The Word That Transforms Christmas

The sermon series I want to begin today is my hope to take us back to the foundation of the Christmas story, revealing the joy and celebration it brings to all those who place their faith in Christ.

Want to have an unforgettable Christmas?

Make Jesus the center of your life.

Even when times are tough, He will never leave or forsake us.

He is “God with us.”

How often do we hear complaints about people or businesses taking "Christ" out of Christmas?

But if we’re honest, we sometimes fail to keep Christ central ourselves.

How often do our holiday schedules push Him aside?

Christmas isn’t just a holiday or tradition—it’s a celebration of the life-changing truth that God became man to bring us salvation.

The nativity story isn’t just a sweet story —it’s life changing.

C.S. Lewis captures the wonder of this moment: "The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but a baby."

To truly make Christmas unforgettable, we must go back to the foundation of the story—the Word becoming flesh.

Let’s begin by considering who this "Word" is.

I. The Identity of the Word

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

The opening verses of John’s Gospel are some of the most profound in all of Scripture.

They don’t just set the stage for the life of Christ; they declare who He is.

John uses the title "the Word" (Greek: Logos) to describe Jesus.

To John’s original audience, this term would resonate deeply.

In Greek philosophy, Logos referred to the rational principle that governed the universe.

To the Jewish audience, it evoked the creative and revelatory Word of God.

John combines these ideas to show us Jesus’s divine identity.

A. Eternal Word

"In the beginning was the Word."

John intentionally echoes Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1 KJV

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Here, he reminds us that Jesus existed before time began.

He is not a created being; He is eternal.

Think of a majestic mountain range. Long before roads were built, towns were settled, or maps were drawn, those mountains stood tall, unshaken by the passage of time. They endured storms, earthquakes, and countless seasons, yet they remain constant. Jesus, the Eternal Word, is like those mountains—unshaken by history, standing firm before time began and remaining steadfast forever.

He created all things, even those mountain ranges.

Colossians 1:16 KJV

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Hebrews 13:8 KJV

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

This Christmas, we ought to reflect on the eternal nature of Christ.

He existed before the manger, the cross, or the resurrection.

When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, remember that Jesus, the Eternal Word, is steadfast and unchanging.

Knowing that Jesus is eternal is incredible, but John doesn’t stop there.

He reveals something even more astounding: Jesus isn’t just eternal—He is God.

B. Divine Word

"And the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

This verse contains a profound truth:

Jesus is distinct from the Father ("with God") and yet fully God ("was God").

This is the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three Persons.

John declares that Jesus, the Word, is not merely a prophet, teacher, or good man; He is God in human flesh.

This truth sets Christianity apart from every other religion.

Merrill Tenney wrote, "The visible universe with all its complexity owes its origin to the creative mind and power of God. Apart from His Word, existence is impossible."

Colossians 2:9 KJV

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

What does it mean for Jesus to be God?

It means He has the power to save, the authority to forgive, and the right to rule our lives.

Do we honor Him as God in our daily choices?

Or do we treat Him as a mere adviser, someone we consult when it’s convenient?

The Word isn’t just eternal and divine; He took on human form to live among us.

This brings us to the breathtaking truth of the incarnation.

II. The Incarnation of the Word

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The eternal, divine Word didn’t remain distant.

John reveals a truth that is both profound and deeply personal:

"The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."

This is the heart of Christmas—the Creator entered His creation, not as a spirit or apparition but as a human being.

The incarnation changes everything.

A. Jesus Chose to Become One of Us

When God decided to rescue humanity, He didn’t stay distant or send someone else to do it.

Instead, He came Himself, fully taking on humanity.

Jesus didn’t just visit us; He became one of us, experiencing the realities of life firsthand—hunger, exhaustion, joy, sorrow, and even temptation.

Yet He did all this without sin.

I have incredible respect for firemen. They run into burning buildings, putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue those trapped inside. They doesn’t stand outside shouting instructions; they steps into the danger to save lives. That’s what Jesus did when He became human—He entered our broken world to rescue us.

