Christmas 2025

Truth and Meaning. Two ideas. Two Concepts that have frustrated humanity throughout history. Pilate's famous question to Jesus "What is truth?" rings throughout history as humanity wrestles with finding answers to the most fundamental questions of life. We all our born without our permission, without significant information and insight into the why and how of everything in existence. We are born asking the questions like many philosophers What is truth? How do I find truth? How do I know truth? Many skeptically have concluded that knowing truth is simply impossible, only shades of reality here and there. In in modern times most have heard of the idea of relative truth or that truth is relative. Meaning there is little to no objective reality just differing impressions about the world and subjective ideas. Reminds me of my high school english teacher who would have us look out the window at the sky and ask us to state the skys color. To which she would disagree, stating her perceived shade of the color of the sky. All this was to make her point that we all have different perspectives on the world and that means truth is subjective to the individual. Truth is relative. Rene Decarte famously said, "I think therefore, I am." Meaning, among the many doubts we have about truth in this life we can conclude one this for certain, the fact that we are thinking and even doubting things makes us alive. So the one truth that we can stand on is that we are alive. After thousands of years of human thought and experience, the best we can do is determine we do really exist. Wow! And truth is connected to the idea of meaning. Humans have consistently struggled to find meaning in life and ask the questions about the meaning of existence. All types of answers abound; from finding purpose, love, happiness, connection, authentic relationships, etc. As we descend upon Christmas 2025 and look to the new year (this message will be a combination of a Christmas/New Year's message), we find ourselves as Christians in the middle of the Christmas holiday stress.

American Psychological Association (Nov 30th 2023) "Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans"WASHINGTON — U.S. adults are feeling joyous but overwhelmed this holiday season, as nearly nine in 10 (89%) say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year, according to the results of a new poll by the American Psychological Association.Christmas time even for Christians brings into strong focus that which is lacking in our lives; from our personal happiness, financial difficulties, marriage stress or just plain exhaustion and weariness in life.

This is all to be met by large Christmas trees, Christmas music, treats, presents and pastors telling you; "Remember Jesus this year at Christmas!" "Remember to be Joyful" "Remember God loves you." "Remember Jesus' birth!" But with all the hoopla and Christmas parties, get togethers and the exhaustion it is once again a battle to stay focused on worshipping Christ amidst all the distractions.

(aside: Christmas was not about the early church repurposing a pagan holiday as its own; December or Dec 25 was the likely belief of the early church of Jesus' actual birth and so it was commemorated and celebrated. There is also little evidence for the pagan origin of Christmas trees in the celebration of Christmas, so I am not disparaging the traditions of Christmas. But the over zealous consumerism and outright distractions I do think can take away from true worship of Christ. (and for those which celebrating Christmas traditions, with tree and lights, etc is an issue of conscience I fully support you and would want you to obey your conscience and worship Christ).So as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior our text for today is unique as a Christmas text because it brings us into the gospel account in John and it comes from the very lips of Jesus. Jesus' conversation with Pilate is famous and rightly so, because in it Jesus describes why He was born. And I cannot think of a better way to worship Christ in Christmas than to contemplate His words about the reason for His birth.

So let's look at John 18:37. Pilate rightly concludes from Jesus' statement in the previous verse about His kingdom that He is a king. And listen to our Lord's response...

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

Jesus gives us the reason for which He was born, saying "to be a king" (which has to do with His person) and "to testify to the truth." These two statements are connected, they are parallel, they are inextricably linked. He is able to testify to the truth because He is the king, He is God in the flesh (infinity taking upon Himself finitude), He is God's self-revelation, self-disclosure to humanity.John 1:14 (NASB95) 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, the Life" - truth is a person and the revelation of God's kingdom.Jesus is the only person who has every come into the world who was not confused or mystified by truth and meaning. He did not search far and wide like all of us to try and figure this life out. We say some people are just born to do certain things; "he was born to run" "He was born to lead", "He was born to teach" or "born with a guitar in His hands." Well Jesus was born to be King, Jesus was born the truth. The Son, before His incarnation, existed with the Father in eternity past, in all glory and power and deity, in trinitarian oneness (Father, Son and Spirit). And when the 2nd person of the Trinity the Son, takes on flesh, he Christ has two distinct natures united in His person. The Chalcedonian creed (4th century?) states Christ's natures are "without confusion, without change, without division, without separation," completely divine in nature and completely man (without sin). So the very truth and perfection of God enters into creation, the very essence of God, nature of God, being of God, the very revelation of God comes to dwell among us. He is the living incarnate truth, the answer to all humanities questions, the meaning of all of our lives. He is the meaning of all of history. Truth and meaning have been answered in a person. And this leads us to our first application.

We must never disconnect the baby in the manger from the rest of God's biblical revelation.

illustration: Home Alone 1990, Nativity scene outside the church - Kevin Mcalaster hides in the nativity display - subtle religious undertone that association with the baby jesus, association with church (goes to pray). There is a sentimental feeling about God at Christmas time: He is a guy who loves us and send a little baby for us. He gives us gifts and wants to bless us. What Jesus' comments to Pilate teach us is that the truth of Christ, His person, His work is the truth testified to through the law and the prophets, the totality of God's revelation in the Old Testament. God has been working a redemption plan long before the Roman empire and as Galatians 4:4-5 state, "4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. The fulfillment of God's plan culminates in His Son, His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension. It is easy to caricature God by fixating on a baby, but the truth is God has determined that His Son's humble and miraculous entry into the world through a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit would be one which represents His whole gospel truth, displays His character (strength through weakness) and ultimate is a testimony to the fulfillment of His promises, God is true to His word. When Jesus came to testify to the truth (God's word/promise) He means... (Messianic expectation)

Genesis 3:15 (seed)

Covenantal seed (Abraham, David) Gen 22; 2 Samuel 7

Righteous Branch

Son of Man, Ancient of Days (Daniel 7, 9)

Psalm 2, 110

Messianic Servant (Isaiah 48-53)

So when you see the baby in the manger, make sure you understand that baby, the Son of God stands as a living testimony to the truth of God's plans. Plans which must be connected throughout OT history and plans that represent the whole gospel, the message of truth.

