Grace and Truth: All Glory to Jesus | What a Service!
This past Sunday, our Rhema South Coast Family Church was packed! From the main hall to the overflow outside, the Christmas spirit was tangible. The worship team set the tone with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Silent Night, and The First Noel had us all praising. But when Drummer Boy began, the beat electrified the room, igniting a Holy Spirit-filled atmosphere.
The set ended fittingly with Gratitude, leaving hearts full of thanksgiving. Before the service even started, Ron moved us all with his rendition of the Phil Wickham song, ‘Manger Throne’. What a start to Christmas Day!
The Greatest Gift | The Word Became Flesh
What makes Christmas truly “merry”? It’s the gift of Jesus, Emmanuel—God with us. His presence is the source of the joy in Joy to the World and the “merry” in Merry Christmas.
Pastor Larry reminded us why we celebrate: John 1:14 NKJV says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
Christmas is about God stepping into our world, fully human and fully divine. The greatest gift ever given wasn’t wrapped in gold or silk but swaddled in cloth and laid in a manger.
Missed the Christmas Day message? Watch the full sermon here: Christmas – Grace and Truth – Ps Larry – Rhema South Coast Family.
Christmas Grace and Truth in Action
We often associate grace with blessings, but Pastor Larry showed us how grace transforms lives. Grace isn’t just about receiving forgiveness; it’s about walking in the truth that Jesus is with us. Grace empowers us to overcome darkness. As John 1:5 NKJV reminds us, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
The truth? Jesus is the unchangeable King of Kings, no matter how the world commercializes or opposes His message. Our challenge this Christmas season is to stay focused on Him and let His light shine through us.
Gifts Beyond Measure
Pastor Larry shared John 1:16-17 NKJV: “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” This verse reminds us that God’s gifts are immeasurable—peace, joy, strength, and fulfillment. These gifts far outweigh anything found under the tree.
He emphasised that the Holy Spirit is the difference between a shallow celebration and a meaningful one. Without the Spirit, carols, decorations, and greetings feel hollow. But where the Spirit is present, there is power—power to bless, heal, restore, and bring salvation.
Lessons from the Wilderness
Even Jesus experienced the wilderness. Pastor Larry encouraged us to see the wilderness not as punishment but as preparation. It’s in our valleys that we grow closer to God. When we look to Jesus, as revealed in Scripture, we are renewed and strengthened.
Eight Ways the Word Impacts Our Lives
- Faith: Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” The Word reignites our faith when we feel weak.
- Salvation: James 1:18 reminds us we are “born again by the Word of truth.”
- Nourishment: Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.”
- Illumination: Psalm 119:130 declares, “The entrance of Your words gives light.”
- Healing: Psalm 107:20 reveals, “He sent His word and healed them.”
- Victory: Psalm 119:11 teaches, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
- Sanctification: Ephesians 5:26 says the Word “sanctifies and cleanses.”
- A Mirror: James 1:23-25 describes the Word as a mirror, showing us who we are in Christ.
Living Christmas Grace and Truth
This Christmas, let’s reimagine how we live out Christmas grace and truth. Take time daily to reflect on God’s Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and prayers. Share His love by being a light in someone’s life. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply a smile, let Jesus’ grace flow through you.
A Christmas Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus, full of grace and truth. Help us to walk in Your light and share Your love with others this season. May Your Word continue to nourish, heal, and guide us. Let this Christmas be a time of reflection and renewal in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Year-End Photos
Check out memories from our year-end function: Year-End Function Photos.
