Christmas Joy | Luke 2:1-20
Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year.” And yet, it’s so wonderful we can easily miss the point. We say, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but what does how we celebrate Christmas reveal about what we believe about Christmas?
Christmas is wonderful because Jesus’ birth is good news of great joy that our promised Savior, King, and Lord has arrived. That’s what we remember and celebrate on Christmas.
Caesar Augustus was the first emperor (king) of Rome (27 BC – 14 AD). His reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana (200 years of Roman Peace). Consequently, he was seen as the “savior” of Rome. Additionally, he was Julius Caesar’s adopted son. When Julius was deified, Augustus was considered “the son of god.” Then, he, too, would be worshipped as “lord.” In other words, Caesar Augustus was knows as the savior, king, and lord of Rome.
It is in this context that God sends Jesus to take on our humanity through a virginal conception and birth. This is the message of Christmas. It is a message of great joy because, while Augustus brought about 200 years of peace, Jesus’s rule promises everlasting peace. Jesus is the true Savior, King, and Lord. This is the message of Christmas, and it is good new of great joy.
Where are you looking for peace? Who are you running to for salvation? What are you rooting your joy in? Earthly leaders, governments, organizations, and institutions can only offer temporary peace. We long for lasting peace. Everlasting peace. So, root your joy in the ONLY ONE who saves and brings everlasting peace: Jesus our promised Savior, King, and Lord.
Christmas is wonderful because Jesus’ birth is good news of great joy that our promised Savior, King, and Lord has arrived. That’s what we remember and celebrate on Christmas.
Caesar Augustus was the first emperor (king) of Rome (27 BC – 14 AD). His reign marked the beginning of the Pax Romana (200 years of Roman Peace). Consequently, he was seen as the “savior” of Rome. Additionally, he was Julius Caesar’s adopted son. When Julius was deified, Augustus was considered “the son of god.” Then, he, too, would be worshipped as “lord.” In other words, Caesar Augustus was knows as the savior, king, and lord of Rome.
It is in this context that God sends Jesus to take on our humanity through a virginal conception and birth. This is the message of Christmas. It is a message of great joy because, while Augustus brought about 200 years of peace, Jesus’s rule promises everlasting peace. Jesus is the true Savior, King, and Lord. This is the message of Christmas, and it is good new of great joy.
- Jesus is the firstborn son of Mary – the virgin birth teaches us that Jesus is truly human (vv.6-7).
- He was the first to be born of Mary. She would have other children, and Jesus would have other brothers and sisters.
- He had to be swaddled. Jesus was born as a baby with the same needs as any baby born at that time.
- Jesus is the Savior of the World – the virgin birth teaches us that God’s salvation is by grace.
- Christmas reveals God’s heart – he is full of grace.
- We deserve judgment. Instead, he offers salvation through his Son.
- Jesus is the King of the Jews – the virgin birth teaches us that Jesus uniquely fulfills prophecy.
- The Jews were awaiting a Messiah – an anointed king – who would restore them to glory.
- Jesus uniquely fulfills all promises of a king from David’s line. He is the KEY to understanding God’s promises in the Old Testament.
- Jesus is God the Son in the Flesh – the virgin birth teaches us that Jesus is fully God.
- As we confess in the Nicene Creed, Jesus is the God-man.
- Christmas reveals God’s wisdom: In Jesus, God has visited his people to save and rule over them with justice and righteousness, thereby bringing everlasting peace.
Where are you looking for peace? Who are you running to for salvation? What are you rooting your joy in? Earthly leaders, governments, organizations, and institutions can only offer temporary peace. We long for lasting peace. Everlasting peace. So, root your joy in the ONLY ONE who saves and brings everlasting peace: Jesus our promised Savior, King, and Lord.
Women’s Christmas Brunch Thank You!
We had a wonderful Women’s Christmas Brunch this past Saturday. Aimee Barnes gave a powerful witness to the Lord’s sovereign faithfulness in her life. To listen to that testimony, click HERE.
