Series: Missing Christmas
Sermon Title:
Passage: Matthew 2:1-6, Matthew 2:9-12

Reno Campus
Pastor Dave Pretlove

Carson Campus
Pastor Tom Chism

Campus Announcements / Service Moments

Reno Campus
Lincoln Brewster – 12/15/24
Christmas Eve Services December 22,23,24

Carson Campus
Christmas Eve Services December 24

Series: Missing Christmas
Sermon Title: The Reality of What Christmas Means Can Seem Too Good to be True
Passage: Matthew 2:1-6, Matthew 2:9-12 NIV

 

SERMON POINTS: 

For Us to Fully Experience the Wonder of Christmas We Must…

1. Embrace Wonder Over Familiarity. 
   Matthew 2:1-6
   Matthew 13:54
   Revelation 3:15-16
   • Familiarity Can Cause Us to Go Through the Motions.
   • Familiarity Can Cause Us to Not Recognize What is Extraordinary or Special.
     Matthew 13:54 
   • Familiarity is a Close Cousin to Lukewarmness.
     Revelation 3:15-16
2. Choose Devotion Over Distraction.
   Mathew 2:1-2
3. Prioritize Pausing Over Busyness.
   Matthew 2:1-6
   Matthew 2:9-11
   Psalm 46:10 
   • For What Matters Most I Will Stop Everything.
   • For What Mattes Most I Will Go to Any Distance.
   • For What Matters Most I Will Pay Any Price.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 

• In Matthew 2:1-6 , the Magi were filled with awe as they followed the star to Jesus. How can we cultivate a sense of wonder in our daily lives and faith?
  
• Jesus’ hometown in Matthew 13:54 struggled to recognize His extraordinary nature. What are some ways familiarity might prevent us from seeing God at work around us?
• Revelation 3:15-16 warns against lukewarm faith. What practical steps can we take to reignite passion and avoid falling into spiritual complacency?
• The Magi devoted their time and attention to seek Jesus, despite the distractions of their journey (Matthew 2:9-11). What distractions compete for your attention, and how can you prioritize devotion?
• How does distraction pull us away from our relationship with God, and what can we learn from Jesus’ example of retreating for prayer?
• What are practical ways we can prioritize devotion over distraction in the holiday season, when busyness often takes over?
• Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” How does pausing to rest in God’s presence change your perspective in times of busyness?
  
• The Magi stopped everything and journeyed far to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:9-11). What does it mean for you to “stop everything” for what matters most?

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

 

• What areas of your life have become too familiar or routine in your relationship with God, and how can you rediscover a sense of awe and wonder for who He is?
  Reflect on: Psalm 139:1-4 – “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
• What distractions or priorities are currently competing with your devotion to God, and what steps can you take to center your heart on Him more fully?
  Reflect on: Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
• When was the last time you truly paused and rested in God’s presence? How can you incorporate intentional moments of stillness into your daily rhythm?
  Reflect on: Isaiah 30:15 – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
• What “distance” or “price” are you willing to embrace in order to prioritize what matters most in your relationship with Christ?
  Reflect on: Philippians 3:7-8 – “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Philippians 3:7-8 
• Psalm 139:1-4

 

RESOURCES:

• Advent Project | Biola University
• PODCAST | Finding Refuge in God: My Story of Overcoming Spiritual Complacency | Katherine Ribeiro
• PODCAST | OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL LAZINESS | JOHN PIPER
• ARTICLE | HOW CAN CHRISTIANS BOUNCE BACK FROM COMPLACENCY | MILTON QUINTANILLA

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: CELEBRATION

The idea of practicing the spiritual discipline of celebration might initially feel overwhelming, especially in an already busy or burdened life. However, celebration as a discipline is unique—it’s both life-giving and restorative. Unlike disciplines that may feel heavy or laborious, celebration invites us into joy, gratitude, and communion with God and others. By shifting our perspective, we begin to see this practice not as an obligation but as an opportunity to experience the fullness of life God offers.

