Here’s a summary of this week’s sermon:

As we approach the heart of the festive season, surrounded by the familiar melodies of Christmas carols, one hymn stands out for its timeless appeal and profound message: 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful.' This beloved carol, often hummed as we decorate our homes and wrap presents, carries within its lines a deeper significance that transcends the simple act of singing.

At first glance, 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful' appears as a traditional Christmas hymn, inviting us to celebrate the birth of Christ. But delve a little deeper, and you'll find it's not just a melody to accompany our festive cheer; it's a narrative rich with history, mystery, and profound meaning.

Let's rewind time, as if hopping into a DeLorean and travelling back to the pivotal moment in the Christmas story. Picture a serene night under the vast, starlit sky near Bethlehem. Here, a group of shepherds, societal outcasts of their time, are about to experience an event that would alter the course of their lives and millions thereafter. It's to these shepherds that the first announcement of Christ's birth is made. This moment of divine visitation sends a clear message: in the eyes of God, no one is too insignificant.

Back to the future, and we might wonder how this ancient story relates to our modern lives. How can a carol, rooted in such a powerful narrative, begin its journey through the annals of history to find its way to us? The answer lies in the profound lyrics of the hymn: "True God of True God, Light from Light Eternal, Humbly he entered the Virgin's womb, Son of the Father, begotten, not created."

These words, echoing the profound theological truths of Christ's divinity and humanity, invite us to reflect on the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. Jesus is Emmanuel, which means 'God with us.' This truth changes our outlook on life, revealing that the divine is always amongst us, guiding and uplifting us.

But there's more to this Christmas carol than its theological richness. The hymn invites us to come to Bethlehem, to embark on a journey of discovering Jesus for ourselves. It doesn't matter our social status or background; the invitation is open to all. Like the shepherds, when we accept this invitation and seek out Jesus, we find Him, and our lives are transformed forever.

As we sing 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful' this Christmas, let's embrace the deeper invitation within its lyrics. Let it be a reminder that the extraordinary can find its way into our lives, just as it did for the shepherds on that starry night in Bethlehem.

So, as we gather with family and friends, let's unwrap not just the gifts under the tree, but also the Christmas mystery within this beloved carol. For in its verses lies a message that can change our lives, a call to adoration and a reminder of the true essence of Christmas.

RECENT EPISODES

RECENT LIVESTREAMS

More from this series

At Crowd Church, we are committed to creating a space for you to explore the Christian faith, regardless of where you are on your faith journey.

What happens at Crowd Church?

Every week we livestream our online church service and release a new story on What’s The Story Podcast. We have weekly online community groups that meet up and all of that good stuff. You can find out more about everything that goes on at Crowd by browsing through this site, and you can reach out to us via our contact page.

Come and Join In!

Are you interested in joining in with what is happening here at Crowd? We would love to meet you!

• Join in with the Church Livestream

• Subscribe to Crowd Church Podcast & What’s the Story Podcast

• Follow us on Instagram

• Subscribe to the YouTube Channel

• New to church? If so - check out the New Here link.

Any questions? Please connect with us via our Contact Page, or via WhatsApp: +44 7984 530 429