We want to say a special thank you to the Women’s Ministry Team for the ongoing faithfulness in serving the women of High Pointe. The Women’s Christmas Brunch is one of our most effective outreach opportunities. This year we had the most women come to our brunch. So, thank you also to the women of High Pointe who invited their unchurched and unbelieving family and friends. That was an encouraging gospel opportunity. Continue to follow up with those guests and invite them to come with you to church on any Sunday or for our Christmas Eve Service.
Thank you also to Matt Rolfe. Matt is the unseen person who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place for our events. He also served by running the sound during the brunch. Be sure to thank Matt for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Finally, thank you men of High Pointe. The men’s ministry team took it upon themselves to serve the women during the brunch then make sure there was a team to clean up after and put everything back. It was a great joy to see the church at work together, both men and women, young and old, older and newer members. May the Lord allow us to see much fruit from the brunch.
We want to say a special thank you to the Women’s Ministry Team for the ongoing faithfulness in serving the women of High Pointe. The Women’s Christmas Brunch is one of our most effective outreach opportunities. This year we had the most women come to our brunch. So, thank you also to the women of High Pointe who invited their unchurched and unbelieving family and friends. That was an encouraging gospel opportunity. Continue to follow up with those guests and invite them to come with you to church on any Sunday or for our Christmas Eve Service.
Thank you also to Matt Rolfe. Matt is the unseen person who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything is in place for our events. He also served by running the sound during the brunch. Be sure to thank Matt for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Finally, thank you men of High Pointe. The men’s ministry team took it upon themselves to serve the women during the brunch then make sure there was a team to clean up after and put everything back. It was a great joy to see the church at work together, both men and women, young and old, older and newer members. May the Lord allow us to see much fruit from the brunch.
Resources of the Week
- Being a Faithful Witness this Christmas
- Celebrating Christmas with Family and Friends in Austin (area): If you are new to the Austin area, there are many fun ways to spend time together during the holidays. The link above is the Austin Christmas Guide, so there are activities and events I would not recommend, but it is a helpful list to work from. Here are some things you may enjoy:
- Missions: Where are the Men?
- Song of the Month: Who Is This So Weak and Helpless?
Opportunities to Serve and Grow at High Pointe
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Christmas Eve Service, December 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
If you’re in town this Christmas Eve, join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It is a highlight of the year, and many unchurched and unbelievers come. So, take advantage of this opportunity to invite your unchurched, unbelieving family and friends to join us for this hour-long service. Invite cards are available in the auditorium this Sunday.
Don’t Spend this Christmas alone in Austin!
If you are planning to be in Austin during Christmas but don’t have family or friends in town, we don’t want you to spend Christmas alone. Please let us know at info@highpointeaustin.org or reach out to elders@highpointeausting.org and let us know. We will be happy to connect you with High Pointe members who have an extra place or two at their Christmas tables.
High Pointe, if you have extra places at your table on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas, and you would be willing to host other High Pointe members without a place to spend Christmas, please let us know at info@highpointeaustin.org.
Meaningful Membership Class | Sunday, January 12 | 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM
If you’re interested in learning more about High Pointe or pursuing membership with High Pointe, please mark your calendars Membership Class. This class will cover three main questions: What is the church and why should I join, what does High Pointe believe, and what do we expect of church members at High Pointe. Click here to register.
DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 17-19
Save the date for the DNOW Youth Conference happening at High Pointe from January 17 to January 19. The theme this year is discipleship, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. For more information and to register click here.
Life Classes | Life Classes will resume on Sunday, January 26, at 9:00 AM
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
Begin praying as you prepare to gather with us this Sunday at 10:00 am.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M.
Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world.
You may know of RTIM because we sent Davey and Callie Davis and Jonathan and Elizabeth Painter through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours and on weekends. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
If you’re in town this Christmas Eve, join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It is a highlight of the year, and many unchurched and unbelievers come. So, take advantage of this opportunity to invite your unchurched, unbelieving family and friends to join us for this hour-long service. Invite cards are available in the auditorium this Sunday.
