The Love of Christmas

Sermon 4: “The Love of Christmas”

An elderly woman walked into the local country church one Christmas morning for the very first time. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. “Where would you like to sit?” he asked politely.

“The front row please.” she answered.

“You really don’t want to do that”, the usher said, “The pastor is really boring.”

“Do you happen to know who I am?” the woman inquired.

“No.” he said.

“I’m the pastor’s mother,” she replied indignantly.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

“No.” she said.

“Good,” he answered and left.

And since my mother is not here your in luck, becase my mother in law will probably just agree with you if you say I'm boring. I'm joking she loves me like a mother

The love of Christmas is the centerpiece of the Gospel message. It is God’s love in action, revealed through the incarnation of Christ.

Movie Clip: How the Grinch Stole Christmas – The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes.

Key Scripture: John 1:1–15 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 1:14–15.

Point 1: God’s Love Transforms Hearts

• Biblical Explanation:

The story of the Grinch parallels the heart transformation God works in us through His love. The Grinch starts with a heart “two sizes too small,” but through the love shown by the Whos, his heart grows three sizes. Similarly, our hearts are spiritually hardened by sin until we encounter the love of Christ. Ezekiel 36:26 describes this transformation: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” God’s love doesn’t just make us feel better—it fundamentally changes us.

• Supporting Scripture:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

• Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

• Illustration:

The Grinch’s transformation is like the Apostle Paul’s in Acts 9. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the greatest advocates for Christ after experiencing God’s love.

laney and Gracie John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

• Application:

Reflect on how God’s love has transformed your life. If you’ve been holding onto bitterness, pride, or fear, invite God to soften your heart and renew your spirit.

Point 2: God’s Love is Sacrificial

• Biblical Explanation:

The love of Christmas is sacrificial because it begins with God giving His only Son for us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The incarnation itself is a sacrifice: the eternal Word of God became flesh, humbling Himself to live among us and ultimately die for us. This sacrificial love is the ultimate gift, setting an example for how we are to love others.

• Supporting Scripture:

• Philippians 2:5-8 – “He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

• 1 John 4:9-10 – “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

• Illustration:

The Grinch’s moment of sacrificial love—returning all the presents and joining the Whos—mirrors our call to give generously, not out of obligation but out of love. This kind of sacrificial love is best seen in God’s gift of Jesus.

An orphaned boy was living with his grandmother when their house caught fire. The grandmother, trying to get upstairs to rescue the boy, perished in the flames. The boy’s cries for help were finally answered by a man who climbed an iron drainpipe and came back down with the boy hanging tightly to his neck. Several weeks later, a public hearing was held to determine who would receive custody of the child. A farmer, a teacher, and the town’s wealthiest citizen all gave the reasons they felt they should be chosen to give the boy a home. But as they talked, the lad’s eyes remained focused on the floor. Then a stranger walked to the front and slowly took his hands from his pockets, revealing severe scars on them. As the crowd gasped, the boy cried out in recognition. This was the man who had saved his life. His hands had been burned when he climbed the hot pipe. With a leap the boy threw his arms around the man’s neck and held on for dear life. The other men silently walked away, leaving the boy and his rescuer alone. Those marred hands had settled the issue. (Our Daily Bread).

• Application:

Identify one way you can show sacrificial love this Christmas. It might be through forgiveness, generosity, or serving someone in need.

Point 3: God’s Love Draws Us to Relationship

• Biblical Explanation:

God’s love is not distant or abstract; it is relational. John 1:14 emphasizes that “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God didn’t love us from afar; He came near. The word “dwelling” in Greek (σκηνόω, skenoo) means to pitch a tent or tabernacle, signifying God’s desire to live in close relationship with His people. The love of Christmas invites us into communion with God and with one another. It draws us out of isolation and into community, just as the Grinch was drawn into the Whos’ celebration.

• Supporting Scripture:

• 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”

• Romans 8:38-39 – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• Illustration:

The Grinch, once isolated and bitter, finds joy and belonging when he joins the Whos. Similarly, God’s love invites us out of spiritual isolation and into His family.

Dearest Jimmy, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you’ll take me back. No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me. I love you, I love you, I love you!

Yours forever, Marie. P.S. And congratulations on winning the state lottery. (Source unknown).

• Application:

Embrace the relational nature of God’s love this Christmas. Spend time in prayer, reflecting on how deeply God loves you. Look for ways to build or restore relationships with those around you, knowing God’s love empowers you to do so.

Conclusion:

The love of Christmas is transformative, sacrificial, and relational. It changes our hearts, compels us to give selflessly, and draws us into deeper relationship with God and others. As we celebrate this season, let’s not just admire the love of God but embody it in our own lives.

Challenge to the Congregation:

This Christmas, reflect on God’s love and let it guide your actions:

1. How is God transforming your heart?

2. Where can you practice sacrificial love?

3. How can you deepen your relationships with God and others?

The love of Christmas is the greatest gift we’ve ever received—let’s share it with the world. Would you like a follow-up activity or prayer emphasis for this message?