Sunday Sermon: 12-21-2025
Luke 2:10–11 – “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Main Idea:
Christmas hasn’t lost its joy—we’ve lost our focus. We’ve allowed culture, controversy, and distractions to bury the Savior beneath tradition and noise. But real joy can still be found—when we return to the One who never left.
Outline & Key Points:
I. Christmas Was Never Meant to Be a Product
– Commercialism has replaced worship.
– Peace has been replaced by pressure.
– We were never called to consume Christmas—but to glorify Christ. (Luke 2:14)
II. ‘Give Me a Gift’ Has Replaced ‘God Gave a Son’
– Gift-giving isn’t wrong—but it’s not the point.
– The greatest gift wasn’t wrapped in paper—it was wrapped in flesh. (John 3:16)
– Don’t celebrate presents while ignoring His presence.
III. ‘Happy Holidays’ and the Push to Erase Jesus
– Culture wants the season without the Savior.
– This isn’t about words—it’s about spiritual rejection. (John 1:10–11)
– We must speak His name louder than the world tries to silence it.
IV. Even Christians Are Distracted or Divided
– Some drown in chaos. Others obsess over controversies.
– “Christmas is pagan” arguments miss the point—we’re celebrating Christ’s arrival. (Romans 14:5–6)
– Satan doesn’t care which ditch you fall into—just stay out of the truth.
V. The Joy Is Still There—If You Remember Who It’s For
– Joy is for all people, not just the sentimental or well-off. (Luke 2:10)
– It’s not found in gatherings or gifts—but in the truth that Jesus came to save.
VI. If He’s the Reason for the Season, Why Is He Missing from Your Life?
– Many honor Him with words but ignore Him with their lives. (Isaiah 29:13)
– Don’t blame the world for taking Christ out of Christmas if you’ve taken Him off the throne of your heart.
VII. Real Joy Is Rooted in Surrender
– Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds responded with faith and obedience.
– Joy comes to those who respond to God’s Word—not just those who hear it. (Luke 1:38, Matthew 1:24, Luke 2:15)
VIII. Christmas Isn’t Just About His Coming—It’s About Your Return
– If the joy is gone, maybe you are too.
– Jesus calls us back to our first love. (Revelation 2:4–5)
– Joy returns when we return to the source of it.
Closing Challenge:
– Don’t let distraction, bitterness, or shallow religion steal your joy.
– Don’t just remember that He came—rejoice in why He came.
– You haven’t lost Christmas… but you may have left Christ.