CHRISTMAS

Understanding Christmas

History, Meaning, and Christian Perspective

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WHERE DID THE CHRISTMAS DATE COME FROM?

December 25 was not mentioned in the Bible

• Early Christians did not record Jesus’ birthday

• The date was later adopted centuries after Christ

• Possibly chosen to replace or compete with pagan winter festivals

IMPORTANT TRUTH

• The Bible never gives a date

• December 25 is an assumption

• Jesus’ birth was real, but the date is unknown

WHY JESUS WAS LIKELY NOT BORN IN DECEMBER

• Shepherds were out in the fields at night (Luke 2:8)

• December in Judea is cold and rainy

• Shepherds would not normally stay overnight in winter

• This suggests a warmer season, possibly spring or early fall

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

• Giving

• Love

• Kindness

• Helping the needy

• Remembering Christ

A CHRISTIAN REMINDER

Love Is Not for One Day Only

• We should not show love only on December 25
• Christians are called to love every day
• True Christianity is daily obedience

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A CHRISTIAN REMINDER

Love Is Not for One Day Only

• We should not show love only on December 25
• Christians are called to love every day
• True Christianity is daily obedience

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PAUL LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

Lesson 17

BEC TEAM

PRESENTED BY:

THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

Aim:

• To study Paul’s letter to the Philippians
• To show how relevant it is for us today

Key Concept:

• Do everything with JOY! Stand firm!

Reading:

• Philippians 1:1-19

Reference:

• Book of Philippians

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STAND FIRM

A

B

KNOW YOUR BOOKS – PHILIPPIANS

• Philippians is the 50th book of the Bible.
• It is the _________ book of the New Testament.
• It is the _________ book of the “Letters from Paul to the Churches” division of the New Testament.
• It has _______ chapters.

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KNOW YOUR BOOKS – PHILIPPIANS

• Philippians is the 50th book of the Bible.
• It is the _________ book of the New Testament.
• It is the _________ book of the “Letters from Paul to the Churches” division of the New Testament.
• It has _______ chapters.

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THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

Joy in Christ

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” — Philippians 4:4

What makes you joyful?

WHO WROTE PHILIPPIANS?

• Apostle Paul
• Written as a personal letter
• Filled with encouragement and joy

What do you already know about Paul?

WHERE & WHEN

• Written around AD 60–63
• Paul was under house arrest in Rome
• Written about 1 year after Ephesians

How would you feel writing a joyful letter while in prison?

ABOUT THE CITY OF PHILIPPI

• First European city Paul preached in
• Visited during Paul’s second missionary journey
• The church was young but faithful

WHY DID PAUL WRITE PHILIPPIANS?

• To thank the church for their support
• To encourage them in faith
• To strengthen their joy in Christ

WHO ENCOURAGES YOU IN YOUR FAITH?

WHO WAS EPAPHRODITUS?

• A believer from Philippi
• Delivered gifts and encouragement to Paul
• Risked his life to serve Paul

PHILIPPIANS 2:25–30

MAIN MESSAGE OF PHILIPPIANS

• Rejoice in the Lord
• Live humbly like Christ
• Stand firm in faith

“Joy means ______ to me.”

The Prominent Theme: JOY

Is joy the same as happiness?

Biblical Meaning of JOY

Can you still have joy during problems? Why or why not?

• Greek word: Chara
• Meaning: cheerfulness, calm, delight
• Not based on circumstances

The Word “Rejoice”

Give 1 reason to rejoice today

• A verb – an action
• Means: to express gladness
• Joy is something believers choose

Count the Words!

Note:

• “Joy” appears about 3–6 times

• “Rejoice” appears about 8–11 times

(depending on Bible version)

Scan all 4 chapters of Philippians and count:

JOY: ______ times

REJOICE: ______ times

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Show gentleness to everyone (v5)

God’s Formula for Peace

WHICH PART DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH MOST?

Rejoice in the Lord (v4)

Pray instead of worrying (v6)

The Peace of God (v7)

What Does God’s Peace Do?

Quiet moment: Pray silently for peace.

• Surpasses all understanding
• Guards our hearts
• Guards our minds
• Keeps us in Christ Jesus

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

• Learn God’s Word
• Receive it
• Hear it

Faith Must Be Lived Out

What is one thing you can practice this week?

LESSONS FOR US

STAND FIRM AND BE HAPPY!

• Like Paul and the Philippians, we can make a difference in the lives of others
• Joyful living improves our life and the lives of those around us
• Paul remained thankful and content—even in prison

MEMORY VERSE

LEARN PHILIPPIANS 4:4

📖 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

MEMORY VERSE

LEARN PHILIPPIANS 4:4

📖 “_______ in the Lord _______. I will say it again: ________!”

REVIEW QUIZ

Why did Paul write to the Philippians?

a) To complain about prison

b) To thank and encourage them

c) To ask for money only

d) To correct their language

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REVIEW QUIZ

How does Paul suggest that believers should “strive together”? (Phil 2:2)

a) By competing with one another

b) By thinking only of themselves

c) By being united in love and purpose

d) By avoiding each other

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REVIEW QUIZ

Why are we asked to “shine as lights (stars) in the world”?

a) To gain popularity

b) To show off our knowledge

c) To reflect God’s truth to others

d) To be better than others

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REVIEW QUIZ

How can living “in the world” affect our walk to God’s Kingdom?

a) It has no effect

b) It can distract us from God

c) It guarantees success

d) It makes faith easier

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REVIEW QUIZ

Whose examples are we told to follow? (Phil 3:17)

a) Famous leaders

b) World influencers

c) Paul and faithful believers

d) Anyone successful

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REVIEW QUIZ

What are we asked to rejoice in, always?

a) Ourselves

b) The world

c) Our achievements

d) The Lord

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REVIEW QUIZ

What things are we to think on and practice to receive God’s peace?

a) Whatever is easy

b) Whatever is popular

c) Whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely

d) Whatever makes us happy

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REVIEW QUIZ

How was Paul—and how are we—able to do all things? (Phil 4:13)

a) Through education

b) Through hard work alone

c) Through Christ who gives strength

d) Through positive thinking

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STAND FIRM AND BE HAPPY

Be content in every situation

• Trust Christ for strength

• Think on good things

• Rejoice in the Lord always

Philippians 4:4, 13

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Closing Thought:

True joy comes from standing firm in Christ.