Open House 2024

I think that as people we put a lot of stock into symbolism. Symbols are so important in our life. For instance, Monopoly is my favorite board game. What’s your favorite board game? I love Monopoly because it was the first board game I played when I went to college. When I first went to college I was kinda freaked out. I was worried about making friends, or doing well in school. But my second night there I met some guys and they invited me to play monopoly and we laughed so much. So monopoly represents or symbolizes something important to me.

As people, we place a lot of importance on Symbols. And rightly so. As we are getting closer and closer to Christmas, we want to be surrounded by all of these symbols. The tree, the greenery, the lights, the gingerbread houses, and everything that makes Christmas look like Christmas. But as we approach Christmas, and we celebrate Christmas, we want to do our best to make sure we leave room for Jesus. I want to read some Scripture today:

Matthew 1:20–23 NIV

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

What does Immanuel mean? It means that God Himself is now with us. Isn’t that a beautiful thought? That God Himself has come to be with you and me? If you place your faith in Jesus He says this about you and me:

John 14:1–4 NIV

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus says that if we put our faith and trust in Him, He will make room for us to be with Him. Let me ask you a question today: Do you and I make room for Jesus? Now that God is with us, do we make room for Him?

Many will not make room for Jesus this Christmas because sadly, they Don’t know who He is. But others won’t make room for Him because we are too caught up in our business, or our travels, or we see all of these Christmas symbols and allow them to symbolize inappropriate things.

So I think that if Jesus is willing to make room for me, then maybe I should make room for Him right? If you are thinking to yourself, How can I make room for Jesus during Christmas? There are a few ways.

1st and foremost, if you don’t know who Jesus is, why don’t you allow Him to be the Lord of your life? Why don’t you make room for Him in your heart?

But if you already know who He is, We can make room for Jesus by seeing Him in our symbols.

For instance:

Every viewing of Christmas lights is an opportunity to recognize Jesus as the light of the world. We no longer need to walk in darkness; we have the light of life

As we give gifts, may we remember the generous love of God, who gave us his Son

When we receive gifts, may we likewise recall that our new life in God is to be received — not earned. It is a gift from God

As we fellowship with each other in our church or community, may we also realize that God himself dwelt among us

Bring Christ-centered Christmas carols into your personal life. Sing them at home, even when you’re alone. And don’t just sing the lyrics, consider praying them too.

Make Christmas about Jesus.

These are a few ways we can take all of these things we do in Christmas, and allow them to be used for our God. I want to read some song lyrics from one of my favorite Christmas songs. Phil Whickam rewrote the song: O Christmas Tree and this is what it says:

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree We wrap our lights around you O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Ribbons of red upon you To point to Him who brought us light And tell of His great sacrifice O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You tell the greatest story

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Your leaves are so unchanging A symbol of the faithful love Of Him who died to save me Remind my heart to stop and say A thankful prayer on Christmas Day O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You tell the greatest story

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Tell us again your story Of shepherd boys and angel voice Proclaiming Heaven's glory Joy to the world, goodwill to men The child is born in Bethlehem O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You tell the greatest story

Let’s pray.