The Spirit of Christmas

Text: Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I.        Introduction

II.      Express Christmas In The Handling Of Grace

A.      Grace Received

B.      Grace Reflected

1.       Grace Reflected to Others

2.       Grace Repeating a Cycle

3.       Grace Reflected in Actions

a)       Unity in the Head

b)       Unity in the Heart

c)       Unity in true Harmony

III.   Express Christmas In The Harmony Of Goodwill

A.      Putting The Progress Of Others First

1.       Resisting Improper Advancements

2.       Regarding Improving Others

B.      Putting The Interests Of Others First

1.       Resisting Self Obsession

2.       Regarding Welfare Of Others

IV.    Express Christmas In The Humility Of Giving

A.      Giving Up Your Attitude

B.      Giving Up Your Grip

C.      Giving Of Yourself

D.      Giving Till it Hurts

V.      Express Christmas In The Hope Of Glory

A.      The Hope of Sharing the Honor of Christ

B.      The Hope of Showing Honor to Christ

C.      The Hope of  Shouting the Honors of Christ

D.      The Hope of Showing Honor through Christ

VI.    Conclusion