ChristmasNot Another(anything)

Introduction• It’s the most WONDERFUL time of

the year…– Is it really? Why not?– But shouldn’t it be? Why?

“Familiarity breeds CONTEMPT .”

• “There is danger in loose handling of the nativity and the incarnation.”

JB Philips

IntroductionThis Christmas, TaB is going to go DEEPER.

The Christmas story is valuable for our spiritual health and growth.

Mary

“…Mary pondered these things in her heart.” Lk 2:19

“…Mary treasured all these things in her heart.” Lk 2:51

Contemplation• Deeper appreciation requires

deeper CONTEMPLATION. (Lk 1:66; 2:19, 51)

– RECOGNIZE that there is so much more to be learned.

– REFRESH your passion for discovery.– REFUSE to take a ho-hum or a humbug

approach to Christmas.

Correction• Deeper understanding may demand

deeper CORRECTION. (Lk 1:38)

– ADMIT that there is need for change.– ASK for clarity and insight into your

own sinfulness.– ADVANCE and ALIGN the priorities of

your life to God’s agenda.

Communication• Deeper influence generates a

deeper COMMUNICATION. (Lk 1:43, 45, 46-55)

– MENTION Christ often during the holiday season.

– MAKE EFFORTS to seize opportunities for sharing Christmas life with others.

– MODEL true Christmas spirit.

Conclusion• Go DEEPER! – in your relationship with Christ this

Christmas– for more growth and fruit– for the glory of God in Ithaca

Sneak Peak