Keep Christ in CHRISTmas
November 29, 2015 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We should be the image of Christ to all who see us.
Focus Passage: Philippians 2:1-8
Introduction: Several years ago, I was working at a nursing home in Vinita, a young nurse’s aide came by and sat down next to me. She asked, “What does the Nativity have to do with Christmas?” Inside, I was taken back so much that I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I knew it was a serious question and it demanded a serious action. I took that opportunity to share with her about the real meaning of Christmas and then was able to share with her the Gospel. We must take every opportunity, especially around Christmas and Easter, to share God’s love with others.
I. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus
a. Most everything outside of the church is completely secular and we should realize that the “modern American Christmas” is a retail event more than a Holy Day
b. No need to shame retailers when they say “happy holidays”
c. Smile and wish them a “Happy Holidays” or a “Merry Christmas” back at them
II. Our attitudes should be like Jesus
a. Jesus served others
b. Jesus loved others
c. Jesus was humble
III. Let others see Jesus in you
a. We may be the only Jesus some people ever see
b. When we gripe, have bad attitudes, refuse to forgive, we look like the world, not Jesus
c. When we love and serve others in humility, we allow people to see Jesus
Application/Invitation:
