Series Details
Such intriguing scenes fill the biblical pages recounting the Christmas miracle! That’s why we have a season every year to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this year’s holiday series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey to visit some of those scenes—from peeking behind the curtain into the divine council of eternity past to traveling 90 miles with Mary and Joseph to listening in on God’s voice in the cry of a baby. We’ll linger at each one and simply let in all the wonder.
Chuck Swindoll’s 2020 holiday messages are not available for sale but you may listen to them through streaming in our Broadcast Library or on the Insight app.
The biblical account of the Christmas miracle is filled with intriguing scenes that invite us to slow down and wonder. In this series, Chuck Swindoll takes us on a journey through these moments—from the divine council in eternity past to the long road to Bethlehem. We witness the troubled romance of Mary and Joseph, listen for God’s voice in the cry of a newborn baby, and reflect on what is worth forgetting and remembering as we face a new year. These messages are designed to help us linger in the wonder of the Savior’s arrival and the plan of salvation.
Let’s Start Before the Beginning
Sermon Summary Christmas did not begin with an angel in Nazareth; it began in the heart of God before the world was created. This message peeks behind the curtain into the “divine council” of eternity past, where the Triune God planned creation and the salvation of humanity. We learn that the Son’s mission to become human was an intentional, preordained act of love, ensuring that our redemption was settled before time even began.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Eternal Plan: Understanding that Christ’s birth was part of a sovereign, ancient design.
- Pre-existence of Christ: Recognizing Jesus’ role in the Godhead before the Incarnation.
- Sovereign Love: How God’s plan for salvation preceded human history.
Let’s Witness a Troubled Romance in Nazareth
Sermon Summary Behind the serene images of our Nativity sets lies a story of real-life tension and “troubled romance.” This message explores the emotional and social upheaval Mary and Joseph faced. We see a young couple navigating the scandal of an unexplained pregnancy with quiet integrity and remarkable faith. Their story reminds us that God often works through difficult and confusing circumstances to accomplish His greatest miracles.
Key Facts & Themes
- Faith in Scandal: The courage required to trust God when reputations are at stake.
- Mary and Joseph’s Integrity: How obedience overshadowed their personal fears.
- The Ordinary and the Extraordinary: God using common people for His divine purposes.
Let’s Hear God’s Voice in a Baby’s Cry
Sermon Summary In the most humble and unlikely of places—a manger—God spoke. This message invites us to listen for the voice of the Almighty in the cry of the infant Jesus. Chuck discusses the profound paradox of the “Word made flesh,” arriving as a vulnerable baby to reconcile the world to Himself. We learn that God’s greatest message was not delivered in thunder, but in the soft, human sounds of a newborn.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Incarnation: Reflecting on the “Word made flesh” dwelling among us.
- The Paradox of Power: How God used vulnerability to conquer sin.
- Divine Communication: Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s love.
Christ Is Born to Save
Sermon Summary The purpose of the manger was always the cross. This message focuses on the core mission of Christmas: salvation. Chuck explores the angelic announcement to the shepherds, emphasizing that the “Good News of great joy” is centered on the birth of a Savior. We see that Christ was born specifically to address the deepest human need—the forgiveness of sins and restoration to the Father.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Mission of the Manger: Connecting the birth of Christ to His sacrificial death.
- Good News for All: Why the message of salvation is universal in its reach.
- Personal Savior: Understanding what it means to accept the gift of Christ.
Here’s Something Worth Forgetting
Sermon Summary As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is vital to identify what we should leave behind. This message addresses the weight of past failures, grudges, and regrets that hinder our spiritual progress. Chuck encourages us to exercise the “grace of forgetting,” letting go of the things that God has already forgiven so we can press forward with a light heart and a renewed focus on the future.
Key Facts & Themes
- Releasing the Past: The spiritual benefit of letting go of regrets and grievances.
- Forgiving as God Forgives: Applying the “grace of forgetting” to ourselves and others.
- New Year Focus: Preparing for the future by unburdening ourselves of the past.
Here’s Something Worth Remembering
Sermon Summary While some things should be forgotten, others are too precious to lose. The series concludes with a focus on the essential truths we must carry into the new year. Chuck discusses the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, His promises, and His constant presence. By anchoring our memories in the character of God, we find the stability and courage needed to face whatever the upcoming year may bring.
Key Facts & Themes
- Stones of Remembrance: Practical ways to keep God’s faithfulness at the forefront of our minds.
- Anchoring in Truth: Using biblical memories to stabilize our current emotions.
- Spiritual Continuity: Why remembering the past is key to navigating the future.
