Here are some further devotional thoughts based on the sermon "Breaking Through the Curtain: What Jesus Did for Us at Christmas":

1. The Eternal Nature of Christ

As we celebrate Christmas, it’s easy to focus on the nativity scene—the baby in a manger, the shepherds, the wise men. But behind all the familiar imagery, we must remember the profound truth that Jesus is not just a baby but the eternal Son of God. John 1:1-5 reminds us that before time began, Jesus, the Word, was with God, and He was God. He existed before creation, spoke the universe into existence, and holds all things together.

Devotional Thought: Take a moment to reflect on the enormity of this truth. The same Jesus you celebrate in the manger is the One who holds all of time, all of history, all of creation in His hands. When you feel small or uncertain, remember that the Eternal One chose to step into your world—not just in the past, but into your present, into your heart. Christmas is an invitation to encounter the God who transcends time and space, yet loves you personally and intimately.

2. God's Presence in Our Darkness

The sermon spoke of a “Divine Invasion,” where God looked down into the darkness of humanity and responded with the greatest gift of all—Himself. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” At Christmas, God’s presence entered into the very heart of human darkness, and the birth of Jesus was a light that could never be extinguished.

Devotional Thought: Think about areas of darkness in your life—whether it’s personal struggles, fears, or griefs. Christmas reminds us that no matter how dark it seems, the light of Christ has already come. He didn't just stay far away; He came to us, into our reality. Allow this truth to comfort and renew you this season. Reflect on the ways Christ has illuminated your life, and let His light shine through you to others who may be in darkness.

3. The Gift of Relationship with God

In the sermon, the preacher highlighted that Jesus came to change how we relate to God. Before Christ, people had to follow laws and rituals; now, through Jesus, God’s grace and truth are available to us by faith. John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Christmas is a celebration of the moment God made it possible for us to enter into a real relationship with Him, not based on our efforts or performance, but on His grace.

Devotional Thought: Christmas is a reminder that God desires to know us, and He made the way for us to know Him personally through Jesus. Do you feel distant from God right now? Know that the invitation to relationship is always open. The King of the Universe is ready to make His home in your heart. Take time today to receive Him afresh, and allow His presence to transform your relationship with God.

4. The Timelessness of God

The sermon touched on the idea of God being the "Great Antecedent," the One who existed before all things, and who will always be. In the ever-changing world around us, it’s comforting to know that God remains constant. John 1:1-2 affirms that Jesus has always been with God, and that nothing has ever been created apart from Him. His purposes, His love, and His promises remain the same.

Devotional Thought: Take comfort in the unchanging nature of God. Christmas doesn’t just point us to a historical event; it points us to a God who is eternal, unshakable, and faithful. Reflect on areas of your life that may feel uncertain or unstable. Then, rest in the truth that the same God who brought peace at Christmas is the same God who is present with you today, offering His unshakable peace, joy, and hope.

5. The Invitation to Receive Christ Today

One of the most powerful moments in the sermon is the call to receive Jesus today. The world didn’t recognize Him when He came, but to those who did receive Him, He gave the right to be children of God. John 1:12 reminds us that receiving Christ means becoming part of God’s family—through grace, not by natural birth or human effort, but by God's will. Christmas is an ongoing invitation to receive Him, not just once, but every day.

Devotional Thought: Christmas is more than a celebration of Jesus' birth; it’s an invitation to experience Him in the present. Where in your life do you need to invite Jesus in again? Is there an area of your heart that you’ve kept closed off? Jesus came to make all things new. Take time to renew your commitment to Him today. You don’t need to wait for a specific moment—He’s here now, ready to come into your life and transform you with His grace.

6. Living in the Now of God's Presence

Many of us rush through the Christmas season, distracted by all the activities and preparations. It’s easy to look back at Christmases past or to look forward to the future, but Jesus came to be with us right now. The sermon encourages us to be present in this moment with the God who is not distant but near. Jesus came to dwell among us, to be with us here and now.

