From December 23-25, 2024, STL Immanuel Church hosted a Christmas retreat that beautifully captured the spirit of the season. Through worship, Bible studies, and creative programs, the retreat aimed to foster spiritual renewal and unity among its members. Notably, guest speakers were invited to lead three insightful Bible study sessions, and a special retreat for children was also held, enriching the experience for all ages. The highlight of this gathering was the Christmas Service on December 25, which marked the conclusion of the Christmas Retreat. During this service, Pastor Anthony delivered a poignant message centered on Philippians 2:6-11, reflecting on the profound significance of Christ’s birth.
Christmas is a time dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In his sermon, Pastor Anthony emphasized that Jesus, much like a prince born into royalty, was given a status equal to God. This powerful message serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between humanity and Christ. While humanity descends from Adam, who represents imperfection and fallibility, Jesus stands as God’s one and only Son—a being who embodies perfect love and righteousness.
The scripture passage highlights several key aspects of Christ’s nature. It reveals that Jesus, “being in very nature God,” chose humility over exaltation. Unlike Lucifer, the angel who sought to elevate himself and ultimately led humanity into sin, Jesus did not seek to exploit his divine status for personal gain. Instead, He embodied obedience and humility, demonstrating a profound love for God that transcended his own exalted position.
Pastor Anthony elaborated on the theme of self-humiliation, explaining that Jesus made himself nothing by choosing to incarnate in human form. This act was not simply a display of politeness; it represented a radical self-emptying, leading Him to a life of suffering and rejection. As prophesied in Isaiah 53:2-3, Christ would indeed be despised and rejected, yet He willingly chose this path.
The love of Christ is unparalleled—a one-sided love that seeks the well-being of others without any expectation of return. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul illustrates this altruistic love: “Though he was rich, he made himself poor so that we might become rich.” This encapsulates the essence of Christmas: a divine love reaching out to humanity, offering grace and redemption.
The Christmas retreat at STL Immanuel Church served as a powerful reminder of the significance of Christ’s birth and the depth of His sacrifice. As believers reflect on this meaningful season, they are called to embrace the humility and selflessness exemplified by Jesus. In a world often marked by self-interest, the unconditional love of Christ invites us to love others generously and without expectation. As we celebrate, let us remember that the heart of the season lies not in receiving, but in giving—a legacy initiated by the birth of our Savior.ct on this meaningful season, they are called to embrace the humility and selflessness exemplified by Jesus. In a world often marked by self-interest, the unconditional love of Christ invites us to love others generously and without expectation. As we celebrate, let us remember that the heart of the season lies not in receiving, but in giving—a legacy initiated by the birth of our Savior.