This sermon centered on anchoring our lives in our identity in Christ, reminding us that to live as a presence-centered people, we must first know who we are in Him. Walking through Ephesians 1:3–14, we were reminded that our identity is not shaped by circumstances, performance, or cultural pressure, but by what God has already done for us in Jesus. Paul points us to eternal realities—that we are chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed by the Holy Spirit—blessings that define who we are and give us confidence, security, and hope. When we live from this God-given identity rather than striving to earn it, our lives naturally respond in worship, deepen in prayer, and move outward in mission for the praise of God’s glorious grace.

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This Christmas Eve sermon traces the unbroken biblical story of God’s desire to be with His people, culminating in the miracle of the Incarnation. From God’s presence in the Garden, the Wilderness, the Temple, and the promises of the Prophets, the message arrives at its climax in John 1:1–14: the eternal Word who spoke creation into existence became flesh and “dwelt” among us—not temporarily, but relationally and personally. Jesus is God drawing near, not through power or distance, but through humility, taking on our humanity to know our suffering, bear our sin, and restore us to Himself. Christmas declares that God is not distant or demanding perfection first; He comes to us in our brokenness with grace and truth, offering forgiveness, healing, and hope. Because Jesus entered fully into our pain and weakness, He is present with us now—sympathetic, trustworthy, and near—inviting us to receive His love and live as children of God

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