Devotional Thought: As you go through the busyness of this season, take moments to pause and remind yourself of God’s presence in the present. Christmas is not just a historical event to look back on—it’s a present reality to experience. When you sing carols, decorate your home, or share meals with loved ones, do it with the awareness that the God who made the universe is right there with you. Let His presence infuse your ordinary moments with extraordinary meaning.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we celebrate Your birth this Christmas season, help us to see beyond the nativity scene and recognize You as the eternal, divine Son of God who stepped into our world to bring light and salvation. May we not only remember what You did, but experience You in our lives right now. We invite You into our hearts, our homes, and our lives today. Thank You for the divine invasion that brought us into relationship with You. May we receive You with open hearts, and live out the joy, peace, and hope You came to bring. Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Here are some discussion questions based on the sermon "Breaking Through the Curtain: What Jesus Did for Us at Christmas":

1. The Divine Invasion of Christmas

The sermon described Christmas as a "Divine Invasion" where God entered time and space to dwell among us. What does this concept of God’s “invasion” mean to you personally? How does it affect the way you view the Christmas story?

How do you respond to the idea that the eternal Son of God chose to enter our world in such a humble and intimate way—through the birth of a baby? How does this change the way you see Christmas?

2. The Eternal Nature of Christ

The sermon emphasized that Jesus existed before time and created all things (John 1:1-3). How does understanding that Jesus is eternal impact the way you think about His role in your life?

What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is the Creator of all things and yet chose to be born as a human being? How does this alter your perspective on the significance of His birth?

3. Experiencing God's Presence in Our Darkness

The sermon talked about how Jesus brought light into the darkness of humanity (John 1:5). Are there areas in your life where you feel darkness or difficulty? How does the light of Christ bring hope and comfort in these moments?

How can we actively invite the light of Christ into our lives when we experience struggles, doubts, or fears during the Christmas season?

4. Relationship with God Through Jesus

The preacher highlighted that through Jesus, we are offered the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13). What does it mean to you to be called a child of God? How does this relationship change the way you approach God?

How does the grace of God, through faith in Jesus, allow us to relate to God in a personal and transformative way? How is this different from following external rules or rituals?

5. Living in the Present with God

The sermon pointed out how we often look back at past Christmases or forward to future ones, but we may neglect God’s presence in our current lives. How can we be more intentional about experiencing God in the "now" during the Christmas season?

What are some practical ways to invite Jesus into our present moments, whether we are busy, stressed, or distracted by the season?

6. Receiving Jesus Today

One of the key points in the sermon was the call to receive Jesus, not just as a past event but as an ongoing invitation into our lives. How do you personally “receive” Jesus each day? What does that look like for you?

Is there any area of your life where you need to re-open your heart to Jesus this Christmas? How can you intentionally make room for Him in your life today?

7. The Timelessness of God

The sermon discussed how God is the “Great Antecedent,” the eternal, unchanging One who was present at the beginning of everything. How does this understanding of God’s timelessness give you peace, especially in a world that is constantly changing?

How can we find comfort in knowing that God, who is eternal, is with us both in the past and in the future, but also in our present circumstances?

8. Reflecting on the Mystery of the Incarnation

The concept of the eternal Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) is a profound mystery. How does this mystery shape your worship and understanding of who Jesus is?

How does knowing that Jesus, as God incarnate, came to live among us help you relate to Him in a more personal and intimate way?

9. God’s Answer to Our Deepest Need

The sermon emphasized that at Christmas, God looked down and saw humanity’s deepest need—Himself. What does this truth mean for your life, especially when facing personal struggles or challenges?

How can we respond to God’s gift of Himself more fully this Christmas season?

10. Applying the Message of Christmas

How can we share the message of the "Divine Invasion" with others who may not fully understand the significance of Jesus coming into the world? What does it look like to make this truth known to those around us during Christmas?

How can you live out the implications of Christmas, that God has entered into our world to bring light, truth, and grace, in a way that impacts your relationships, community, and actions?

These questions aim to prompt personal reflection, group discussion, and application of the key themes from the sermon. They can help deepen the understanding of Christmas as a "Divine Invasion" and lead to a richer, more transformative experience of the season.