Celebration is deeply connected to how we perceive and process the world around us. It reorients our hearts and minds from the struggles of life to the blessings and faithfulness of God. Philippians 4:8-9 provides a foundation for this, urging us to dwell on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. When we intentionally focus on such things, we cultivate a mindset that feeds joy and thanksgiving rather than negativity and despair. What we feed grows, and this truth extends to our spiritual health.

Why Celebration Matters

• Psychological Benefits: Celebrating the goodness of God, even in small ways, fosters gratitude, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity. It helps reframe our challenges as opportunities for growth.

• Physical Health Benefits: Gratitude and joy have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and boost immunity.

• Spiritual Growth: Celebration strengthens our connection with God by reminding us of His character, His promises, and His presence in our lives.

Practical Ways to Develop the Discipline of Celebration

Here are a few tangible practices to integrate celebration into your life:

• Keep a Gratitude Journal
  Begin or end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be monumental; even simple joys like a warm cup of coffee or a kind word can remind you of God’s provision.

• Embrace Rhythms of Rest
  Celebration flourishes in the soil of rest. Regularly set aside time to rest, reflect, and rejoice in God’s faithfulness. This could be a Sabbath day, a quiet afternoon, or even a moment of stillness in your daily routine.

• Celebrate Small Wins
  Don’t wait for grand milestones. Celebrate the small steps in your journey—answered prayers, moments of kindness, or simply making it through a tough day.

• Create Celebratory Traditions
  Establish practices that bring joy and remind you of God’s blessings. This could be a weekly family meal where everyone shares something they’re thankful for, or a personal tradition of taking a walk in nature to reflect on God’s creation.

• Incorporate Worship and Praise
  Celebration often flows out of worship. Singing, praying, and reading Scripture are ways to rejoice in who God is and what He has done. Make these moments intentional, focusing on praise and thanksgiving.

• Share Your Joy
  Celebration grows when it’s shared. Engage in community and let others see and share in the joy God has brought into your life.

Shifting the Mindset

As you embark on this practice, remember that celebration is not about ignoring life’s hardships but about choosing to focus on God’s goodness amid them. By feeding joy and gratitude, you allow God to transform your perspective, leading to greater peace, hope, and connection with Him and others.

By committing to the spiritual discipline of celebration, you’re not just adding another task to your life—you’re inviting God to transform your heart and mind. Take that first step. Start small. Celebrate often. And watch how this discipline breathes new life into your faith journey.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Growing up in a Christian home, not remembering a single time where I didn’t know that the Lord was with me or who Jesus was, is a blessing. I had such a strong foundation from an early age, and so many tools in my toolbelt to deal with life’s challenges, disappointments, stewardship, and joys, although never handled perfectly. 

The other side of this coin however, is not really having a ‘salvation’ moment. I don’t remember when I met Jesus for the first time, or when I heard God’s voice for the first time, or when it was ‘real’ to me. I don’t have a cross-colliding testimony where my life was changed forever because of the revelation of my salvation. I do however have several smaller moments where God’s love for me was revealed in a new way, leading to deeper intimacy and understanding of who He is and His plans. 

If you have a similar story, it is easy to miss the deeper wonder behind Christ’s coming. Hundreds of prophecies fulfilled in a moment, all bad things coming untrue, and hope restored to the world…what a thing to celebrate! And a terrible thing to miss when we become too familiar. Our salvation is the greatest gift ever given, in the form of God giving His one and only baby son to the world. Let us focus on this above anything else this Christmas. 

I read a simple story one time that said “I had a dream I went to heaven and I saw David. I asked Him in awe ‘What was it like to defeat Goliath and accomplish all you did?’ and He responded to me ‘Goliath? Forget him! What was it like having the Holy Spirit?'” Wow…such a convicting thought. How easy it is to take for granted that we have the Holy Spirit indwelling, when our ancestors had to jump through countless religious hoops to hear God’s voice. Let us not become so familiar with the gift that we have been giving that we lose our wonder.

A simple prayer for this Holiday season – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12 – Emma Menicini – Women’s Director

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor