Introduction

Affirmation; looking beyond the junk for the gem.

Christmas is an affirmation because of God’s:

#1. Presence

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—

#2. Plan

2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us—

#3. Proclamation

3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

#4. Purpose

4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

So What?!

Our Christmas experience is:

#1. Grounded in God’s Word

#2. Given in God’s Love

#3. Governed by the Holy Spirit

Advent: The Savior is Born!
I John 1:1-4 Pastor Ed Kemp, 11/22 & 27/2022

Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Where will you be Christmas Day, what are you looking forward to?
Read out loud: I John 1:1-10, Christmas is an affirmation because of God’s:
#1. Presence. What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— . What is John trying to help us understand about his experience with Jesus?

#2. Plan. 2 …and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us—. Jesus is called, “life, and eternal life,” therefore Jesus gives life. Do you find the celebration of Christmas a life generating, fulfilling experience? Do you think most people in America realize that we give gifts because God first gave His Son? What would you say is the reason most people give gifts in America?
#3. Proclamation. 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. Fellowship is from the Greek word koinonia and it means, “what you have in common.” That’s why we call it communion because we’re all participating in the same bread and cup for the same reason, it’s what we have in common. Describe what fellowship is in your small group, how do you participate together and what is it that brings you back together week after week.
#4. Purpose. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. What brings joy to you at Christmas?

Our Christmas experience is:

#1. Grounded in God’s Word. How well do you feel you know God’s Word? Have you ever read through the entire Bible? What book of the Bible have you read the most? Is there a favorite or life verse that you read often?

#2. Given in God’s Love. Do you internally recite God’s forgiveness of you and others in your mind or do you tend to recite your failures or sins in your mind? In John 3:16 Jesus says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” How does that affect your view of Christmas?

#3. Governed by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says, “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” Christmas is a great time to sing which assists you in being filled with the Spirit of God. Do you participate? What’s your favorite Christmas song, and why?

Family Time: Sing Christmas songs, or watch the movie, “The Star,” and talk to your kids about how the animals relationships change as they head toward Jesus manger.