Christmas And Creation: God's symphony of redemption.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
In preparing for Christmas this year I wanted to take a slightly different approach.
Most often when we think about Christmas, we begin in the New Testament.
And yes that is the main focus of Christmas.
We often read the story of Jesus birth in the book of Luke.
Which is a wonderful place to go.
We have been going through the book of Luke as a church, if you want to go back and listen to some of those earlier sermons you can find them through our website.
Another thing you could do starting today, there are 24 chapters in the book of Luke.
If you read a chapter each day beginning today, you will ready the story of Jesus life and ministry this month.
But have you ever thought about the fact that the Christmas story actually starts much earlier than that in scripture.
Christmas is much more than a historical event.
It is a cosmic event.
Christmas really begins in the first pages of Scripture.
God sending His son to the world was not his plan B.
From the beginning God began preparing the earth for the moment when it would receive its King.
We can see this because of how John connects Jesus to creation.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
From the very beginning, God's plan to send His Son was woven into the fabric of creation itself.
Christmas is not just the arrival of a Savior; it is the fulfillment of a divine blueprint set in motion before time began.
John's Gospel beautifully reveals this truth by connecting Jesus to the act of creation, showing us that Christ was not only present at the beginning but is Himself the source of life and light for all.
In Jesus, creation finds its purpose, and we find our hope.
Creation Commences with Christ
Creation Commences with Christ
Creation Commences with Christ
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
We know these verses, we are familiar with the story.
In the beginning God created.
The thing that we often don’t realize though is that God’s story of redemption begins at this moment as well.
In creating everything.
God knew what was going to happen.
He is sovereign - in control of all things.
He is omnipotent - knows all things.
He is also omnipresent - He can be anywhere, all the time.
He is not limited by time or space like we are.
The story of God as we know it begins with creation.
Light, darkness, land, sea, plants and animals.
And mankind.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Taking the creation account by itself, it can be a little vague to understand that Jesus was there.
The us is plural, not because there was more than one God present, but because God was present in His fullness.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As we read earlier, John helps us to see this is little more clearly in the beginning his gospel, especially when we read a couple more verses.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
Jesus and Christmas were not an afterthought.
Throughout high school and college I played in concert, jazz, and marching bands.
Music is such an amazing thing.
It conveys and directs emotions.
Often when a composer is creating a peace of music, they have a moment in mind.
Notes are meticulously placed to create an effect.
They are intentional.
Much like great music -
God sets the stage with creation.
He then works his way throughout history building the story of mankind.
All along the way more fully revealing himself and his glory.
Christmas represents a profound moment in God’s symphony of redemption.
The birth of Jesus was not an improvisation, but rather the grand climax of God’s long standing promise.
A promise given in the beginning when God addressed the serpent.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
A promise that was woven through the fabric of time.
A promise made true in Jesus being made flesh.
Christmas serves as a reminder for us of God’s love in sending His son, to be flesh like us, but to live as God intended.
It also serves as a reminder to look upon creation and wonder.
I want to encourage you when you leave today to look around you as you head home and recognize that all that you see is an invitation.
An invitation to worship our creator.
Marvel at the intricate beauty of God’s creation around you.
Take time this Christmas as a family to reflect on the Christmas story while considering the beauty of creation.
This year, take some time to explore nature together, whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the woods.
Look at how what you see represents God’s handiwork.
Even the simplest of things like leaves or stones
How are you reminded of His creation this Christmas season?
In what ways can we recognize God's handiwork in creation throughout the Christmas season?
Christmas is a time that helps to remember that Creation Celebrates the Creator
Creation Celebrates the Creator
Creation Celebrates the Creator
The beauty and intricacy of creation do more than simply point to a Creator—they proclaim His glory.
God used creation to declare the birth of Jesus.
He placed a star in the sky to tell of His coming.
More than that - every sunrise, every star-filled sky, every rustling leaf speaks of His majesty.
Christmas is meant to remind us of that fact as well.
