Seeing Christ in Christmas

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, but at its heart is a far greater story than lights, songs, or traditions. Using the opening chapter of John's Gospel, we’re reminded that Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger, it’s about God stepping into humanity.

Key Takeaways:

Christ the Word: Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem—He already existed. He is the eternal Logos, the full communication of God. When life feels confusing or noisy, Christ is the clearest and truest voice.
Christ the Life: Jesus doesn’t just give biological life—He offers zoe: a life that is eternal, divine, purposeful, and worth living. Many feel accomplished yet empty, but Christ brings true fulfillment.
Christ the Light: Darkness represents fear, despair, and hiding—but the light of Christ cannot be extinguished. His light doesn’t destroy us; it cleanses us and invites us into freedom.
Christ the Man: God didn’t stay distant. He became human, walked our roads, felt our pain, and lived among us. The King moved into the village because He wanted to be close to us.

Christmas ultimately comes down to one question:What will you do with Christ?

Date: December 14, 2025

Jesus

Message Notes

John 1:1–5 (NLT) — 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

1. Christ the WORD

John 1:1–5 (NLT) — 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
Christology first
Communication second
Confusion third

2. Christ the LIFE

John 1:4 (NLT) — The Word gave life to everything that was created.
John 1:12 (NLT) To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
Spark of life
- “bios” - biological life
- “psyche” - life of the soul
- ZOE - The state of being truly alive.

3. Christ the LIGHT

John 1:5 (NLT) — his life brought light to everyone 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
God and light
- The Bible only gives us a few “God Is” statements - God is Spirit, God is Love, and GOD IS LIGHT! “HE LIVES IN UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT!”
- Just as God emanates life, He emanates light.
- The first words God utters in Genesis is “Let there be light”.
The darkness
- Place of fear.
- Place of despair.
- Place of hiding.
The light is fighting:
- Look for the light
- Step into the light
  - When we hide from God, we are acting as if He doesn’t see us. He does see us at all times.
  - The light won’t kill you, it will clean you.

4. Christ the MAN

John 1:10–11 (NLT) — 10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us.
Incarnation - He Took on Flesh.
He Dwelt Among Us.
He Walked Our Road.