Advent 2024: What Difference Does Jesus Make?
On Sundays as well as on Christmas Eve this Advent, we will explore the difference that the birth of Jesus Christ made in the lives of different biblical figures: Mary, Joseph, the magi, and the shepherds. As we explore the difference that first Christmas made in their lives, we will all learn more about the difference that the incarnation can make in our lives today.
The Lord’s word through his angelic messenger to Joseph as he confirmed the miraculous birth of Jesus is his word to all of us: Do not fear to obey. And that’s the big idea of our passage this morning: Do not fear to obey Jesus Christ. It’s often frightening, but do not fear to obey Jesus Christ. Why? That’s where we see that Christmas makes all the difference. The angel does not say, “do not fear to obey” because there is nothing to be afraid of. Rather, he gives two grand reasons to not fear to obey Jesus Christ: 1. Jesus saves his people from their sins. 2. Jesus is God with us.
Resources:
For more information please visit citylightphilly.com
Read sermon transcriptTo experience the difference that Christmas really makes, we need to begin with the person that Christmas is all about; though the angel foretold the arrival of Mary’s child, we have the distinct advantage of looking back with certainty that he has come, and that brings us to the big idea of our passage: The Son of God and Son of David has come. What difference does it make? 1. We can have faith (over unbelief) 2. We can have joy (over jealousy) 3. We can sing (over sadness)
Resources:
For more information please visit citylightphilly.com
Read sermon transcript