warm-up

What would you say makes your Christmas complete?

If there’s anything you could have at this instant, what would you ask for? Why?

How would you introduce one of your closest friends to us?

word

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4

Christmas isn’t about traditions, gift giving, and parties. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus became flesh to redeem humanity. Jesus is the Son of God and the source of all of life (John 1:3), yet He chose to take on a lowly form so He could save us and we could experience true life in Him. What does a life lived through Jesus look like?

1
Through Jesus, we have received grace upon grace.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

“Grace” in this context speaks of God’s overflowing blessings for His people. Aside from the physical life that God gave us, He desires for us to have a full life. Having a full life does not mean having all the riches in the world, getting all that we desire, or not encountering problems. Jesus Himself said that we will encounter trials and tribulations (John 16:33), but He came so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). This means that despite anything we may face in life, we are complete in Christ. How have you experienced this abundant life in Christ?

2
Through Jesus, we receive grace and truth.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17

In the Old Testament, God gave His people, the Israelites, the law through Moses. The law helped them know how they were to live and how they could relate with Him and with one another, without sinning (Exodus 20:20). The law became burdensome for the people, as they were consumed with merely following rules, and didn’t know what the law truly meant. But grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. This means that there is grace available for those who fail to uphold the letter of the law. The truth of what the law means and points to, and who God is, also comes through Jesus. How did your view of the law change when you encountered Jesus’ grace?

3
Through Jesus, we can know God.

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. John 1:18

The best gift that we received through the coming of Jesus Christ is the opportunity to have a relationship with God. Because of sin, we were separated from God, but Jesus’ life and sacrifice restored our relationship with Him. The salvation we have received is the starting point of our new life in God. As we know God and grow in our relationship with Him, our trust and love for Him grow as well. We also have the opportunity to help others know God. When we grow in our knowledge of God, we can share who He is and what He has done for us so that others can believe in Him and find life in His name, too! How has your growing knowledge of God helped you lead others to Him?

application

Read and meditate on John 10:10. How does the truth that Jesus came so that we can have an abundant life change the way you see your life and the challenges you experience?

As our relationship with God grows, so do our trust and love for Him. What are some things you can do this week to grow in your knowledge of God?

Who among your family and friends can you help grow in the knowledge of God? Commit to share the testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life with him or her.

prayer

Thank God for sending Jesus Christ into the world so that we can have an abundant life. Pray that you’ll remember the fullness of Christ even in times of lack.

Ask God to help you remember that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ and that you do not have to work for your salvation. Ask Him to help you love Him and others through the law.

Pray for your family and friends who have not yet received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray that the Christmas season will be an opportunity for them to know Him.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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