Christmas 2024
Christmas is all about freedom
John 8:31-34
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Bondage has many names: Power, Pride, Lust, Fear, Pleasure, Materialism, Hurts, Hang ups, Habits and Control.
Every Bondsman (Idol) promises freedom and demands: First your smallest leading to your best. Then it steals your most precious things in life.
Every time you serve it the rope gets tighter and tighter. It never delivers the freedom, peace and meaning it promises and yet you can’t stop yourself.
1. God’s Plan to set you free: A Baby
Luke 2:5-7
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Philippians 2:6-7
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Key words: made himself nothing, servant, humbled, obedient, death, cross
2. Responding to Jesus who came as a baby.
a. Self-Righteous: I am no slave, I don’t need a savior “They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” (John 8:33)
b. Works: How do I set myself free?
c. Ignore him: Who do you think you are? I will stay with my bondsman
The Pharisees and others who asked questions with the intention of trapping him might have been unable to recognize the truth because they were blinded by their preconceived notions and logic.
d. Repentance and Faith
Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Luke 5:12
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Luke 7:38
As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Every Bondsman (Idol) promises freedom and demands: First your smallest leading to your best. Then it steals your most precious things in life.
Every time you serve it the rope gets tighter and tighter. It never delivers the freedom, peace and meaning it promises and yet you can’t stop yourself.
But Jesus is the opposite. He also demands your smallest to your best, and your center, but when you give it to him. He gives you a new name. Your heart is strengthened, light comes into your soul, the shackles fall from your arms and you’re free to run and to be you. This brings purity, goodness, and delight to your life.
3. What is your response to Jesus?
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