PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Gathering
Sargent Major
Robert Quinn
Leader: When we think about Christmas, we generally turn to passages in the Bible that give us accounts of Jesus’ birth. We want to hear about the angels, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. In the beginning of the book of John there is no recounting of these events, but he gives us a wonderfully concise explanation of what the nativity means.
Leader: When we think about Christmas, we generally turn to passages in the Bible that give us accounts of Jesus’ birth. We want to hear about the angels, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. In the beginning of the book of John there is no recounting of these events, but he gives us a wonderfully concise explanation of what the nativity means.
All: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Leader: Christmas means that salvation is by grace. Of course we have seen this before, but notice how John explains it here. In chapter 1 of the Gospel of John Jesus is called “the Word.” In 1 John 1:1 he is called “the Word of life,” and then Jesus is called “eternal life” in verse 2.
All: 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. (1 John 1:1-2, NIV)
Leader: When John says, “Eternal life…was with the Father and has appeared to us,” he is referring to Jesus Christ himself. This is a startling statement, but the point is clear. We are not being told merely that Jesus Christ has eternal life or even that he gives it. This verse says he is eternal life, salvation itself. Then in verses 3 and 4 he moves on to describe the goal of that proclamation.
All: 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. (1 John 1:3-4, NIV)
Leader: John is saying, “This is not just a set of nice stories. Many others and I were eyewitnesses. We testify to it. We really saw him. He really lived; he really died; he really rose from the dead.” If Christmas is just a nice legend, in a sense you are on your own. But if Christmas is true—and John says that it absolutely is true—then you can be saved by grace.
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
I'm forgiven because you were forsaken
I'm accepted, You were condemned
I'm alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king. would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
Amazing love how can it be?
That my king would die for me
Amazing love I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
In all I do
I honor you
You are my king
You are my king
Jesus, You are my king
Jesus, You are my king
Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king would die for me
Amazing love I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
In all I do I honor you
In all I do honor you
Turn you eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace, You give me in time of the storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you
Amen