The psalmist captures this truth beautifully in Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
King David wrote this psalm to remind us that the heavens themselves declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
Through creation, God speaks to us without words, revealing His power, creativity, and divine nature for all to see.
Let us reflect on the beauty of creation this Christmas season,
Let us be reminded that every part of it points us back to its Creator.
The intricate details of a snowflake, the majesty of a snow covered mountain range.
The smell of freshly cut pine.
Each declares the glory of the One who made it.
Creation itself celebrates its Creator, and we are invited to join in that celebration.
Just as the heavens declare the glory of God,
I pray that this Christmas season we each allow the wonder of creation to lead us into deeper worship of the One who spoke it into existence.
Throughout history, when God revealed Himself, nature responded.
When Jesus was born, it is said that stars shone brighter and angels rejoiced in the heavens.
Take a moment to imagine the creation—birds singing, trees swaying, and the earth trembling with joy at the arrival of the Savior.
It was as if the universe itself rejoiced in a symphony of praise.
Imagine how creation must have felt when its Creator stepped into the world.
The mountains might echo with pride, and rivers might flow with joy.
Each rustle of the leaves could be a shout of glory, a biblical reminder that creation itself is in harmony with God’s plan.
That is the same joy we can have when the saviour steps into our hearts.
From the very beginning Jesus came to be a light in the darkness.
Christmas not only points us to God's love in sending His Son but also invites us to marvel at His handiwork in creation.
As we reflect on the Christmas story, we’re reminded that the same God who spoke light into the darkness at the dawn of creation sent Jesus to be the Light in our darkness.
This Christmas, let the beauty of creation lead you to worship the Creator who crafted it all through His Word—Jesus Christ.
For from the very beginning, Christ has been the creative Word, through whom all things were made, and through whom we find light and life.
Christ the Creative Word
Christ the Creative Word
Let’s look again at John 1.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
I mentioned the analogy of the symphony.
Often along the way through the song there are various climactic elements.
They are significant points, but still leave room for the grand finale.
God, the great composer wrote into His masterpiece the greatest of climaxes.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Christmas is not only about the arrival of Jesus, but about the ongoing impact of His light and life.
Jesus ongoing impact involves shining light into darkness.
A question that I must ask this Christmas season is have you felt that impact upon your life?
Jesus is the life (1:4), the one who has ‘life in himself’ (5:26), ‘the resurrection and the life’ (11:25), ‘the true God and eternal life’ (1 Jn. 5:20)
D. A. Carson
If you have not, you can today, by simply seeking God for forgiveness of your sin though Jesus and His work on the cross.
True life is found only in Jesus, the Word who was with God and is God.
This life is not just biological existence but the abundant, eternal life God designed for humanity from the beginning.
Jesus restores what was lost in the fall, offering new life through His death and resurrection.
Embrace Him as the light that guides your path and the life that sustains your soul, and let this truth shape every aspect of your life in Him.
If you have this already, how might you help Jesus light to shine all the brighter this Christmas season?
How can you incorporate the idea of being a light in the world, as Jesus was, into your daily life this Christmas?
This Christmas, you can be a light in your home by creating a loving atmosphere that reflects Christ's love.
If tensions are high due to holiday stress, make it a point to start each day with prayer.
Intentionally share the story of Jesus with your family, and encourage each member to express gratitude.
While working on holiday preparations, commit to showing kindness, whether it's helping with chores or simply offering words of affirmation to each other.
This intentional focus can transform your home into a sanctuary of peace and joy.
Students at school, maybe you have a classmate who is struggling or feeling alone.
You could spread Jesus light by complimenting them on their efforts,
maybe you could talk with someone at lunch you normally don’t talk to.
These small acts of kindness shine the light of Jesus into their lives.
You never know the impact it might have.
At home, you can be a light by helping your parents with holiday preparations.
Help decorate or help bake cookies.
Helping others brings joy just as Jesus brought joy to the world.