The Hope of Christ
Christmas Unwrapped • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 6 viewsThis week, we reflect on the profound love that motivated God's decision to send His Son into the world. The birth of Christ is the ultimate expression of love. God did not send Jesus out of obligation or as a mere act of duty; He sent Him because of His great love for humanity. In a world that often feels cold and indifferent, Christ's birth reminds us that love should be at the center of all we do. Assess the ways in which you can spread love during this season. Perhaps it is through acts of kindness, reaching out to someone in need, or even reconciling a strained relationship. Allow the love that Christ showed us to flow through you, transforming your mindset and behaviors.
Notes
Transcript
Unwrapping the Character of Christ
Hymns
Hymns
1. "Silent Night, Holy Night" - SDA Hymnal #143
2. "What Child Is This?" - SDA Hymnal #141
3. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" - SDA Hymnal #130
Bible Passage
Bible Passage
=Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
And the government shall be upon his shoulder:
And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The Promise of Hope—Long Before Christmas
The Promise of Hope—Long Before Christmas
Centuries before Jesus was born, Isaiah spoke words of hope to people living in uncertainty and darkness. The birth of a child—a Son—was God’s answer to their longing. This was not just any child; Isaiah described Him with names that point to His divinity and His power to change lives:
: The One who guides us through confusion and uncertainty.Wonderful Counselor
: The One whose strength overcomes our weakness.Mighty God
: The One who loves and cares for us forever.Everlasting Father
: The One who brings calm to our chaos and hope to our hearts.Prince of Peace
2. Hope Arrives in Jesus
When Jesus was born, the world was weary—longing for deliverance, justice, and peace. Into that darkness, God sent His Son as the light of hope.
Christ’s birth is a reminder that God keeps His promises, no matter how long the wait.
In Jesus, hope is not just wishful thinking—it is a living reality anchored in God’s faithfulness.
No matter what challenges we face, we can cling to the hope that Jesus brings. He is still the Wonderful Counselor for our questions, the Mighty God for our struggles, the Everlasting Father for our loneliness, and the Prince of Peace for our anxious hearts.3. Sharing Hope in a Weary World
The holiday season can be difficult for many—reminders of loss, loneliness, or fear can overshadow the celebrations. But as followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of hope.
How can you share hope this week?
Offer a listening ear or a comforting word to someone who is struggling.
Share a verse or a prayer with someone who needs encouragement.
Reach out with a practical act of kindness to a neighbor or friend.
Let your presence and your words reflect the hope you have found in Jesus.
Even small gestures can become rays of Christ’s hope in someone’s darkness.
Closing
Closing
As I close, remember that the love God showed us through Christ is not only a gift to be cherished but also a calling to be lived out.
This Christmas season, Let the wonder of God’s love fill your heart and overflow into the lives of those around you.
Whether through simple acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or steps toward reconciliation, you have the opportunity to reflect the love of Christ in tangible ways this season.
May you walk forward with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that you are deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.
Prayer
Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for loving us first and best.
Thank You for coming into our world, not to judge us, but to save us.
Fill us with Your love so that we can love others well.
Help us to see those around us as You do, and to reach out with kindness, compassion, and grace.
Let this Christmas be marked by love—love received and love given.
Amen.
