Christmas Prayer and Giving: Honoring Christ Through Selflessness

Certainly! I'd be delighted to craft an interactive sermon on prayer, weaving in festive Christmas spirit, along with a helpful sermon outline for you.

Brothers and sisters, friends, and dear children, as we gather during this special season, our hearts are filled with a peculiar joy and a sense of expectation. The air itself seems to hum with ancient carols and the spirit of giving. Yet, as we stand on the threshold of this holiday time, a profound question echoes in the chambers of our souls: How shall we truly honor the One whose birth we commemorate, the One who gave Himself for us? Our focus today is on the power of earnest prayer and consecrated giving, especially during this season, so that we may genuinely embrace the spirit of Christ and advance His kingdom.

🎁 The Richest Gift: A Children's Story

Once upon a time, as Christmas drew near, there lived a boy named Samuel who loved to play with toy boats. He had seen a beautiful new sailboat in the shop window, and he dreamed of receiving it as a Christmas gift. His sister, Leah, loved to draw and had been saving her dimes for a new set of colored pencils. Their parents talked about what they would get each other, and the children shared their wishes.

One evening, their pastor spoke about the needs of children in far-off lands who had never heard about Jesus. He said that often, during the holiday season, people spent much money on things that were "not only useless but often hurtful," or on gifts for those who didn't truly need themPaM 261.2+1. He suggested that if the money usually devoted to these objects were brought into the mission treasury, "our foreign missions would be lifted above embarrassment"PaM 261.2. He even mentioned that our churches could have "Christmas trees on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship"EGWSROCHG 9.5.

Samuel and Leah listened intently. That night, Samuel thought about his sailboat, and Leah thought about her pencils. But they also thought about the children who didn't know Jesus. The next day, they talked to their parents. Samuel decided that his money, which he was saving for the sailboat, should go to the missions instead. Leah, too, chose to put her pencil money into the offering. Their parents, seeing their children's selfless spirit, decided to do the same with what they had planned for costly giftsRH December 15, 1885, par. 1. That Christmas, their church had a tree, not for amusement, but laden with offerings for God's causeAH 482.2+2. Samuel and Leah understood that the truest joy came not from receiving, but from giving to advance the work of the LordEGWSROCHG 4.6+1. They had presented the "golden and silver fruit of your beneficence" to GodAH 482.2.

🙏 The Spirit of Earnest Prayer: A Divine Connection

My friends, this spirit of giving is born from a deeper connection, a connection found in earnest prayer. We know that God desires to impart the influence of the Holy Spirit to those who seek for it1888 775.4. There are times when an "unusual spirit of prayer" descends upon us, and as we pray, the Holy Ghost falls, making us "very happy," lost to earthly things, and "wrapped up in a vision of God's glory"ExV 15.3+1. This is the promise for all who seek Him with unity of desire1888 775.4.

To truly know God's will, we must "cherish a spirit of prayer, a breathing out of the soul to God at all times and in all places"4T 443.1. The Holy Spirit is not merely a historical event; God longs to impart a "constant supply of the refreshing waters of life for the refreshment and health of the church"1888 775.4. Yet, how many of us "do not cultivate the spirit and habit of prayer" and thus "cannot expect to receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, love"RH March 2, 1897, par. 11? We need spiritual power, self-sacrifice, and a profound "spirit of prayer"3LtMs, Lt 11, 1878, par. 17. We must constantly lay hold of souls ready to perish with one hand, "while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God"SpM 89.2. This is a vital work, mingled with genuine faith to save from ruinSpM 89.2.

Let us now take a moment to sing a hymn that expresses our longing for the Holy Spirit and a deeper prayer life.

🎄 Christmas: A Season for Consecrated Giving and Divine Love

This holiday season, the world proclaims, "Christmas is coming!" and it is a "period of general rejoicing, of great gladness"EGWSROCHG 1.1. Yet, when the world celebrates, "they show no honor to Christ"EGWSROCHG 1.1. They focus on the day but not on the One for whom the day is celebrated, Jesus ChristEGWSROCHG 1.1.

The Contrast: Worldly Customs vs. God's Purpose

Thousands of dollars are needlessly spent every year in gifts to each other, a "means lost to God, lost to His cause"EGWSROCHG 4.1+1. These practices often gratify vanity, encourage pride, and can even lead to "dissatisfaction, murmuring, and complaints" because gifts are not what was desired or expectedEGWSROCHG 4.1+1. Such expenditures are for "idols to please the fancy and engage the affections of our friends, to the neglect of our best Friend"RH December 15, 1885, par. 1. It is a sad truth that gifts and offerings that ought to find their way into the Lord's treasury have often been "diverted into human channels"8LtMs, Lt 59, 1893, par. 9.

