Prepper Church Service: Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 2024
Welcome
Welcome to this special Christmas service of Prepper Church. Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we reflect on the profound changes His coming brought to the world. In light of recent events, we’ll explore how the Grace of Christ offers us hope and stability amidst the changes in our own lives and the world around us.
Opening Music
The Christmas Can-Can (Straight No Chaser)
Reflections While the Song Plays
- The Commercialization of Christmas: The song humorously critiques how Christmas often becomes more about shopping and spending than about celebrating Christ’s birth. Reflect on how you can center this season on faith, family, and giving of yourself rather than materialism.
- The Overlap of Holidays: With lyrics mentioning other holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, consider how we can respect and appreciate the diversity of traditions while holding firm to our own beliefs.
- Respect for Differences: The song highlights the overlap of holidays and traditions, reminding us that while the details may differ, the season is about connection and celebration. How can we show Christ’s love to those who celebrate differently? Certainly Christ's "desire' is that all will come to Him... but is that Christ's "demand" ?
- Finding Joy Amid the Chaos: The frantic pace of holiday preparations can overshadow the joy of the season. How can you slow down and find peace and purpose in your holiday activities?
- Traditions vs. True Meaning: The song playfully lists holiday traditions like trees, sweaters, and carols. Reflect on which traditions bring you closer to the true meaning of Christmas and which might be distractions.
- Humor as a Gift: Laughter is a gift from God, and this lighthearted take on Christmas can remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. How can humor and joy bring people together during this season?
Scripture Reading
John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Message: The Ultimate Change
Theme: The birth of Christ changed the world forever, transitioning us from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. This eternal change is a source of hope and stability in the face of worldly shifts.
The Birth That Changed Everything
In the quiet town of Bethlehem, under the cover of night, a child was born who would forever alter the way humanity connects with God. Before Christ, the Old Covenant required adherence to the Law and sacrifices to atone for sin. It was a system rooted in works and rituals, with a clear barrier between humanity and God. But when Jesus entered the world, the veil began to lift.
John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This was no ordinary birth. It was God coming down to dwell with us, offering a New Covenant that would bring salvation not through our works but through His Grace.
The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This good news wasn’t just for the shepherds or even the people of Israel—it was for all of humanity.
Changes in the World Today
Fast forward to today, and we see a world in flux. Social structures shift, economies rise and fall, and technology transforms the way we live. Many of these changes can feel overwhelming, even destabilizing. As individuals, we may wonder where we fit in, how we can prepare, and what’s next.
But here’s the truth: as monumental as these changes might feel, they are minuscule compared to the transformation brought by the birth of Christ. Worldly shifts, whether economic, political, or technological, are temporary. The coming of Christ ushered in an eternal Kingdom, one not governed by human hands but by the unchanging power of God’s love and Grace.
Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” No matter how much the world around us changes, Christ remains our constant. His birth is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, we have a firm foundation.
Unchanging Grace
What does this mean for us today? It means that the Grace of Christ, offered through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, is unchanging. It’s the steady anchor in a sea of uncertainty.
Through Christ, we are new creations. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation isn’t just spiritual; it’s a call to live differently. It’s an invitation to see the world not through the lens of fear or instability but through the lens of hope and redemption.
As we reflect on the changes around us, let us remember that we are part of a greater story—a story written by God, where Christ is the central figure and we are invited to be His people.
A Call to Trust
So, how do we respond? We trust. We lean into the unchanging nature of Christ’s Grace. We embrace the new creation that He has made us to be. And we carry His light into a world that desperately needs it.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, consider the changes in your own life. How has Christ transformed you? How can you share His transformative love with others? The birth of Christ changed everything—let it continue to change you today.
Closing Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, who changed the world forever. As we navigate changes in our lives and the world around us, remind us of the unshakable hope we have in You. Help us to be light and salt in a world that needs Your love. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment