Welcome to Day 2534 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2534 – Fourth Week of Advent – Living in Love, Daily and Christmas Eve Service - Living in Christ, Daily

Putnam Church Message – 12/22/2024 Living in Love, Daily Last week was the third Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in joy, Daily. We learned that we need to carry the joy of Jesus with us, reflecting His light and love to a world that desperately needs it. Let’s celebrate the incredible gift of joy we have in knowing Christ, the One who brings “good news of great joy for all people.” This week is the Fourth Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Love” in a message titled “Living in Love, Daily.” As mentioned previously, during the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we gather on this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come with grateful hearts to reflect on the love You have shown us through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for loving us unconditionally, even when we were unworthy. Open our hearts today to receive Your love afresh, and help us to live in that love daily, extending it to others. May Your Spirit guide us as we seek to grow in our understanding of what it means to truly live in love. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.   Introduction: Love as the Heart of Christmas On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we come to one of the Christmas story’s most profound and central themes: Love. We have lit the fourth Advent candle, representing love. We remember that love is at the heart of the Christmas season. It’s a time when we celebrate God’s love coming down to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John describes this love beautifully in 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT): “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” As we dive into this message today, let’s explore the love God showed by sending His Son. We’ll unpack what it means for us and look at how this love, revealed at Christmas, can change our lives if we embrace it. Problem Statement: The Search for Love We live in a world that is desperate for love. People search for it in so many places—relationships, careers, achievements, social media. But often, the love we find is temporary, conditional, or transactional. Many of us have felt the sting of love lost or love that wasn’t what we hoped it would be. In this world, love can be fickle. It can be something given only when we perform or meet specific standards. But the love we’re talking about today, the love of Christmas, is entirely different. Illustration: The Unbreakable Thread (Red Ribbon) Imagine a red thread that stretches across time and space, unbroken and unyielding. No matter how tangled, stretched, or pulled it gets, it never snaps. This thread represents God’s love for us—constant, unchanging, and enduring. Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) says, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Just like that unbreakable thread, God’s love holds us together even when life feels like it’s falling apart. When we live in that love daily, we can trust it to guide and sustain us. God’s Love: A Gift Beyond Measure God’s love is unconditional>and sacrificial,/unlike any love we experience elsewhere. In John 3:16 (NLT), we find the famous verse, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love is a gift—freely given to us, not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but because of who He is. Story: The Little Drummer Boy There’s a story told through the Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy.” A young boy, poor and with nothing of value, comes to see the newborn Jesus. He has no gift to bring, so he offers the one thing he does have—his music. He plays his drum for the baby Jesus, giving all he has to honor the child. In a similar way, God’s love to us is a gift that doesn’t demand something grand in return. It’s a love that comes freely and without condition. Even in our “nothingness”—when we feel we have nothing worthy to bring—God invites us to receive His love, as we are. Christmas Tradition: The Mistletoe and Unconditional Love Let’s take a look at a familiar Christmas tradition: the mistletoe. While it might seem strange today, hanging mistletoe and exchanging kisses underneath it was once seen as a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and love. The origin of mistletoe as a Christmas symbol actually ties back to the ancient Druids, who believed the plant possessed magical powers that could bring peace. Over time, this symbol of peace became a tradition of love and goodwill. For early Christians, the mistletoe’s green leaves symbolized the promise of eternal life that Jesus brought. Today, while many simply see it as a bit of holiday fun, we can remember the deeper message: love that brings reconciliation. Just as people kiss beneath the mistletoe, Jesus came to bring us close to God—restoring a broken relationship, bringing us peace, and covering us in love. Three Points About God’s Love at Christmas (Bulletin Insert)

1. God’s Love Pursues Us

The Christmas story is a story of God’s pursuit of humanity. He didn’t stay distant; He came to us. Think of the shepherds in the fields, the first to hear of Christ’s birth. Angels appeared to them, proclaiming the good news of Jesus’s birth and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14, NLT). Shepherds were often seen as outcasts, and yet God went to them with His message. God’s love reaches everyone—no one is too far from Him. Illustration: A Shepherd’s Faithfulness Imagine a shepherd in ancient Israel—he spends hours, day and night, caring for his sheep. He knows each one by name, sacrifices sleep and comfort to protect them, and is ready to defend them at any cost. In the same way, God is the Good Shepherd, seeking after us even when we wander. His love is a love that pursues us, regardless of how far we may go.

