Message Notes: December 21st

What would Jesus want for his birthday?

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

John 1:14
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. 

For His birthday, Jesus gave humanity life and light through His self-giving love

John 13:34-35
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Jesus had the greatest gift and he constantly gave it away 

John 15:5-8
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

John 15:13
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Matthew 6:1-2
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.

“When Jesus’ disciples impose their agenda and their view of reality on Jesus, he remains invisible and unknown to them. It’s only when we submit ourselves to the upside down Kingdom of Jesus that’s epitomized by his broken body on the cross offered in self-giving love; it’s only then that we see and know the real Jesus.” - Bible Project (Tim Mackie)

The best gift for Jesus is to share his light, life, and love in the way that he himself modeled