Series: Missing Christmas
Sermon Title: Missing Christmas Because We Choose Too
Passage: Matthew 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-20

Reno Campus
Pastor Jericho Toilolo 

Carson Campus
Pastor Dave Pretlove

Campus Announcements / Service Moments

Reno Campus
Christmas Eve Services December 22,23,24
Online Services Only 12/29/24

Carson Campus
Christmas Eve Services December 24
Online Services Only 12/29/24

Series: Missing Christmas
Sermon Title: Missing Christmas because We Choose Too
Passage: Matthew 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-20

 

SERMON POINTS: 

We miss Christmas… 

• Because Jesus and I both can’t be king.
  • Matthew 2:1-3
  • Micah 5:2
    
• Because if Jesus is king the cost feels too great.
  • Matthew 2:4-12
  • Matthew 5:29-30
  • Luke 14:33
  • Luke 9:23-24
• Because of our foolish pride. 
  • Matthew 2:13-20
  • We think life with us as king is better than Jesus as king.
  • We think we are smarter than God.
    • Matthew 2:8
  • We think we are more powerful than God.
  • We don’t live TODAY in light of THAT DAY.
    • Genesis 3:19
    • John 11:25-27

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his throne. In what ways might we see Jesus as a “threat” to areas of control in our lives?
  Supportive Scripture: Luke 9:23-24 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
• What are the practical challenges of surrendering control to Jesus, and how can we remind ourselves that His kingship brings life, not loss?
  Supportive Scripture: John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
• What “cost” might we be hesitant to pay to fully follow Jesus as King? How does understanding God’s faithfulness help us overcome this fear?
  Supportive Scripture: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• How does the story of the Magi inspire us to pursue Jesus regardless of the personal cost or sacrifice?
  Supportive Scripture: Matthew 2:9-11 – “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.”
• Herod thought his way was better than God’s plan. When have you experienced pride hindering your relationship with God, and how can humility open the door to His guidance?
  Supportive Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
• What are some ways we might try to manipulate or “outsmart” God, like Herod attempting to trick the Magi? How does this reflect a lack of trust in His sovereignty?
  Supportive Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
• Herod’s pride led him to believe he could overpower God. How does recognizing God’s power and authority free us from the burden of trying to control everything?
  Supportive Scripture: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
• Herod’s death reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. How does reflecting on our mortality encourage us to prioritize Jesus as King today?
  Supportive Scripture: James 4:14 – “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

• What sacrifices or changes might Jesus be asking me to make to prioritize His kingship, and how does my view of the “cost” compare to the eternal rewards He promises?
• How can I take practical steps to embrace humility and align my heart with His will?
• If my life ended today, what legacy would I leave in light of eternity?
  
• How can I live more intentionally under the reign of Jesus, focusing on what truly matters?

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Proverbs 3:5-6
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

RESOURCES:

• Advent Project | Biola University
• BOOK | TARA SUN |SURRENDER YOUR STORY: DITCH THE MYTH OF CONTROL AND DISCOVER FREEDOM IN TRUSTING GOD
• PODCAST | SHANNON POPKIN | SURRENDERING OUR NEED FOR CONTROL
• PODCAST | JONATHON DODSON | OVERCOMING ME-CENTERED DISCIPLESHIP

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: CELEBRATION

How are you feeling about this holiday and Advent season? If you’re anything like me, you may feel like you’re running a few days behind on everything—on the timetable you had hoped to follow actually to enjoy the season. We find ourselves rushing from event to event, trying to be present with people and express how much they mean to us, whether personally or professionally. Yet, in these hurried moments, we risk failing to embrace and truly celebrate the moments we’re given.

In the discipline of celebration, we move beyond simply celebrating people, places, and things in our lives—things we’ve made or achieved—moving to celebrate the goodness and greatness of God. His nature doesn’t shift or change based on the circumstances we face. Mature celebration, in practice, acknowledges the realities of life’s moments—joyful or challenging—and invites God into those emotions. This shifts our posture to one of recognizing and worshiping God’s ultimate authority and position. It’s a practice that moves our hearts and minds from our immediate experiences to God’s eternal supremacy and glory. This shift demonstrates the deep work of discipleship, transforming our character into Christ’s character.

Richard Foster captures this well: “When the substance of our life is formed and conformed and transformed into Christlikeness, then celebration becomes possible. No longer do we undermine or sabotage the good work of God. We can simply and joyfully celebrate the goodness of God in us and in those around us.”

A daily confession can help develop this deep-rooted discipline. It’s a simple phrase that can be uttered or prayed, whether in times of peace or difficulty. Rooted in Nehemiah 8:10 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, this confession declares that our peace, joy, and strength come not from circumstances but from the Lord. It reminds us to celebrate His authority over all situations:

Confessional Statement: Lord, I confess that You are strong where I am not. Allow Your strength and joy to be present in me now, even when it is difficult. I know it will be okay because You are in control and Lord of all.

As I shared last week, 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. This week, find time to intentionally cultivate a mindset of joy—not rooted in your circumstances but in God’s supremacy over them.

Practice: Create a “Joy Trigger” Ritual Here is a practical exercise to help develop a heart of celebration:

Exercise: Identify a small, intentional ritual to act as a “joy trigger” whenever you face a challenging moment. For example:

• When you feel overwhelmed, pause to take three deep breaths and say aloud one thing you’re thankful for.

• During moments of frustration, listen to a favorite worship song or uplifting tune that reminds you of God’s goodness.

These practices work because they interrupt negative thought patterns and re-center your focus on joy and gratitude, helping you celebrate God’s presence even in difficulty.

This Advent season, as you navigate the busyness and challenges, take these moments to celebrate the God who is with us—Emmanuel—and find renewed joy in His unchanging goodness.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

We are wired to shape and live out a story. This is why Jesus often taught in parables— in fact 43% of scripture is written narrative. Story is powerful and our hearts and minds are inclined towards it. We actually,  see ourselves as the centerpiece of our own narrative story. We express this through dreams or visions for our lives, the people we pursue or avoid and the activities and attitudes we take on. However, the belief that we are the sole author of our story can be dangerous.

The stories we believe shape our attitudes, actions, and expectations. For example, seeing friends share moments on social media can spark a harmful narrative: “Why wasn’t I invited? Am I not good enough?” These assumptions can lead to feelings of rejection and unworthiness, impacting not just our emotions but our behaviors.

Consider King Herod in Matthew’s Gospel. Obsessed with his own narrative of power, and place in history. Herod refused to allow anything to threaten his vision. This led to devastating consequences: the massacre of innocents and unimaginable suffering. His story, shaped by fear and control, became a tragedy for countless lives.

This Christmas season and as we enter 2025, let’s align our hearts with the story God is writing for us. His story is one of purpose, value, and joy. Spend time with Jesus, allowing His truth to filter your thoughts and reshape how you see people, situations, and yourself. Trust His narrative and step into a life shaped by His presence and peace.

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor