Discover the true meaning of Christmas in this Atlin Family Church message. Learn how drawing near to God brings peace, healing, forgiveness, and new hope for your life.
Draw Near This Christmas
Good morning, and welcome to Atlin Family Church. For those of you who don’t know us, my name is Dale, and this is my wife, Rena Mae McDonald. We are the pastors of Atlin Family Church in Atlin, British Columbia. We’re so glad you’ve joined us today.
As you’ve probably already guessed, we’re talking about Christmas—specifically how to enjoy it for what it truly is, not what the world or commercial culture has turned it into. Christmas isn’t about money or pressure; it’s about the heart. It’s about Jesus, and it’s about drawing near to God.
Before we begin, we want to remind you that we’ll be hosting a healing meeting on January 17 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. You can find more information on our website at atlinfamilychurch.ca, or you can email us directly if you’d like to join. This will be a group meeting focused on healing scriptures and God’s promises, with opportunities for continued ministry afterward.
The Meaning of Drawing Near
For many people, the Christmas season is a time to draw near—to family, friends, and loved ones. It’s a season centered on relationships and giving. Unfortunately, the pressure to give financially can cause stress, anxiety, and even emotional breakdowns. Having worked in retail, I’ve seen how overwhelming this season can become for people.
The truth is, Christmas isn’t meant to be stressful. While receiving gifts can be meaningful—especially when they come from the heart—the focus should never be on material things. At the same time, we recognize that Christmas can be difficult for some. It can stir up painful memories, grief, or loss. For those people, it may feel like Christmas will never be the same again.
We want you to know there is hope. That pain doesn’t have to define your future. God can bring healing, freedom, and peace, even in memories that once caused deep hurt. God loves you—regardless of your past, your pain, or what others have said about you. He arranged this moment for you to hear this message today, whether live or through a recording, because He cares about where you are and where you’re going.
Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This shows us that faith is active. God is always present, but He gives us the freedom to take the first step. Even a small step toward Him matters.
Your experience in life is shaped by your focus. When we dwell on past hurts or traumatic memories, they can control our emotions and influence our future. But when we intentionally draw near to God and focus on His love, those painful memories lose their power.
It’s not the end of your story—it’s the beginning. You can simply say, “God, here I am. Meet me where I’m at.”
A Prayer for This Christmas
Father, we pray that this Christmas season would be filled with Your presence and Your love. As people draw near to You, we thank You that You draw near to them. Speak to hearts today in a personal and powerful way. Remind each person that You love them and have never abandoned them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The Greatest Gift Ever Given
Christmas is about giving, and the greatest giver of all time is God. John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. That gift wasn’t just for eternity—it affects our lives right now.
Real love isn’t defined by the world. Real love is what we receive from the Father through Jesus Christ. Salvation begins the moment we believe, and eternity starts now.
The Christmas Story: A True Account
The Christmas story isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a real historical event. In Luke chapter 2, we read about Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn.
The shepherds who received the angel’s announcement weren’t ordinary shepherds; they cared for sacrificial lambs. When a perfect lamb was born, they would wrap it in cloth and lay it in a manger to protect it. This foreshadowed Jesus as the Lamb of God.
The angels declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” This wasn’t goodwill among people—it was God extending goodwill toward humanity through Jesus.
The wise men didn’t arrive at Jesus’ birth but later, when He was a young child. They traveled in a large caravan and brought valuable gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—fit for a king. These were not small tokens but significant offerings, showing honor and worship.
The Gifts God Gives Us Today
God continues to give gifts to His people:
- Salvation
- The Holy Spirit living within us
- The power of the Holy Spirit
- Healing for body and mind
- Peace that surpasses understanding
- Provision and prosperity to bless others
- Deliverance and strength in trials
- Ministering angels sent by God
Jesus said in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart.” This peace cannot be found in the world. It’s freely given by God to those who ask.
Becoming the Gift to Others
As believers, we carry the presence of Jesus within us. Sometimes, we may be the only representation of Christ that someone sees. A smile, a kind word, encouragement, time spent with someone—these can be powerful gifts.
Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, the most meaningful gifts are simple: time, service, love, and forgiveness. Your family and friends want you more than anything you could buy.
A Choice to Forgive and Begin Again
Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. Sometimes that forgiveness is toward others, and sometimes it’s toward yourself. The feelings may not change immediately, but over time, the pain fades, and freedom comes.
If you’re overwhelmed, hurt, or unsure what to do, start with a simple prayer:
“Lord, I need help.”
The Bible says we have not because we ask not. God is waiting for that invitation.
Closing Encouragement
This Christmas can be the first Christmas of the rest of your life—filled with new dreams, new hope, and a renewed heart. Slow down. Quiet the noise. Draw near to God, and trust that He will draw near to you.
Merry Christmas, and thank you for joining us.