Think about the lengths God went to in order to save us.

He didn’t just sympathize with us from heaven; He walked in our shoes.

This should bring us comfort and hope.

When we face struggles, we can turn to Jesus, knowing He understands completely.

Are you relying on Him in your hardships?

But not only did Jesus take on humanity, but He also made His presence personal and accessible by living among us.

B. Jesus Made His Home Among Us

Jesus didn’t just come to observe humanity from a distance—He entered fully into our lives.

He lived among ordinary people, sharing their daily experiences.

By choosing to “pitch His tent” in our world, He demonstrated that God desires a close and personal relationship with each of us.

Imagine a king stepping off his throne and choosing to live among his people—not in a palace, but in a humble cottage. He eats with them, works alongside them, and shares in their joys and struggles.

These kind of stories have amazed readers for centuries…because it just isn’t done.

It would take incredible love for their people to do this.

This is the kind of life Jesus chose to live.

The Bible says:

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Oh, The Glory of His Presence

Through His life on earth, Jesus revealed God’s heart to humanity.

Every act of kindness, every word of truth, and every moment of grace showed us who God is.

He showed us who God is, which included:

1. Grace

Jesus extended unmerited favor to the undeserving.

2. Truth

Jesus faithfully taught and embodied God’s holiness.

Jesus’s choice to live among us challenges us to invite His presence into our lives and share His presence with others.

During this Christmas season, are you creating space for Jesus to "dwell" in your daily life?

Are you reflecting His grace and truth to the people around you?

Jesus’s incarnation was not just about being present with us; it was about fulfilling a purpose.

He came to accomplish the ultimate mission—our redemption and restoration.

III. The Mission of the Word

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The incarnation of Jesus was not an end in itself; it was part of a greater mission.

Jesus didn’t just come to live among us; He came to save us and reveal God’s character in a way humanity had never seen before.

John captures this mission beautifully:

Jesus came to give us the right to become children of God and to show us God’s glory.

A. Jesus Came to Redeem Humanity

Jesus came to rescue us from the power of sin and give us a new identity as children of God.

Through Him, we are not merely forgiven; we are adopted into God’s family.

This transformation comes through faith, not works.

In 1987, an 18-month-old girl named Jessica McClure fell into an abandoned well in Midland, Texas. The well was narrow, just eight inches in diameter, and she became trapped 22 feet below the surface. Rescue workers worked tirelessly for 58 hours, drilling through solid rock and carefully planning every step to avoid causing further harm. The nation watched anxiously as rescuers risked their lives to save Baby Jessica.

Finally, through incredible effort and teamwork, they reached her. A paramedic descended into the well and gently lifted her out. Baby Jessica couldn’t do anything to save herself; she was utterly dependent on the rescuers to pull her from danger. Their determination and sacrifice were the only things that saved her life.

Just as Baby Jessica was trapped and unable to save herself, we were trapped in sin, powerless to escape.

Jesus came down to where we were, entering the depths of our brokenness, and pulled us to safety through His sacrifice on the cross.

Our salvation is entirely dependent on Him, and all we can do is trust in His saving work.

Ephesians 1:5 KJV

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

If you are a child of God, live in the freedom and assurance of that identity this holiday season.

You don’t have to earn God’s favor; it has already been given to you through Christ.

If you haven’t trusted Him yet, consider the gift Jesus offers—a place in God’s family.

But Jesus didn’t just come to redeem us; He also came to reveal God’s heart to us.

B. Jesus Came to Reveal God

Through Jesus, we see God’s glory, grace, and truth displayed in their fullness.

Jesus didn’t just tell us about God; He showed us what God is like through His life, teachings, and actions.

Here we see God’s Grace and Truth in Action:

Jesus welcomed sinners, He forgave the undeserving, and He extended mercy to those who least expected it.

But we also see the balance of God shown in Jesus’ life.

So we see, not just the Grace, but also...

Jesus spoke with authority, teaching about God’s holiness, justice, and the need for repentance.

Consider these beautiful stained-glass window in a our church here.

