Introduction: Let's begin with a bit of humor. A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "Why do we celebrate Christmas?" A little boy answered confidently, "Because Jesus came to Earth to see how things were going down here!" While adorable, this answer points to a more profound truth: Christmas and Easter aren't just significant holidays but pivotal moments in human history where we witness the fullness of God's love and identity. Today, we'll explore how these celebrations affirm Christ as not merely the Son of God but God Himself—contrasting this with views held by religions that revere Christ yet deny His divinity.
Scripture Reading:
Christmas: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means God with us)." (Matthew 1:23, ESV)
Easter: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.'" (John 11:25, ESV)
I. Christmas: God with Us
1. The Meaning of Christmas for Christians celebrates the Incarnation—God becoming flesh. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This isn't just about a baby in a manger but about God stepping into humanity's story to redeem us.
2. Contrasting Views Religions like Islam and Jehovah's Witnesses honor Jesus as a great prophet or exalted being but reject His divinity. For them, Christmas may symbolize Jesus' birth as a man, but not God in the flesh.
Illustration: Imagine a king stepping off his throne and living as a peasant to observe and rescue his people. Only a loving God, who is also omnipotent, could condescend in such a way. This is the essence of Christmas.
II. Easter: God for Us
1. The Meaning of Easter for Christians: Easter celebrates the victory of Christ's resurrection. It's proof that Jesus is the Messiah and God Himself, conquering sin and death. Romans 1:4 states, "He was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead."
2. Contrasting Views Other religions, like Mormonism, accept Jesus as the Son of God but not God Himself. Easter, for them, is often viewed as a miraculous event by a created being, not an eternal God defeating death.
Illustration: Consider this analogy: A firefighter rescues you from a burning building but later reveals he built the fire escape. That's the difference—Jesus saves, creates, and sustains life because He is God.
III. The Implications of Denying Christ's Divinity
When religions deny Jesus' divine nature, they unintentionally deny the sufficiency of His work. If Jesus is not God:
His Birth: The Incarnation loses its power. A created being cannot bridge the gap between humanity and God.
His Death: The cross becomes insufficient for salvation. Only God's infinite holiness can atone for humanity's endless sin.
His Resurrection: It becomes merely symbolic rather than the divine triumph over sin and death.
IV. The Importance of Believing in Christ's Fullness
1. Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man
Philippians 2:6-8 shows Christ's dual nature: "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself."
Only God could humble Himself this way, and only man could die on behalf of humanity.
2. Eternal Hope
Christmas reminds us that God is with us.
Easter proclaims that God is for us.
They assure us of God's eternal plan to redeem and restore His creation.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Us?
As we celebrate Christmas and Easter, let's stand firm in the truth that Jesus is not only the Son of God but God Himself. His birth, death, and resurrection demonstrate the fullness of His love and power. Rejecting His divinity diminishes the hope and salvation He offers.
Final Illustration: Picture a bridge spanning an infinite chasm. If Jesus is only a man, the bridge falls short. But as God, He spans the gap perfectly, bringing us into eternal fellowship with Him.
Call to Action: If you've considered Jesus a good teacher or prophet, I urge you to reconsider. He is more than that—He is the Lord. Accepting Him as such changes everything.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for being Immanuel, God with us, and for Your resurrection, proving You are God for us. Help us to proclaim this truth boldly and live in the hope and joy of Your salvation. Amen.
Closing Thought: Christmas without the manger is incomplete, and Easter without the Cross is unfounded. Together, they reveal the fullness of God's love and power. Let's celebrate both with hearts full of gratitude and faith!
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