Christmas Hope Part 2

Part II

INTRODUCTION

Welcome if you’ve just joined us. We’re considering about the topic of Hope and Christmas

Does Christmas offer genuine hope? more than vibes and music.

Yes. and Keyword: HELP

Previous reading.

Help - take by hand. drag to safety.

Help - > Jesus, flesh and blood. deals with the big things of life. Dragging us to safety.

(L) but what about the day to day.

Stress. Mental challenges. struggles.

Christmas help there?

Key word - help

Hebrews 2:18 “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

HELP

Interesting. Different underlying in the original.

1st Help - take by hand

2nd Help - coming to the aid. (A) A friend. A loved one. Coming to you.

Not arm grab. But arm around the shoulder.

Hebrews 2:18 “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

(L) Why? Another angle on Christmas.

Not just DNA. Soft Tissue. Haemogoblin.

But all of day to day life.

Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest

(A) In need of help? Who do you speak to?

Close friends. Parents. Partner.

But sometimes, life throws a curveball. Even closest friends do not understand.

So unique problem. Cannot sympathise. Emphastise. Can be lonely.

But Not Jesus. He was made like us, in every respect. all areas.

Stress of buying a gift for secret santa

Anxiety of not knowing what to wear for christmas party

Also

burnout from work pressure

loneliness from being misunderstood

Anxiety of being overwhelm

strain of fighting with temptation

emotional pain of betrayal

Physical pain of being abused.

He has experienced it all…

therefore he can put his arm around our shoulder to help us.

Reinforce

Often I’ve friends of different faiths.

sticking point- God become man. Hardest thing to accept. confusing. Even offensive.

For me. I disagree.

It is the most wonderful thing about the God of the bible.

He experiences the mess of life

He knows me

2025, one of the most challenging years of my life.

But ancedotally speaking

He has helped me.

Hebrews 2:18 “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Land

O Holy night.

Earlier - a thrill of hope.

2nd verse.

The king of kings. lay thus in lowly manger.

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need. to our weakness is no stranger.

This is why Christmas offers genuine hope.

HELP

Hand grab from death

Arm around the shoulder. understands you and me.

CTA

Encourage you to find out more. to receive help this Christmas.

Tracts.

Books.

Speak to me.

Carols service this sunday

Well, thank you so much for listening. My prayer is that everyone will find hope this Christmas.

God bless and I wish you a very happy Christmas.