Instead, we are called to a "decided reform in regard to these festal days"EGWSROCHG 7.3. How can we more appropriately celebrate the coming Christmas, or "better express our gratitude to God for the gift of His dear Son, than by offerings to send to all the world the tidings of His soon coming"PaM 261.2? Every dollar and dime we can spare is "needed now, to aid in carrying the message of truth to other lands"PaM 261.2.

The Transformed Christmas Tree

We are asked, "Shall we have a Christmas tree? Will it not be like the world?"EGWSROCHG 9.5. The answer is clear: "You can make it like the world if you have a disposition to do so, or you can make it as unlike the world as possible"EGWSROCHG 9.5. There is no particular sin in an evergreen placed in our churchesEGWSROCHG 9.5+1. However, "the sin lies in the motive which prompts the actions and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree"EGWSROCHG 9.5.

Let your Christmas tree be "dedicated to God," its boughs "laden with offerings for Christ"ST December 8, 1887, par. 16. Let it bear the "golden and silver fruit of your beneficence," presented to Him as your Christmas giftAH 482.2+1. These donations, sanctified by prayer, can be applied to "removing the debts from our houses of worship" or supporting our vital "foreign missions"EGWSROCHG 9.5+5. Shall we not "consecrate to God not merely a part but all our holiday gifts for the relief of His cause, which is in so great need"PaM 261.2?

I invite you to ponder: "What say you, brethren? Think on these things. The Lord loveth a cheerful giver; and how much do you prize his love?"MMM 412.23.

The Matchless Gift of Christ

Ultimately, the Christmas season reminds us of the "richest gifts Christ has given to the world in Himself, that the world through Him might not perish but have eternal life"6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 36. God "poured out to us all Heaven in one gift" when He gave us His SonST December 8, 1887, par. 16. What an "infinite sacrifice to save fallen man"8LtMs, Lt 59, 1893, par. 9! How can we respond? The most precious gift of all, "is that of giving Him your heart without any reserve"6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 36. Let us give Jesus our whole heart, "for Him to write His image and superscription upon it"6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 36.

Let us lift our voices in a carol that celebrates the birth and sacrifice of our Savior.

🚶‍♀️ Practical Godliness: Living the Message

The spirit of Christmas, rightly understood, calls us to "true service [that] makes believers self-denying and self-sacrificing"17MR 43.2+1. This leads to individual holiness and consecration, abounding "in works of benevolence to the uplifting of others"17MR 43.2+1.

Honesty, Restitution, and Generosity

This commitment to God is not merely theoretical; it is intensely practical. We must deal honestly with our neighbors and with God. Some have confessed their sins of withholding tithes and offerings, making restitution and giving notes for significant sums to the Lord's treasury, specifically for missions3MR 189.4+2. This is a profound act of courage and repentance, demonstrating a return to God's ways3MR 189.4+2.

The Sabbath: A Delight and a Standard of Character

As we consider practical godliness, we must remember the "royal law" and the "standard by which to measure character" (implicit from sermon rules). The Lord has revealed great truths applicable to our time, and the Sabbath stands as a crucial test. We are called to "turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words" Isaiah 58:135MR 45.1+3. When we do this, we "shall delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it" Isaiah 58:145MR 45.1+3. This demonstrates a deep consecration, not only on one day but in all aspects of our lives17MR 43.2+1.

Unity, Not Discord

Finally, let us remember that the "spirit of prayer will actuate every believer, and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife"PH120 17.3. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another, and "the barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God's servants will speak the same things"PH120 17.3.

🌟 The Cross of Calvary: Our Central Hope

Dear friends, "the science of salvation should be the burden of every sermon" (implicit from sermon rules). Jesus must be "lifted higher and higher" so that sinners are convicted and know what to do to be saved (implicit from sermon rules). The "cross of Calvary should be plainly and repeatedly emphasized as the life-healing balm that reveals virtue" (implicit from sermon rules).