Jesus' birth represents God's authoritative truth over our lives.

Truth corresponds to reality, the facts, that which is real. Jesus is real, His words are truth (in scripture). He is the meaning of History.Pilate and Jesus, one commentary said, "The irony lies in Pilate's dismissal of even the possibility ofknowledge of the truth while standing face to face with its embodiment." But the sad reality today is even with all the talk of Jesus' birth at Christmas many Christians still live in lack of knowledge of biblical truth and search for meaning in their lives. We were created in God's image. We were created for truth, to know it, love it, worship it. And yet many Christians today still can't pinpoint the gapping hole in their life. They might come to church regularly, attend small groups, etc. But something is missing. What characterizes the unbeliever: those who are not part of the body of Christ:Romans 1:18 (NASB95) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,Romans 1:25 (NASB95) 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.How how does the believer function:Jesus said "Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth" John 17:172 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB95) 13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.John 8:31–32 (NASB95) 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”What about the church?1 Timothy 3:15 (NASB95) 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.The church is not a building it is the people of God, saved, sealed, indwelt by the Spirit, the bride of Christ. We were meant to be nurtured in the truth, trained and sanctified in the truth. It is meant to be taught diligently and give our lives the God given meaning and purpose we were designed for. the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)- preaches sound doctrine, disciplines, guards truth, 1 Timothy, worship Christ in Spirit and in truth (culture and world creep in consistently to the church - becomes about man, becomes about felt needs, becomes man centered, what am I getting out of this

church is not how we want to define it- it is how God's truth defines it - it is not a building it is a people

2 Timothy 2:1–2 (NASB95) 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB95) 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.2 Timothy 2:18 (NASB95) 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.2 Timothy 2:25 (NASB95) rebuke with the truth 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,Application:Pastors, leadersAdults, married coupleskidsWe must:Pursue the truthProclaim the truthPractice the truthProtect the truthEphesians 1:13 (NASB95) 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,Ephesians 4:15 (NASB95) 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,Ephesians 4:21 (NASB95) 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,Ephesians 4:24 (NASB95) 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.Ephesians 4:25 (NASB95) 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.Ephesians 6:14 (NASB95) 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,God came to save sinners, redeem sinners, do what we cannot do for ourselves The validity of Dec 25th Christmas day as birth of Christ (origins: pagan or Christian?)The history of the Christmas tree What is the biblical reason for Christmas? God becoming man, taking on flesh (the incarnation)

"Testify to the Truth" Jesus' birth is about fulfillment of God's word (Messianic expectation)

God remains true to His word (fulfillment of biblical prophecy)

Genesis 3:15 (seed)

Covenantal seed (Abraham, David) Gen 22; 2 Samuel 7

Righteous Branch

Son of Man, Ancient of Days (Daniel 7, 9)

Psalm 2, 110

Messianic Servant (Isaiah 48-53)

Gal 4 "Fullness of time"

Galatians 4:3–5 (NASB95)

3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

"For this I have been born" Christmas is about Christ's Person and Work (The Gospel)

The incarnation (the atonement) fully God, fully man without sin

God takes on flesh to redeem sinners

The very act of the incarnation points to the necessity of a human sacrifice that is perfect, righteous and holy (this can only be achieved by God Himself)

Truth:John 14:6 Jesus is the truth.We are made to move toward God, to be made for relationship with God-Human beings have ends and the end is truth-made in God's image, Christ's image - Christ reveals true humanity-correspondence theory of truth -statement that reflects a true statement of affairs-core is propositional statements about who God is-Christ manifests in His incarnate life the revelation of truth, God (Trinity)-Christian truth draws us toward an end - the direction of our lives-You are designed to hunger for truth (not independent/autonomous)-designed for dependence to move toward God-the significance of the Fall of Adam (Gen 3)-human beings still crave the beatiful and things that are useful (utilitarian) - but has been removed from any objective moral framework-fall changes hunger for truth to a hunger for meaning- that is different

we create our own meanings and cause tremendous damage (trans movement)

consumerism - offers no meaning

Romans 1 Quest for meaning is a quest to avoid the truth-The battle for the truth today is a spiritual one Modern perception emperor constantine invited dec 25 Saturnalia - christians trying to associate with Pagan celebration John 18:33–38 (NASB95) 33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him.He described the church as the “pillar and foundation of the truth.” This image is more than just a metaphor. It carries deep meaning for us as believers. It tells us something fundamental about the nature of the church and its role in the world. “If I am delayed,” Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:15, “you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Sanctify us in the truth "The Word of Truth" - the message of the GospelThe Church: John 8:31–32 (NASB95) 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”Verses: Matthew 1:21 "Save His people from their sins"Mark 10:45 (NASB95) 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”John 1:10–14 (NASB95) 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.Acts 2 and 3 (Peter's Speeches)Romans 1:1–5 (NASB95) 1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,Romans 1:16–17 (NASB95) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”1 Corinthians 1:20–24 (NASB95) 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.2 Corinthians 5:18–21 (NASB95) 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Galatians 2:19–21 (NASB95) 19 “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”Ephesians 2:4–8 (NASB95) 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;Colossians 1:13–14 (NASB95) 13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.1 John 4:7–11 (NASB95) 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.True thankfulness, True worship, True praise to the one who loved us and gave Himself up for us.