Real Christmas, Real Love, Real Salvation
05 DECEMBER 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICEs
Rev Adrian Ng
Scripture Passage: Luke 3:1-6; Isaiah 7:14; 1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | On this second Sunday of Advent, let us examine the real meaning of Christmas.
Did Santa Claus exist?
Santa Claus is based on the real Saint Nicholas (270-343CE), a wealthy Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey). He was famous for giv-ing anonymous gifts, and legends about him abound in Europe. St Nicholas Day falls on 6th December and was marked by giving gifts, especially to poor children. Even a secular character like Santa Claus has Christian roots!
Was Jesus Christ born on 25th December?
His birthdate is not recorded in Scripture. The earliest date recorded for celebrating Christ Mass was 25th Dec 336 CE, after Christianity had been legalised under Emperor Constantine. Pagans marked the birth-day of their god of light, Mithra, on this date, but Constantine replaced it with the birthday of Jesus, Light of the World! Real Christmas is not about the date but about what had happened to fulfil prophesy.
What does Pastor Adrian want for Christmas?
- For us to know the truth about real Christmas. John 1:1-4 records how the disciples saw, heard and touched the real Jesus! This is the eyewitness account of His disciple John and is honest and personal. John experiences full joy when he professes Christ! Do we share this experience?
- For us to know that Christmas is about real love. Only Christianity claims that we have the Living God with us! God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him (John 3:16-17). This shows God’s real love towards us!
- For us to know what real salvation/eternal life is. (Luke 3:6) Prophet Isaiah writes that the Messiah came to bring salvation for all. We need to know the good news that despite all uncertain circumstances, we have salvation when we place our trust in Jesus! This is the source of real joy. When we have the Son, we have it all. As we pon-der in preparation for Christmas, let us reflect on what Christmas really means and what truly matters.
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim.)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Share what do you think about when it comes to Christmas?
2. How important is Christmas (in a Christian context) to you and for humanity? Why?
3. Do you think Jesus was born on 25 December? Why you think so and how important is it to you that the date it is factually accurate?
4. Based on Luke 3:4-6 – share any thoughts about what is the real purpose of Christmas!
5. Is there any way or experiences that you can relate to 1 John 1:1-4, where your joy is complete in Jesus Christ? Share your testimonies to encourage those around you!