A description of the course that explains what you will learn and how it will help you grow closer to Jesus
4 lessons
4 lessons
4 lessons
Every verse in the Bible teaches us to love God and others
Have you ever felt like the spirit of Christmas gets co-opted by familiar stories of sparking lights, dazzling decorations on Christmas trees, and piles of gifts? Yet during this season, we also revisit stories of true worship, like the Magi visiting Jesus.
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that wise men from the east undertook a dangerous journey to worship Jesus after his birth. Even to get back home required them to avoid being found by the treacherous Herod and his soldiers. But their testimony was soon forgotten and displaced by greater concerns: who is the rightful ruler of Israel?
As Jesus' reputation grew, an expert of the law attempted to discredit Jesus by asking an impossible question: What's the greatest commandment? Jesus not only disarmed him with a brilliant answer, but he gave us the key to unlocking the meaning of Advent.
Jesus explained that the greatest commandments are to love God and one another. Then, he declared that all the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments (see Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18, and Matthew 22:34-40).
So what's at the heart of Christmas? According to Jesus, even the story of his birth is explained by the two greatest commandments. The Magi demonstrated these commitments by joyfully offering their very best to Jesus and his family.
And when you see Jesus in the manger, what does it mean? Is it a heartwarming message about the joy of families gathering together? No, he's showing us the perfect example of devotion to God and love for us.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
Whatever Advent story you're reading, Jesus makes it simple: every verse in the Bible is there to teach us, in one way or another, to love God and love others.
Matthew 22:37-40
He said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands."
What was difficult about the Magi's journey to worship Jesus? Would you be willing to go on a similar journey?
What traditions make it hard to remember the true meaning of Christmas?
Create a new family tradition that embodies the message of Christmas—loving God and loving others.
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