2. God’s Love Is Sacrificial

God’s love cost Him something precious. He sent His only Son, knowing the suffering He would face. This is a love that gives, even when it costs everything. Romans 5:8 (NLT) tells us, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”   Illustration: A Parent’s Love Think of a mother or father who sacrifices for their children. They might go without sleep, give up comforts, or put aside personal dreams so their children can thrive. Similarly, God’s love for us is a sacrificial love—one that cost Him dearly. The beauty of Christmas is that this love became tangible. God took on flesh in the form of a baby, born in humble surroundings, so that we might know how deeply we are loved.

3. God’s Love Transforms Us

When we accept God’s love, it changes us. We can’t encounter a love this powerful and remain the same. The Bible tells us that God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. As we receive God’s love, we’re called to love others with the same selfless, unconditional love He has shown us. This love becomes evident in our actions, words, and how we treat one another. Story: The Love That Transformed a Life In the late 1800s, a young man named Dwight L. Moody was a successful shoe salesman with little formal education. He attended a Sunday School class where his teacher, Edward Kimball, took a personal interest in him. Kimball prayed for Dwight, visited him at work, and shared the gospel with him in a way that expressed Christ’s love. That act of love changed Dwight’s life forever. He became one of the most influential evangelists in history, preaching to millions and leading countless people to Christ. This story reminds us that living in love daily doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s about showing intentional, Christlike love in our everyday interactions. A single act of love can have an eternal impact. Story: Love Beyond Comfort Zones There’s a story of a man who felt called to serve at a homeless shelter every Christmas Eve. Though it disrupted his usual family traditions, he felt that showing love to those who often felt forgotten was part of living out the love he had received from God. Over the years, this act of love not only changed him but also impacted his family, who began joining him. Love, as seen in the Christmas story, compels us to reach out beyond ourselves. Practical Application: Showing God’s Love This Christmas (Bulletin Insert) As we reflect on this theme of love, let’s remember that the gift of God’s love isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Just as God reached out to us, we’re called to reach out to others. A Simple Challenge: Share Love Tangibly This Christmas, let’s commit to sharing God’s love in a tangible way. Maybe it’s through an encouraging word, an act of service, or simply by spending time with someone who feels alone, shut-in, or homebound. Consider baking cookies for a neighbor, volunteering at GMFP, or calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Object Lesson: A Mirror Reflecting Light (Shine light into the mirror) Bring a mirror and a flashlight to demonstrate this lesson. Shine the flashlight onto the mirror and direct the reflected light toward different areas of the room. Explain that the flashlight represents God’s love, and the mirror represents us. When we live in love daily, we reflect God’s love to those around us. Just as the mirror reflects the light, we are called to reflect God’s love through our words, actions, and attitudes. Matthew 5:16 (NLT) says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Living in love daily means staying aligned with God’s light so that His love can shine through us into a world that desperately needs it. Christmas Tradition: The Christmas Stocking as a Symbol of Generosity (Show Stocking) The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings is tied to the story of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his acts of love and generosity. According to legend, he learned of a poor family with three daughters who couldn’t afford dowries to marry. One night, Nicholas secretly dropped bags of gold coins down their chimney, and the coins landed in their stockings, which were drying by the fire. Today, stockings are filled with gifts and treats, symbolizing generosity and love. They remind us that the love of Christ calls us to give selflessly to others, just as He gave Himself for us. Tie to the Message: Like Saint Nicholas, we’re called to live in love daily by meeting the needs of those around us. Every act of generosity, big or small, is a reflection of God’s love for humanity. Memorable Point: When we give love as Christ did, we reflect His heart. Let’s make the love of God visible to those around us this season. Conclusion: Love That Lasts Beyond Christmas As we prepare for Christmas Day, let’s hold onto this truth: God’s love is steadfast, sacrificial, and transforming. It’s a love that doesn’t waver when we fail but is always there to lift us up and draw us closer. This is the gift of Christmas—the gift of love that came down to be with us and for us. This Advent, may you experience the depth of God’s love. And as you encounter His love, may it inspire you to share that love with a world that desperately needs to know it. God’s love is not just a message for Christmas; it’s the heartbeat of the Christian faith. Let’s carry it with us not only today but every day of the year.   