When sunlight shines through, the vibrant colors of the glass reveal their beauty.

Similarly, Jesus, as the light of the world, reveals the beauty of God’s character to us.

Steve Maraboli a motivational speaker who hasn’t openly identified as a Christian, but in challenging Christians to not just say they are Christians…but to act like it said , "Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted."

Jesus didn’t just teach about these values—He lived them.

Jesus came to reveal who God was.

He was able to do this, because the Bible says that He ...

Colossians 1:15 KJV

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

He made bold statements that were absolutely authoritative and true, like in John 14:9, when He was talking to Philip...

John 14:9 KJV

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Are you reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus to the world around you?

During this Christmas season, how can you demonstrate God’s character in your actions—through generosity, forgiveness, and love?

Ask God to help you be more like Him!

Jesus’s mission was not just to save us and reveal God’s glory—it was to offer us life that reflects His purpose, grace, and truth.

Conclusion

Christmas isn’t just about a manger scene, family traditions, or festive lights—it’s about the Word becoming flesh to redeem us and reveal God’s glory.

Jesus didn’t just come to earth to be celebrated during the holidays; He came to transform our lives for eternity.

Let’s Make This Christmas Unforgettable

This Christmas, how can you make it more than just a season of celebration?

First, reflect on the gift of salvation Jesus offers.

If you haven’t yet received Him as your Savior, consider His sacrifice and trust Him today.

Second, if you are a child of God, live like one!

Share the grace and truth of Jesus with those around you.

Make room for Christ in your life—not just during the holidays, but every day.

Finally, let this be the Christmas where Jesus doesn’t just stay in the nativity scene but reigns in your heart and influences your actions.

Imagine receiving a life-changing gift—a gift that not only brings you joy but completely alters your future.

That’s what happened to a young man named Bill.

Growing up in poverty, Bill had no hope of attending college.

One Christmas, a mentor handed him an envelope.

Inside was a scholarship that covered all his tuition.

That gift didn’t just help Bill in the moment; it set him on a path that changed his life forever.

He went on to graduate, start a business, and provide opportunities for others.

In the same way, Jesus’s coming to earth is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

It’s a gift that changes everything—not just our present but our eternal future.

But, like Bill, we have to open the gift and use it to experience its full impact. I want to challenge you today...Let the Word Transform Your Christmas

If you’ve never accepted Jesus, today is the perfect time to receive the gift of salvation.

Don’t let this Christmas pass without making the decision to follow Him.

For those who know Christ, how can you reflect His grace and truth in the way you celebrate this year?

Consider who you can serve, forgive, or love as a reflection of God’s love for you. John 1:16

John 1:16 KJV

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Jesus offers us grace upon grace.

Let’s thank Him for the fullness of His presence and the hope of His mission.

Prayer

Transition to Communion

As we reflect on the incredible truth of Jesus’s incarnation, we’re reminded of why He came.

The Word became flesh to redeem us—not just by living among us, but by dying for us.

His mission wasn’t complete until He went to the cross, where His body was broken, and His blood was shed for our sins.

Communion is a time to remember the sacrifice of the One who came to rescue us.

As we move into this sacred time, let’s continue focusing our hearts on Jesus—the Word made flesh—who gave His life so we could have eternal life.

The bread reminds us of Christ’s body, which He willingly gave for us.

John 1:14 tells us, "The Word was made flesh."

Jesus didn’t just come to be admired; He came to be broken.

He took on human flesh so He could bear our sins.

As you take the bread, remember that His body was broken for you—not because He had to, but because He chose to out of love.

Isaiah 53:5

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.

The cup represents Christ’s blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, "Without shedding of blood is no remission."

This blood doesn’t just cover our sins; it cleanses us completely.

Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed, restored, and made new.

Think of a debt you could never repay.

The blood of Jesus is like the ultimate payment—wiping our account clean and giving us freedom.

Prepare Your Heart

Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a time of personal reflection and gratitude.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:28,

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

Let’s take a moment to ask God to search your heart, confess any sins, and renew your focus on Christ.