It is a profound mystery, one into which angels have earnestly longed to look, that "man, fallen, deceived by Satan," can be "conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God" (implicit from sermon rules). Because of "the righteousness of Christ given to man, God will love man—fallen but redeemed—even as He loved His Son" (implicit from sermon rules). This is the "mystery of godliness" (implicit from sermon rules). Christ is the "sin-pardoner," and His birth brought the "Redeemer, the Star of Bethlehem"10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 21+1. He is "he who could save to the uttermost all who come unto him"RH December 9, 1884, par. 2.

💖 An Appeal: What Will You Do?

As this holiday season is now upon us, and another year draws to a close, let us make these "festal days opportunities in which to bring to God our offerings"EGWSROCHG 9.5. The Lord loves a cheerful giverMMM 412.23.

Will you, this Christmas, make a "break here" from worldly customs and see "thousands of dollars flowing into the treasury, that God's storehouse may not be empty"EGWSROCHG 4.6? Will you take the means you have "usually bestowed upon one another" and place it in the Lord's treasury, specifically for "our foreign missions"RH December 9, 1884, par. 9+1? Will you forgo "the selfish outlay of means in these coming holidays" for Christ's sake, creating "a most precious record of self-denial" in heavenRH December 9, 1884, par. 9?

The Lord is calling upon us. Let us not "neglect the fields at our own doors," but let us remember those "in still greater darkness and destitution"ST December 8, 1887, par. 10. Let us give with an "overflowing heart, with gratitude and joy because of Christ's matchless love"ST December 8, 1887, par. 16. Teach your children "the blessedness of doing for Christ" by your exampleST December 8, 1887, par. 16.

"The night comes, when no man can work" John 9:4. "What are you going to do?" (implicit from sermon rules). Let us consecrate our hearts to God, not holding back any reserve6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 36. Let us cultivate that spirit of earnest prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's powerSpM 89.2+1. Let this Christmas be "such a Christmas as Heaven can approve"RH December 9, 1884, par. 9.

Let us stand and sing a hymn of consecration, dedicating our lives and our gifts anew to our Savior.

Heavenly Father, as we conclude this season of reflection and remembrance, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will impress upon our hearts the truths we have considered. Help us to be faithful in prayer, generous in giving, and unwavering in our devotion. May our lives truly honor Christ, our greatest gift. Amen.

Here is the sermon outline:

How to Truly Honor Christ: Earnest Prayer and Consecrated Giving

Introduction

• Special season brings peculiar joy and expectation.
• Central question: How shall we truly honor Christ, whose birth we commemorate and who gave Himself for us?
• Focus: The power of earnest prayer and consecrated giving to embrace the spirit of Christ and advance His kingdom.

The Richest Gift: A Children's Story

• Samuel and Leah's Christmas wishes:
  • Samuel desired a toy sailboat.
  • Leah desired new colored pencils.
• Pastor's message:
  • Spoke about children in far-off lands who hadn't heard about Jesus.
  • Criticized spending on useless/hurtful gifts or gifts for those who don't need them.
  • Suggested directing money to mission treasury to lift foreign missions.
  • Mentioned "Christmas trees" with offerings for houses of worship.
• Children's transformation:
  • Samuel and Leah decide to give their savings to missions.
  • Parents follow their children's selfless example.
• Church's transformed Christmas:
  • The church's Christmas tree was laden with offerings for God's cause, not for amusement.
  • Samuel and Leah found true joy in giving to advance the Lord's work.
  • They presented "golden and silver fruit of your beneficence" to God.

The Spirit of Earnest Prayer: A Divine Connection

• God's desire for the Holy Spirit:
  • God desires to impart the influence of the Holy Spirit to those who seek it.
  • Experience an "unusual spirit of prayer" where the Holy Ghost falls, bringing joy and a vision of God's glory.
  • This is promised to all who seek Him with unity of desire.
• Cultivating prayer:
  • We must "cherish a spirit of prayer, a breathing out of the soul to God at all times and in all places."
  • God longs to impart a "constant supply of the refreshing waters of life."
  • Many fail to cultivate prayer and thus miss the "golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, love."
  • We need spiritual power, self-sacrifice, and a profound "spirit of prayer."
• The work of faith and prayer:
  • Constantly lay hold of perishing souls with one hand, "while with the hand of faith they lay hold of the throne of God."
  • This is vital work, mingled with genuine faith.
• Hymn for prayer life.

Christmas: A Season for Consecrated Giving and Divine Love

• Worldly celebration vs. Christ's honor:
  • The world celebrates Christmas with "general rejoicing, of great gladness," but often shows "no honor to Christ."
  • Focus is on the day, not on Jesus Christ.

