS

  • Christmas is more than just a festive season; it’s a time for us to reflect on and extend the love we received from the Lord to others.
  • “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)
  • “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
  • At Christmas, we can follow the example of Jesus by sharing the selfless love of God to others by giving time, help, and encouragement to those around us. 
  • “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)
  • When we show love for one another, others take notice that we are fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 
  • “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)
  • Question: What are some ways we can show our love for others this Christmas season?
by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

“Like”

Are you ever confused by the texting “like” function?

I am.  

Sometimes it means the text is “liked” but often it is just an acknowledgement of what has been sent. 

A few months ago, I texted “I think I have Covid” to a friend (or former friend). He clicked like. 

😑 I guess I should be glad he didn’t click “love” which is a thing now.

I guess someone “loves” a text if they either truly “love” it, really “like” it, “like” it more than a regular “like,” or are overly emotional in general about acknowledging text messages.

Both “like” and “love” functions do quickly express emotions. However, if we’re all honest here, sometimes a “like” is just a short, curt answer meaning, “Ok, thanks, now shut up?”

“Likes” seem to have become a thing on social media. Society, even pastors and church leaders, seem bound by the approval generated by “likes.” On Facebook, the “like” is a thumbs up, on Instagram and TikTok, it’s a heart. Maybe it should be called “Insecuritygram.” 

My love language is “Words of Affirmation.” I admit that I smile when I see my posts being “liked,” especially by lots of people. I love seeing hearts and thumbs up emojis. Just like the rest of the world, I post and then check my posts to see how many people “like” what I’ve said. On the outside, I’m nodding my approval of their approval of my words. On the inside, I’m screaming, “They like me, they really, really like me!”

What we often don’t realize is that chasing after “likes” can be so devastating to our own self worth. We don’t realize that we’re setting ourselves up to be disappointed. 

Louie Giglio writes, “If we live for people’s approval, we will die by their rejection.” 

I think he’s right. If it would have been a social media post or text, I would have liked it. 

👍❤️

*Image courtesy of Jackson Sophat

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Intruder In My House

fear

I woke early this morning and decided to go for a walk. As I reached for my keys, I sensed something strange and suddenly realized I was not alone. 

Then I saw him. An intruder had entered my home.

He shook his long pointed finger in my face. Surprisingly, I recognized him. How could I possibly forget that face?

We first met when as a child a bully threatened to beat me up after school. Later, he sat beside me in college while I took my exams, causing me unfounded anxiety. He visited me as an adult, right before I made a bold career move.  Sometimes, he stops by and I don’t see him, but I see what he’s left behind: broken dreams, forsaken promises, hopelessness, and even despair.

He showed up again this morning in my home unannounced.

I looked him right in the eye and said, “Hello, Fear.”

He rolled his eyes and asked, “Just where do you think you are going?”

“For a walk.”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“What?”

“I’m telling you right now, if you walk out that door, you’ll never come back alive.”

“What do you mean?”

“You step outside, you die. It’s as simple as that.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“It doesn’t matter if you believe me. I said it and that settles it. It’s going to happen.”

“You can’t frighten me.”

“I’ve been paralyzing people for thousands of years. You think you can avoid me?”

I looked down at the floor and held my keys tightly. For a moment, I thought I should just wait until tomorrow to walk.

“You know,” he said, “I’ve kept you in my power since you were a child. I made you lie to keep from getting in trouble. I’ve caused you to run from family and friends and opportunities and experiences. You have no choice but to do what I say.”

I paused. He had manipulated me in the past and even now I was frozen. 

He watched me suffer in silence.

“What did I tell you?” he said. “You’re my servant.”

“No,” I said faintly.

“Silly man, I have you under my control even now.”

“I’m not your slave,” I said in a stronger tone.

“You must serve me,” he said, “I will be like God to you.”

“No, you won’t,” I replied, suddenly defiant. “I already have a God and His grace is sufficient. He doesn’t give me a spirit of fear. He gives me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Fear raised an eyebrow.

“You are weak” he said. “You will fail and come running back to me.”

“I may be weak,” I answered. “But He is strong and He loves me. The Bible tells me so. Get out of my house and stay away from me. I’m going for a walk. You can’t stay here and you’re not welcome to join me.”

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Valentine’s Day: The Real Story

valentines-day

Ever since I was in elementary school, I’ve loved the yummy chocolates, pretty flowers, chalky tasting hearts, and fancy dinners associated with February 14th. Those things pretty much sum up Valentine’s Day, right? Well, no, not really.

Here’s how it all started: In the 3rd century, Roman Emperor Claudius released an edict which prohibited the marrying of young people. It was his belief that unmarried soldiers made the best soldiers because they weren’t concerned with a wife and family. Because of this, young men and women often chose cohabitation outside of marriage. Many others, however, opted for more free, open relationships with allowed for multiple sexual partners.

However, as more and more young people in this time period gave their lives to Christ, they desired the commitment and unity found within the confines of marriage. Not knowing where to turn, they turned to Valentine the priest, who began to secretly perform Christian marriages.

valentine

In time, Claudius learned of Valentine’s actions, had him arrested, thrown into prison, and tortured for his actions. Eventually, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution involving beating, stoning, and finally decapitation. Legend has it that he sent a note to a young lady before his execution, signing it with the words From Your Valentine.

So, today, we celebrate the memory of Saint Valentine, as we now call him. He is the patron Saint of true lovers. However, much more than a title, he gave his life because of his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love that is found and exemplified within the institution of Christian marriage.

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Now

Now

Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father.  Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.  John 13:1 NIV

If you knew that you only had a short time to live, wouldn’t you show your family and friends the full extent of your love?  Wouldn’t you say the words that you’ve needed to say for years?  Wouldn’t you forgive that friend or family member who hurt you?  Wouldn’t you share stories and advice with your children and relatives?

Why wait until you only have a short time to live?  Why not do those things now?

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10 Best Valentines Day Quotes

Valentines-Day

1. Today is Valentine’s Day – or, as men like to call it, Extortion Day – Jay Leno

2.  I wanted to make it really special on Valentine’s Day, so I tied my boyfriend up. And for three solid hours I watched whatever I wanted on TV. – Tracy Smith

3.  Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There’s too much fraternizing with the enemy. – Henry Kissinger

4.  I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. – Unknown

5. Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly. – By Rose Franken

6. Valentine’s Day money-saving tip: Break up on February 13th, get back together on the 15th. – David Lettermen

7. Oh here’s an idea: let’s make pictures of our internal organs and give them to other people we love on Valentine’s Day. That’s not weird at all. – Jimmy Fallon

8. Today, folks, should be all about love. Unless you’re old. – Stephen Colbert

9. I want a man who’s kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire? – Zsa Zsa Gabor

Here’s my favorite:

10. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. – The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Happy Valentine’s Day

 

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