Christmas at Fairhaven
“The One Thing That God Wants”
Luke 1:46-56, 64-69, 2:13-14, 25

Christmas is the miracle of “God came near.”
Immanuel – God with us 
400 prophecies – prophecies, appearances, foreshadowing of Jesus 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Son…” – John 3:16

What…
is the one thing that God wants from us?
could we give God that He would want?

The Christmas story points to it.
The 1 thing has 2 characteristics.
The Christmas story clearly has these 2 characteristics.

Two Characteristics
1. Praise – Luke 1:46-56, 64-69, 2:13-14, 25 

Mary
His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before Him.

Angels
Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him.

Shepherds
The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! 

Simeon
God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised.

Anna
Broke into an anthem of praise to God

Magi (Wise Men)
Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped Him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

Praise
Changes our perspective 
Allows us to see the big picture
Starts the process of choosing joy
Brings new energy & life 
Points to new solutions 

Two Characteristics
2. Obedience 

Mary
Let it be with me just as you say

Joseph
Strength of Joe, he would hang in there, confusing/not how he pictured it

Jesus
Born a baby, dependent, servant, abused & crucified obediently 

Magi (Wise Men)
Went home another way because of the angel

Joseph
Leaving Israel

Joseph
Returning to Israel 

Jesus doesn’t just want us to…
Put lots of lights up
Sing lots of songs
Spend lots of money on gifts
Have big programs with great musicians 
Decorate our homes 

Jesus wants us to obey!

The one thing that God wants from us
	Worship

Not the expression of worship, but the reality of worship.
	Praise
	Obedience

Worship is praise and obedience!