Sermon at the Haynes Street church of Christ on December 14, 2014. Title: "Tis The Season" Preacher: Steven Matthews

1. Times of Services
Sunday:
9:30 a.m. Bible class
10:30 a.m. worship
Wednesday:
7 p.m. Bible class

2.  This time of year always generates discussion:
How should Christians handle Dec. 25?
 Treat it as an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s life
as a whole: birth, ministry, death, burial and
resurrection.
 We shouldn’t judge or disparage anyone when
they mention Christ in December; think of it as an
opportunity to teach.
 His life is what we should respect and honor.

3.  Be kind this Christmas
◦ Generally, we get the idea that everyone is kinder
around the holidays.
◦ But experience also says people can be a bit less
kind due to pressures, time constraints,
expectations and financial burdens.
◦ Ephesians 4:31-32: “Be kind to one another.”
◦ Matthew 7:12: The Golden Rule.
◦ Do we expect God to look the other way and make
exceptions during times of pressure?
◦ We are Christians all the time, not just when it’s
easy.

4.  Don’t shortchange God during the holidays
◦ Malachi 3:8: Will a man rob God?
◦ Rom. 12:1-2: Do we put God first in everything?
◦ Does your contribution decrease during the holiday
season?
◦ Does your commitment decrease during the
holiday season?
◦ How do we respond during the holidays when
relatives visit or we go out of town?
◦ God expects commitment 365 days a year.

5.  Don’t get distracted by what we see on earth
◦ When we look around, does it seem like
Christmas every day?
◦ II Cor. 5:7: Walk by faith or sight?
◦ Characteristics of the Father: Hebrews 6:18;
Matthew 7:11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Rom. 5:6-
11.
◦ Even though we cannot see heaven or even
imagine it, God is saying, “Heaven is better than
Christmas.”
◦ We must place our faith in the Father.

6.  What is on your Christmas wish list?
◦ What is on your spiritual wish list?
◦ What about for the local church here?
◦ Dedication to the Word; less material-minded;
prayer; helping the needy; more gracious
attitude; promote unity in church.
◦ James 1:17-18: Never forget the wonderful
things He has done for us.
 Being a Christian: Truly the greatest experience
anyone could ever have.

7. Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14,17)
Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6)
Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16)
 Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 6:33;
Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)