What Child is This? - Christmas Eve 2024 - When He Asks - Wk 6
Dec 22, 2024
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This Christmas Eve, the podcast delves into the powerful question of Jesus's identity through the lens of the beloved carol. It highlights the profound significance of his humble birth in a manger, contrasting it with societal expectations. Listeners reflect on personal struggles alongside the message of hope and redemption that Jesus embodies. The exploration of Peter's declaration emphasizes the foundation of faith, while inviting a deeper connection to the essence of Christmas and the loving relationship between God and humanity.
The identity of the child in the manger is central to understanding God's redemptive plan and our personal struggles during Christmas.
Acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah influences our spiritual destiny and offers hope amidst life's complexities and challenges.
Deep dives
The Question of Identity
The central question posed during this discussion revolves around the identity of the child born on Christmas, drawing from an old hymn, which asks, 'What child is this?' This question invites deeper contemplation about how the arrival of this child relates to personal struggles such as financial stress, loss, or family issues. The speaker highlights that Christmas can amplify personal pain, yet suggests that anyone experiencing difficulties during this time might be closer to the biblical narrative than those projecting a perfect image, such as what is often seen in holiday advertisements. The speaker encourages listeners to find solace in recognizing that, although we cannot control what happens to us, our response to those circumstances is within our grasp.
The Prophetic Significance
The child in the manger is identified as the fulfillment of numerous prophecies throughout the Old Testament, setting a significant theological context for the Christmas narrative. From the mention of Adam and Eve's sin and God's promise of redemption to the coming of a Savior, the speaker connects various biblical events and figures, such as Abraham and Moses, to this child. Specific prophecies, including those from Isaiah, underscore the importance of this child's birth and the concept of 'Emmanuel,' meaning 'God with us.' This child represents not just a moment in history, but the culmination of God's plan for redemption for humanity.
The Good News for All
The announcement of Christ's birth is presented as the ultimate good news, not only for a select few but for all people. The narrative emphasizes that the angels chose to reveal Jesus's birth to shepherds—considered lowly individuals—indicating that this message of joy and salvation transcends social and economic boundaries. The speaker highlights that God sent a Savior, not a mere advisor or influencer, since humanity's deepest need is salvation from sin. This starkly contrasts the typical human expectation of what kind of help or support should come, by showcasing that the core of God's gift is the restoration of a broken relationship with Him.
The Response to Christ
In a pivotal moment, the discussion turns to a similar question that Jesus posed to his disciples: 'Who do you say that I am?' This question becomes a personal challenge for each listener, emphasizing the critical nature of one's response to the identity of Christ. The speaker articulates that acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah will profoundly impact one's spiritual destiny, framing it as a matter of eternal relevance. In the face of the complexities of life and the chaos often associated with Christmas, the message highlighted is that accepting and believing in Jesus's sacrifice offers profound hope and restoration, regardless of one’s past or present circumstances.
This Christmas Eve, we ask the question posed by the beloved carol: "What Child is This?" This child, born in a manger, lived a perfect life, fulfilled every prophecy, and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. The question of His identity is the most important one we’ll ever answer: Who do you say that He is?
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The Church of Eleven22® is a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. Eleven22 is led by Pastor Joby Martin and based in Jacksonville, Florida, with multiple campuses throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.
To find out more about how God is moving at Eleven22, go to CoE22.com
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