Simply Christmas
Our goal in this series is to challenge all of us to simplify Christmas and get back to what makes Christmas a matter of the heart – which simply explained - is Jesus the Savior of the world was born he was born in a stable, laid in a manger, and wrapped in swaddling clothes. This baby came to fulfill a divine mission from God to Love this world, to die for this world and in the end to save those who believe.
Thesis: We are going to simplify Christmas this year, which, means we want to encourage you to make it simpler or easier for you to do and experience! We also want to help you refocus and understand Christmas’ true meaning so you enjoy the season with peace and joy.
Thought: Simplify means to simplify our lives so we can enjoy the season of Christmas with joy and peace – it means make it simple – less complicated and to make sure we cherish every precious moment of it with others and especially with Jesus.
Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Thought: The heart of Christmas is rooted in love – in Jesus – in those cherished moments which happen today, tomorrow and the challenge is to simply cherish every one of these moments in life while we still have them.
Share the story of the Christmas Movie you watched - The Heart of Christmas
Note: Movie and song based on the true story of the Locke family and their son Dax's story who lived in Washington next to Peoria IL. It’s about Dax’s battle with Leukemia --- Show Dax’s picture the story unfolds in the year 2009 --- Share the story and reference the website https://www.thedaxfoundation.org/dax-s-story.
Video Illustration: The Heart of Christmas – video and song written by Matthew West in honor of Dax "Last Christmas" – the message of the song and the movie is to come back to the heart of Christmas and learn cherish every moment while you still have it with those you love. We too need to experience the heart of Christmas through Jesus – the baby wrapped tightly lying in the manger in Bethlehem and understand why He came and what He did with His precious life for each of us.
Dax understood His love as he was struggling to survive but during a reprieve from the disease they went to Julie’s oms house for Christmas 2008 and during Christmas Dax took baby Jesus from the manger scene, he clung to it to all day and even brought it home – maybe to remind this 2 year old how much Jesus loved him! He loved the lights of Christmas and it’s special meaning. Amazing what a toddler can teach us!
Scripture Text: Psalms 62:8 “Trust him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge!’
Julie and Austin Locke came to cling to the precious promises of Jesus and God’s Word through this dark time. She said her faith helped her get through the struggle watching her child suffer in pain and sickness. Prayer was essential to survive this ordeal and it was the help they needed to press forward. Dax’s name by the way means “inspirational” and means a “spiritual teacher” fitting for a young boy who taught us so much about the Heart of Christmas. He really was a spiritual teacher at a young age!
Thought: I believe for us to get back to the heart of Christmas requires us to simplify our lives especially starting this Christmas!
Thought: Simplicity connected to Jesus brings peace, joy, and balance to our lives and our heart!
Introduction to Series:
We live in a world and a culture which likes to complicate everything! Would you agree with me? This world seeks to make everything more grandiose or even more complicated than it needs to be. You are no longer male or female --- it use to be simple to decide right-- but now these crazy educators and liberal are telling you that you have to decide what you are and young teens are being told today that they can be what they are not. This seems crazy and complicated – right!
How about the new math stuff? What happened to just simple math?
What about the fancy cell phones – I bet most of you only use a fraction of its ability – right? Why does it have to be so complicated – what’s wrong with simple!
What about those VCR’s – remember how complicated the instructions were?
I read a book a few years ago challenging to simplify my life and then the author gave me complicated instructions on how to simplify – I finally put the book down so I could simplify!
Yet there seems to be a kick back from the upcoming younger generation to not be engulfed in complicating life – we see shows like “Tiny House,” “Clean Sweep,” “Hoarders” which go against the old cultures teaching that bigger is better, more is better and they push the value of simplifying our living space and life! Why, to make it more affordable and enjoyable?
The truth is: Simplicity brings balance, freedom, peace and joy to our lives.
Maybe to simplify our lives we start with Christmas this year – yes, I said it “Simplify Christmas” – Why? – because we have complicated it by adding so many new stories to it – like Santa Claus, Rudolf the red nose reindeer, frosty the snowman, the Grinch, and 1,000 of other myths – we have made it busier, brighter, bigger, and we think better! We have made it more grandiose, elaborate and more expensive too – Why? – We think to make it seem better or more special. But is it more special or is it a burden? Is it a bust? A breaking from the heart of Christmas which ends up stealing our joy, our peace and I think it causes us to lose our balance in life and in our heart!
Let me make my point with one of those other stories from the Movie Grinch!
In our episode the Grinch has stolen all the Christmas presents thinking he would stop Christmas from coming but he discovers that Christmas does not come from a store instead it comes from the heart!