The Contrast: Worldly Customs vs. God's Purpose

• Misdirected spending:
  • Thousands are needlessly spent on gifts for each other, "means lost to God, lost to His cause."
  • Such practices gratify vanity, encourage pride, and can lead to dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations.
  • Expenditures are for "idols to please the fancy" while neglecting our "best Friend."
  • Offerings for the Lord's treasury are often "diverted into human channels."
• Call for reform:
  • We are called to a "decided reform in regard to these festal days."
  • How can we better express gratitude for Christ than by sending offerings to spread the news of His coming?
  • Every dollar and dime is "needed now" for truth to other lands.

The Transformed Christmas Tree

• Questioning the Christmas tree:
  • "Shall we have a Christmas tree? Will it not be like the world?"
  • Answer: It can be made like or unlike the world based on disposition.
  • No sin in an evergreen in churches; "the sin lies in the motive... and the use which is made of the gifts."
• Purpose of the transformed tree:
  • Let your Christmas tree be "dedicated to God," laden with offerings for Christ.
  • Let it bear the "golden and silver fruit of your beneficence" as a gift to God.
  • Donations, sanctified by prayer, can remove church debts or support foreign missions.
  • Call to consecrate "not merely a part but all our holiday gifts" for God's cause.
• Invitation to ponder: "What say you, brethren? Think on these things. The Lord loveth a cheerful giver; and how much do you prize his love?"

The Matchless Gift of Christ

• Christ's ultimate gift:
  • Christmas reminds us of Christ's "richest gifts in Himself, that the world through Him might not perish but have eternal life."
  • God "poured out to us all Heaven in one gift" – His Son, an "infinite sacrifice."
• Our response:
  • The most precious gift is "giving Him your heart without any reserve."
  • Give Jesus our whole heart "for Him to write His image and superscription upon it."
• Carol of celebration.

Practical Godliness: Living the Message

• True service:
  • The spirit of Christmas calls us to "true service [that] makes believers self-denying and self-sacrificing."
  • This leads to individual holiness, consecration, and works of benevolence.

Honesty, Restitution, and Generosity

• Practical commitment:
  • Deal honestly with neighbors and God.
  • Examples of confessing withheld tithes and offerings, making restitution, and giving to missions.
  • Profound acts of courage and repentance, returning to God's ways.

The Sabbath: A Delight and a Standard of Character

• Royal law and character standard:
  • The Sabbath is a crucial test of character.
  • Isaiah 58:13-14: "Turn away thy foot from the sabbath... call the sabbath a delight... honor Him, not doing thine own ways... then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord."
  • Demonstrates deep consecration in all aspects of life.

Unity, Not Discord

• Prayer brings unity:
  • The "spirit of prayer will actuate every believer, and will banish from the church the spirit of discord and strife."
  • Believers will draw close, barriers will break down, and God's servants will speak the same things.

The Cross of Calvary: Our Central Hope

• The burden of every sermon:
  • The science of salvation and lifting Jesus higher to convict sinners.
  • The cross of Calvary emphasized as the life-healing balm.
• Mystery of godliness:
  • Fallen man conformed to the image of God's Son.
  • Through Christ's righteousness, God loves redeemed man as He loves His Son.
  • Christ is the "sin-pardoner," the "Redeemer, the Star of Bethlehem," who can save to the uttermost.

An Appeal: What Will You Do?

• Call to action for the holiday season:
  • Make these "festal days opportunities in which to bring to God our offerings."
  • "The Lord loves a cheerful giver."
• Specific challenges:
  • Make a "break here" from worldly customs, allowing "thousands of dollars flowing into the treasury."
  • Place means usually "bestowed upon one another" into the Lord's treasury for "foreign missions."
  • Forgo "selfish outlay of means" for Christ's sake, creating a "precious record of self-denial."
• Broader calling:
  • Don't neglect local fields, but remember those "in still greater darkness and destitution."
  • Give with an "overflowing heart, with gratitude and joy because of Christ's matchless love."
  • Teach children the "blessedness of doing for Christ" by example.
• Urgency:
  • "The night comes, when no man can work" John 9:4.
  • "What are you going to do?"
  • Consecrate hearts to God without reserve.
  • Cultivate earnest prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's power.
  • Make this Christmas "such a Christmas as Heaven can approve."
• Hymn of consecration.
• Closing prayer.