Week 1 - The Purpose of Christmas
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:8-10 (NIV)
The first purpose of Christmas is celebration.
When the angel-the one you might call the original Christmas "spirit"-brought that good news of great joy to the shepherds that night, it was definitely a time to celebrate. Most of us celebrate when we hear good news, like a promotion we've hoped for or a raise, or a new job opportunity. But this good news was unexpected, and what's more, it was for all people - you, your family, your co-workers, your boss and your enemies. A gift for everyone? Now that is something to celebrate.
Christmas celebrations today are more about tradition than true joy. That Christmas spirit of great joy has become something we have to work to find. We go to parties often because we're expected to, but are we really filled with a Christmas spirit of celebration? These days there are even checklists on the Internet to help you get into the Christmas spirit with tips for everything from shopping early to playing Christmas music to reading Christmas stories to decorating your house.
But where does it all leave us? Are we any more joyful, peaceful, or content as a result? And what is the Christmas spirit, anyway?
God designed that Christmas would be a time of celebration with his purposes now revealed - and they truly are great news for all of us. Take a look at God's Christmas gifts:
- God loves you
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
God loves all of you, both the good qualities and those that need a little (or a lot) of work.
- God is with you
I will never leave you; I will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 (TEV)
He is with you wherever you go, whether watching TV at home, attending church on Sunday or working on Monday.
- God is for you
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. John 3:17 (LB)
God has only your best interests in mind, all the time.
When life gets tough, it may be difficult to see God in the midst of our circumstances. But God has promised to walk with us through those times. If we'll pay attention and seek him, he will reveal his plans to us--plans we can be confident are only in our best interest.
Are you looking for the Christmas spirit this year? You'll find it when you make godly choices, even during tough times:
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When you feel unappreciated by the boss at work, remember that God loves you.
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When you realize you aren't going to make your sales numbers, or that there's not enough money to pay the bills or make payroll, remember that God is with you.
- When nothing seems to go right and you just want to start the workday over again, remember that God is for you.
Until next week...
Discussion Questions:
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Which of these is most meaningful for you? That God loves you, is with you or is for you?
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How does knowing that God sent his Son to the whole world change your relationships with your co-workers?
- What does the Christmas spirit mean to you?