Skip to main content

Whats is it all About? || A message from Romans 16:25-27

Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas

Reflecting on the True Essence of Christmas

In a poignant sermon at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Church, the congregation was invited to contemplate the true essence of Christmas, as portrayed in Romans Chapter 16, verses 25 to 27. The minister encouraged everyone to look beyond the commercialised façade of the festive season, focusing instead on the deeper, more intricate realities faced by many during this time.

The heart of the sermon was the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a beacon amidst the festive activities, calling for a renewal of faith and a commitment to obedience, culminating in the glorification of God. This transformative power of the Gospel was highlighted, underscoring its importance not just during Christmas but as a central force in daily life.

The minister highlighted the contrast between the typical festive imagery of society and the actual experiences of many during the holiday period, including a reference to a YouGov survey indicating that approximately 26% find Christmas challenging.

The sermon concluded with a compelling invitation to live out the Gospel, suggesting that a true embrace of its message could lead to personal and global transformation. The minister called upon the congregation to embody the Gospel in their daily lives, thus reflecting the true spirit of Christmas.

This message, both poignant and timely, reminds us of the deeper significance of the season and the enduring influence of the Gospel in our lives.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Opportunities To Gather and Grow || SPB NOTES || Coming up to Winter 2024

As we enter a season full of opportunities to gather and grow, I want to encourage everyone to participate in the life of our church. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Gathering is a vital part of our faith, and these events are designed to strengthen our fellowship, prayer life, and outreach efforts. Each event, whether it’s our community prayer meeting, the winter coat project, or the Advent services, is a chance for us to come together as the body of Christ, using the unique gifts God has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 highlights that we are all members of one body, and every part is needed to function as God intended. When we gather, pray, and support the church’s work, we not only bless each other but our entire community. I encourage you to engage deeply in these events and find where you can serve. Whether it’s helping ...

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...

Sermon || True Worship – John 12:1–8 || SPB Belfast

True Worship – John 12:1–8 | SPB Belfast True Worship – John 12:1–8 As we journey through Holy Week, we find ourselves in Bethany, just six days before the Passover, where Jesus is gathered with friends for a meal. Among them is Lazarus—recently raised from the dead—a quiet but powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death. In this setting, Mary responds not with words, but with worship. She breaks open a jar of costly perfume, pours it over Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. This extravagant act becomes a defining picture of what true worship looks like. In Sunday’s sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin helped us explore the richness of this moment. Mary’s worship is more than emotion; it is the overflow of a heart transformed by grace. She had seen the power of Jesus firsthand when her brother Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Her act of worship ...