Video Illustration: The Grinch
Did you see what happened to the Grinch when he discovered that Christmas comes from the heart - not a store -or things - or even decorations? His heart grew and came alive more and more! Maybe there is a lesson in their for all of us today about growing or re-igniting the heart of Christmas.
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:2-3: “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
Is God trying to write on your heart something this Christmas about life about simplicity in life?
The heart of Christmas is only discovered in the heart – Not in a store – Not in decorations – Not in Christmas chaos! It’s a heart connected to the heart of Jesus – the real story of Christmas! It’s the connection with the tightly wrapped baby in the manger.
How is your heart – is it experiencing the heart of Christmas?
We found another Christmas Song for our series which centered me on the heart of Christmas – I heard it and thought wow – we need to hear this Christmas message - it’s about what we do with our heart at this time of the year – Let’s listen to the lyrics from the following CHRISTMAS SONG: He Shall Reign by Chris Tomlin
"He Shall Reign Forevermore"
In the bleak mid-winter, all creation groans
For a world in darkness, frozen like a stone
Light is breaking, in a stable
For a throne
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Unto us a child is born
The King of kings and Lord of lords
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
If I were a wise man, I would travel far
And if I were a shepherd, I would do my part
But poor as I am
I will give to Him my heart
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Unto us a child is born
The King of kings and Lord of lords
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Here within a manger lies
The One who made the starry skies
This baby born for sacrifice
Christ, the Messiah
Into our hopes, into our fears
The Savior of the world appears
The promise of eternal years
Christ, the Messiah
He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Unto us a child is born
The King of kings and Lord of lords
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
This song speaks of Jesus – a light breaking in the frozen darkness of this world in a manger and stable. This baby Jesus left his throne as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for a mission to save the world. He would do this by becoming a sacrifice for the sin of the world. Yes, the child born in the manger the one who was part of creating the skies was here to change the world. Scripture makes it clear who Jesus was – who He is and that He will reign forevermore. But the key simplifying Christmas and the main message of this song is the line were Chris Tomlin says, “I will give to Him my heart!”
This is simply – The Message of Christmas! Giving Jesus our hearts!
As the who’s in who-ville showed Grinch that Christmas was not in things but in the heart this illustration should speak to our hearts today. To enjoy a truly magical – monumental Christmas is found in one thing only “Experiencing the gift of Jesus in our hearts!” And giving Him the right place in our heart is essential to experiencing the joy and peace of the Christmas season. No Jesus no Christmas! No baby wrapped tightly in the manger no Christmas!
But for too many people other things cloud, and even block the light of Christmas in our hearts. Many seem distracted, frenzied, and sad at Christmas season rather than at peace in life and filled with joy in life. Many seem to be missing love and the greatest gift of all time “Jesus.”
We need to simply embrace simply the message of Christmas John 3:16 “16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
So, let me ask you this morning as we hurry into the Christmas season are you focused on Simply Christmas and it’s true and rightful message? Or do you need to simplify your life this Christmas to once again or for the first time experience the true joy of Christmas? Is Christ in your heart – is your life at peace do you have Christmas joy?
Thought: Simplifying and simply embracing the message of Christmas will bring peace and joy and even the ability to cherish every moment!
Maybe you are thinking I am with you Pastor Mike but what are some practical things I can do to simplify my Christmas?
T.S. -- So here is a list of several thoughts to help you simplify your Christmas:
The following were adapted from Josh Becker at https://www.becomingminimalist.com/the-10-most-important-things-to-simplify-in-your-life/
1. Limit the possessions you have this year – yes, the gifts!
a. Share Josh and Tiffany’s story and decision this year.
b. Do you really need more shirts, ties, sweaters, outfits and shoes?
i. More expensive tech?
ii. The latest and greatest of everything?
iii. Do you need more debt?
1. Simplify – get rid of debt – find inner peace from having less!
a. Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:26
b. We need to be content like the Apostle Paul.
i. Phil. 4:11-13: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
c. When we get too many material things they always seem to complicate our lives and they buy – no demand a place in our heart – usually pushing the Lord to the rear of our heart or even out of our heart.
i. The truth is too many things clutter and complicate our lives.
1. They choke out time with the Lord and service to Him.
2. They steal precious family time.
ii. They will drain our wallets, put us into debt which will steal our peace and joy.
1. And when you are in debt – the bondage will tell you cannot give to the Kingdom of Heaven – you cannot afford it because you need all your money to pay for all your stuff..
iii. Debt will keep us from the ones we love because we have to work more to keep our possessions and maintain the stuff.
