The Journey, An Online Worship Experience
Unwrapping Christmas
Discover the true meaning of Christmas with our message series, Unwrapping Christmas. Together, we’ll explore the deeper gifts of the season—hope, love, peace, and joy—found in the birth of Jesus. Join us as we reflect on these timeless truths and how they can transform our lives this Christmas and beyond.
The Gift of Love
Welcome
We are so glad you’re here. Today, we’ll reflect on The Gift of Love as revealed in John 3:16—a verse that captures the heart of the Gospel. Let’s prepare our hearts to experience God’s love together.
Whether you’re joining us from your living room or on the go, we’re so glad you’re here to worship with us. Let’s begin by reading and reflecting on God's word and then a moment with our Heavenly Father.
Scripture Reading: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16
Reflection Point:
This passage reveals the depth of God's love—sacrificial, unconditional, and redemptive. It's not just a historical truth; it’s a personal invitation to each of us
Prayer Prompt: Embracing the Gift of Love
Take a quiet moment to center yourself in God’s presence. Reflect on John 3:16 and allow its words to settle in your heart. Use the following prompts to guide your prayer:
Thanksgiving: Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your one and only Son for my salvation. I praise You for the gift of eternal life and the assurance of Your presence.
Confession: Father, I confess that I don’t always live in the light of Your love. Forgive me for the times I’ve doubted Your love or withheld love from others.
Petition: Jesus, help me to fully embrace the depth of Your love. Teach me to walk in that love daily and to share it with those around me.
Commitment: Holy Spirit, guide me to be an instrument of love in my words, actions, and relationships. Show me practical ways to reflect Your love this week.
End with a moment of silence, listening for God’s voice and resting in His love. Conclude by saying:
"Thank You, Lord, for Your gift of love. I trust in You and surrender my heart to You. Amen."
As We Move into Message and Song...
John 3:16 is a timeless declaration of God’s love, revealing the depth of His sacrifice and His desire for everyone to experience eternal life through faith in Jesus. This message explores the transformative power of God’s unconditional love, a love so great that it gave us hope and salvation. To complement this message, we reflect through worship with songs like Reckless Love by Cory Asbury and O Holy Night by Chris Tomlin with CeCe Winans.
Worship Music and Message
Worship Song: Reckless Love
"Reckless Love" is a powerful anthem that celebrates the boundless, unrelenting love of God. Written by Cory Asbury, the song captures the essence of a love so profound that it defies logic, pursuing us despite our flaws and failures. Rooted in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), it highlights God's willingness to leave the ninety-nine to rescue the one. This moving declaration reminds us that His love is extravagant, sacrificial, and deeply personal.
Message: The Gift of Love
Pastor Chris’ message, The Gift of Love, invites us to reflect on the greatest gift ever given—God’s love through Jesus Christ. Rooted in Scripture, this message explores the depth, selflessness, and transformational power of divine love. As we journey through this teaching, we’ll be reminded that God’s love is not just a sentiment but a life-changing gift that calls us to love others boldly. Discover how this gift brings hope, healing, and purpose to all.
Worship Song: O Holy Night
"O Holy Night" is a cherished Christmas carol that beautifully captures the wonder and reverence of Christ's birth. Written in the 19th century, its lyrics reflect on the transformative power of Jesus entering the world, bringing hope and salvation to humanity. With themes of divine love, redemption, and peace, the song inspires worship and awe. Its soaring melody and heartfelt message invite us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the holy night when heaven touched earth.
Call to Action and Closing Blessing
Call to Action and Reflection
Personal Reflection: Have you fully embraced the gift of God’s love in your life? How does this love shape the way you live and love others?" Take a moment to journal your feelings.
Prayer of Response: Take a moment to pray this prayer to receive or reaffirm your commitment to God’s love. Example: "Lord Jesus, I believe You are the gift of love from the Father. Thank You for dying for my sins and giving me eternal life. Help me to live in Your love and share it with others. Amen."
Practical Application: Take a moment this week to:
1. Love through Kindness – Find simple, practical ways to show kindness to those around you. It could be offering a kind word to a stranger, helping someone in need, or simply being patient with the people you encounter in everyday life.
2. Love through Forgiveness – Christmas is a time of reconciliation. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Maybe a family member, a friend, or even yourself. Let God’s love soften your heart so that you can extend the same grace He’s given to you.
3. Love through Service – Love isn’t just words—it’s action. Look for ways to serve others this Christmas. It could be volunteering at a local charity, giving to those in need, or simply being there for someone who is going through a tough time.
4. Love the Difficult– Let’s be real: some people are hard to love. But Jesus calls us to love even those who challenge us. This Christmas, ask God to give you the strength to love the difficult people in your life, not just in theory, but in practical, tangible ways.
Closing Blessing
As we close, receive this blessing:
May the love of God, which surpasses all understanding, fill your hearts and minds this week. May you embrace the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, as the foundation of your hope and joy. Go forth in the strength of His love, reflecting it in your words and actions, that others may see His light through you.
May the peace of Christ reign in your heart, the grace of God sustain you, and the Holy Spirit guide you in every step.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace. Amen.
Thank You:
"Thank you for joining us today! Don’t forget to share this service with someone who might need encouragement, and we’ll see you next week as we continue our series. Have a blessed week!"
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