Takeaway This week, let’s ask ourselves, “How can I be a vessel of God’s love?” Choose one practical way to show God’s love to someone else. This could be through a simple act of kindness or an intentional time of prayer for someone in need. Remember, when we love others as God loves us, we make Christmas come alive for the people around us. God’s love came down at Christmas. Let’s take that love out into the world. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the unending, unfailing love You have shown us through Jesus Christ. As we go into the week ahead, help us to live in that love daily. May Your love shape our thoughts, guide our actions, and flow through us to others. Teach us to reflect Your love in our families, our communities, and beyond. We pray that the light of Your love will shine brightly in us this Advent season and always. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen. During our Christmas Eve service, we will light the fifth candle of Advent, the Christ Candle, and our focus will be; “Living In Christ, Daily.”  Please invest time in reading John 1:9 in preparation for the message. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday of 2024, and our emphasis will be on Pressing Forward in a message titled “A Christ-Centered Perspective on the New Year.”  Please invest time in reading Philippians 3:12-21 in preparation for the message. ________________________ Putnam Church Message – 12/24/2024 Living in Christ, Daily – Christmas Eve This past Sunday was the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and our focus was “Living in Love, Daily. We learned that we must hold onto this truth: God’s love is steadfast, sacrificial, and transforming. This evening is the Fifth Candle of Advent: “The Christ Candle” in a message titled “Living in Christ, Daily.” Let us reflect on the Advent season’s purpose and some traditions we practice during this blessed time. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we gather on this holy night, we come to celebrate the lighting of the Christ Candle and the ultimate gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to be our Savior, Redeemer, and the light in our darkness. Open our hearts to receive Your Word tonight. Help us to understand what it means to live in Christ daily and to carry His light into the world. May Your presence fill us with hope, peace, joy, and love as we reflect on the beauty of Christ’s birth. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen. Introduction: The Arrival of the Christ Candle On this Christmas Eve, as we gather in joyful anticipation, we turn our focus to the final candle of Advent: the Christ Candle. This candle, representing Jesus Himself, symbolizes the culmination of the Advent season. It’s the light we’ve been waiting for, the answer to every longing, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. In John 1:9 (NLT), we read, “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” Tonight, we celebrate that the Light has indeed come, bringing hope, peace, joy, and love to us all. As we reflect on this final candle, let’s explore what it means for Christ to be our light and how His arrival changes everything. We’ll also dive into the deeper meaning behind this night and the Christmas traditions surrounding it. Problem Statement: Darkness Without Christ In the dark of winter, the Christmas lights we hang in our homes, streets, and towns are a bright and welcome sight. But these lights also serve as a reminder of something far more significant—the light of Christ breaking into our world. Without Christ, our world and our hearts are shrouded in darkness. Humanity has always sensed this need for light, for a Savior to guide us out of sin, suffering, and fear. But the question remains: How do we move from darkness into light? Christ, The Light of the World The arrival of Jesus answers that question. In John 8:12 (NLT), Jesus Himself declares, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” The light Jesus brings isn’t just physical light; it’s spiritual illumination that transforms our lives. This is why the Christ Candle stands at the center of our Advent wreath. It’s a reminder that everything we need is found in Him. As we lit this candle tonight, we remember that Jesus didn’t come just to be a great teacher or a moral example. He came as the Light, illuminating the path to God and dispelling the darkness of sin and fear. Three Points About Christ, Our Light (Bulletin)

1. Christ Came to Shine in Our Darkness

The light Jesus brings is unlike any other. Isaiah 9:2 (NLT) speaks prophetically of His coming, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” Jesus came to shine in the darkest parts of our world and our lives. In times of fear, loneliness, and hopelessness, Jesus’s light is present, offering comfort and guidance. Illustration: A Lighthouse in a Storm Imagine a sailor navigating a stormy sea, waves crashing and darkness all around. Suddenly, a lighthouse appears on the shore, guiding them to safety. Jesus is like that lighthouse, shining amid our darkest storms, offering us a way forward. No matter how overwhelming life’s struggles...