1. I see this at work with the infringement of our culture on spending time together as a family on holidays – stores force employees to work more like Thanksgiving Day and all for the bottom line of them getting more and more money!
2. People are forced to work on the holidays WHY? So, they can pay for all their stuff which they cannot afford.
iv. I believe if we limit our possessions this Christmas we will never regret it. If we simplify here:
1. We will experience Jesus in our heart in a new and fresh way.
2. We will have more peace.
3. We will have more inner joy.
4. We will experience the true essence and heart of Christmas.
2. Simplify your commitments – yes, I said it – do less so you have more time for Him in your heart!
a. We live in a world which says, “Fill up your days from beginning to end with commitments – like work, kid’s activities, community events, religious stuff, hobbies, sports, recreational stuff, seasonal activities, meetings and the list can go on by the way.”
b. So, think about releasing yourself from all the commitments – lose the guilt and prioritize your life around the true meaning of Christmas.
i. Which is celebrating Jesus birthday and His great gift of love --- by the way this is to be passed on to others. How are you doing that this year?
c. We have decided to do this as a staff this next year – look at everything we are doing to see if we are being way to busy!.
i. Illustration: Share Alex story from Seattle.
3. Simplify your goals – scale back it’s okay!
a. Yes, sometimes doing less is better when it comes to reaching personal and spiritual goals.
b. Prioritize your goals to experience Jesus this Christmas Season – not to experience the stress and pressure of shopping, bills, and busyness and work.
i. Say “no” to things which steal your joy and peace – it’s okay to say “no!”
1. Saying “No” is healthy and wholesome.
ii. Mary and Martha story.
1. Mary discovered that focusing on the goal to know Jesus better was better than running around the kitchen cooking, cleaning and baking for days!
2. Luke 10:38-42: Share the story!
a. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha,”…”You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”
4. Simplify your thought life by getting rid of all the negative thoughts and words!
a. The reality is negative thoughts don’t bring joy and peace to our life.
i. They never have and never will.
ii. Paul says again in Phil 4;8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
b. Really these negative – ugly – thoughts breed the works of the flesh not the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and there is no joy or peace in them.
i. They create resentment, bitterness, hate, jealousy and the like.
1. Take responsibility of your mind – use God’s truths to renew it!
2. Choose the path of forgiveness this season – let go of un-forgiveness!
c. Sometimes using fewer words is healthier – less is better by the way!
i. Keep your speech honest and plain – don’t push buttons that fuel a firestorm – use wisdom from Proverbs.
ii. By all means this Christmas – cut out the gossip!
5. Simplify your screen time by making time for relationships rather than for tech and screens.
a. Many don’t understand how focusing all of our attention on movies, video games, TV, technology impacts and affects our life – our mind and even our heart.
b. The truth is these things can dominate your life and impact your relationships – which can impact your attitude and outlook about life and this season.
c. When we live in the world of fantasy it has a profound impact on reality and what’s happening around us each day.
i. When fantasy and reality meet -reality always wins.
d. The only way to appreciate life and the season is to limit screen time and turn the things off – even your phone!
i. You can do it!
6. Simplify your connections to the world
a. Relationships in person are great – cultivate them - but limit streams of distraction on social media during this season – like Facebook, Texts, Twitter, Snap chat and so on!
b. Simplify focus on the important things like those around you – not the trivial and busyness of other people’s thoughts and minds on cyberspace.
c. A steady flow of distractions from others does not go well with simplifying our life so we experience the true meaning of Christmas and Jesus.
7. Limit your multi-tasking – no really – quit juggling so much!
a. Becker states, “Research indicates that multi-tasking increases stress and lowers productivity. While single-tasking is becoming a lost art, learn it. Handle one task at a time. Do it well. And when it is complete, move to the next.”
So there you have some practical ways to simplify your life!
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this message?
Answer: Simplifying our lives now will bring joy, peace and the ability to cherish every moment with those we love.
Why do they need to know this?
Answer: This Christmas could be different – less stress, less debt, more fun, more peace, more joy and learning to live in the moment. It’s possible with a heart check and heart change! If we simplify and focus on Jesus we will experience the heart of Christmas!
What do they need to do?
Answer: Simplify this Christmas and your life – you will not regret it! Focus on what counts – what means most!
Why do they need to do this?
Answer: If you do this now – start today – you will discover or rediscover the Heart of Christmas – your heart will start beating again and it will be filled with faith, with love, with peace and with joy! If you do this simple act you will start cherishing every moment in time that you have and it will change your life!