Don’t Spend this Christmas alone in Austin!
If you are planning to be in Austin during Christmas but don’t have family or friends in town, we don’t want you to spend Christmas alone. Please let us know at info@highpointeaustin.org or reach out to elders@highpointeausting.org and let us know. We will be happy to connect you with High Pointe members who have an extra place or two at their Christmas tables.
High Pointe, if you have extra places at your table on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas, and you would be willing to host other High Pointe members without a place to spend Christmas, please let us know at info@highpointeaustin.org.
Meaningful Membership Class | Sunday, January 12 | 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM
If you’re interested in learning more about High Pointe or pursuing membership with High Pointe, please mark your calendars Membership Class. This class will cover three main questions: What is the church and why should I join, what does High Pointe believe, and what do we expect of church members at High Pointe. Click here to register.
DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 17-19
Save the date for the DNOW Youth Conference happening at High Pointe from January 17 to January 19. The theme this year is discipleship, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. For more information and to register click here.
Life Classes | Life Classes will resume on Sunday, January 26, at 9:00 AM
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
- December 22 | Luke 2:22-40 | Christmas Prophecy | Pastor Juan
- December 29 | Luke 2:41-52 | What Child is This? | Pastor Juan
- January 5 | 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 | A Long-Distance Relationship | Pastor Robert
- January 12 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 | The Good Life is a Holy Life | Pastor Robert
- January 19 | Luke 3:1-20 | What Does Repentance Look Like? | Pastor Juan
- January 26 | Luke 3:21-4:13 | Lead Us Not into Temptation | Pastor Juan
Begin praying as you prepare to gather with us this Sunday at 10:00 am.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M.
Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world.
You may know of RTIM because we sent Davey and Callie Davis and Jonathan and Elizabeth Painter through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours and on weekends. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
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Archive
2024
January
Welcome Guyton Garland Our Newest Pastoral AssistantTo the Ends of the Earth 2024 Student Ministry DNow January 12-14 For all Students 6th-12th GradesACBC Regional Conference | January 26-27, February 16-17, and March 8-9 | For all High Pointe MembersLife Classes BEGIN this Sunday at 9:00 AMCuba Mission Trip March 14-19 2024
February
March
We Finished Romans, Now What?! Guest Preachers (sort of) at High Pointe in March and AprilIntroducing Robert Cline Senior Associate Pastor CandidateHelp Provide A Welcoming Environment For Our Guests on Easter Sunday, March 31If Jesus Did Not Rise from the Dead, Then We Should Be at the Lake this Sunday
April
May
June
July
Summer Preaching Series: Celebrating God’s Work through High Pointe | July 7 – August 4, 2024Summer Preaching Series: Celebrating God’s Work through High Pointe July 7 – August 4, 2024Summer Preaching Series: Celebrating God’s Work through High Pointe July 7 – August 4, 2024Summer Preaching Series: Celebrating God’s Work through High Pointe July 7 – August 4, 2024Summer Preaching Series: Celebrating God’s Work through High Pointe July 7 – August 4, 2024
August
September
October
Sibling Rivalry: A Genuine Threat to the Mission of the ChurchReaching Your Child’s Heart Parenting Seminar Saturday, October 19, 2024 9:00 am to Noon At Kinney Avenue Baptist Church 1801 Kinney Avenue Austin, TX 78704The School of Grace (Titus 2:11-15)We Need a Selfless, Sinless SaviorThe Pathology of Idolatry
November
2023
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
High Pointe Men’s Ministry Kickoff BBQ Friday, October 20 at 6:30 PMBiblical Theology Workshop for Women with Nancy Guthrie November 3 or 4, 2023 at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas (biblicaltheologyworkshop.com)Back in Romans this Sunday Romans 12:1-2Life Classes Begin THIS Sunday 9:00 AM
November
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