Based on the message by Pastor Chad Everett
Overview
Christmas is more than a familiar story—it is the moment God stepped into human history to restore what was lost through sin. In this message, Pastor Chad Everett traces God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to the manger, revealing why Jesus had to be born and how spiritual authority is restored through Him.
This study helps us understand the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, and the truth that salvation is not something we do—it is someone we receive. Through the faith of Mary and Joseph, we are reminded that God’s promises often require us to trust beyond our understanding and hold near what He has spoken.
This guide invites you to open your Bible, engage Scripture together, and allow Holy Spirit to shape your faith as you reflect on the miracle of God with us.
If children are present, leaders are encouraged to simplify questions and invite them to participate in discussion. Including children reinforces that discipleship begins in the home and grows in community.
How to Use This Study Guide
Biblical Principle → Read → Respond → Reflect
Begin by reading the Biblical Principle to establish shared understanding. Open your Bible and read the passage aloud. Use the Respond questions to discuss what Scripture reveals, then allow the Reflect questions to guide personal listening and application.
SECTION 1 — THE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN AND THE NEED FOR A SAVIOR
“Sin has a consequence, and that consequence is death.” — Chad Everett
Biblical Principle
Sin carries a real consequence: separation from God. Death entered the world through one man, and because all have sinned, all are affected. Understanding the seriousness of sin helps us grasp the significance of God’s provision through Jesus.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Genesis 2: 16–17; Genesis 3: 1–7; Romans 6: 23
RESPOND
- What consequence did God warn Adam about in Genesis 2?
- How did sin enter the world according to Genesis 3?
- What contrast does Romans 6: 23 present between sin and God’s gift?
REFLECT
- How do I tend to minimize the seriousness of sin in my own life?
• Why is it important to understand the consequence before the provision?
• How does this passage deepen my gratitude for salvation?
SECTION 2 — THE FIRST PROMISE OF REDEMPTION
“God already had a prepackaged plan of redemption for them.”— Chad Everett
Biblical Principle
God did not respond to sin with abandonment, but with a promise. In Genesis 3:15, we see the first prophecy of a coming Savior—a seed born of a woman who would crush the head of the serpent.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Genesis 3: 15; Isaiah 7: 14
RESPOND
- What promise does God make in Genesis 3: 15?
- Why is the phrase “the seed of the woman” significant?
- How does Isaiah 7: 14 expand this promise?
REFLECT
- Where do I see God’s mercy even in moments of failure?
• How does knowing God planned redemption from the beginning affect my faith?
• What does this reveal about God’s character?
SECTION 3 — GOD WITH US: THE INCARNATION
“Jesus was God in a manger.” — Chad Everett
Biblical Principle
Jesus did not redeem humanity from a distance. God became flesh and entered the physical world. The incarnation was essential for restoring authority and bringing salvation to mankind.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Isaiah 9: 6; Micah 5: 2; John 1: 14
RESPOND
- What titles are given to the child in Isaiah 9: 6?
- What does Micah reveal about the origin of the Messiah?
- Why is it significant that the Word became flesh?
REFLECT
- How does the incarnation change the way I view Christmas?
• Do I see Jesus primarily as a story or as God with me now?
• What does “God with us” mean in my daily life?
SECTION 4 — RECEIVING THE IMPOSSIBLE: MARY AND JOSEPH
“Do not let go of what is conceived of the Holy Spirit.”— Chad Everett
Biblical Principle
God’s promises often challenge human logic. Mary and Joseph were invited to cooperate with God by faith, choosing to receive and hold near what they did not fully understand.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Luke 1: 34–38; Matthew 1: 18–21
RESPOND
- What made Mary’s calling humanly impossible?
- How did Joseph initially respond to the situation?
- What instruction did the angel give Joseph regarding Mary?
REFLECT
- What promises from God have I been tempted to dismiss?
• Where do I rely more on logic than faith?
• How can I better “hold near” what God has spoken?
SECTION 5 — SALVATION HAS A NAME
“Salvation is not something I do. Salvation is a person. His name is Jesus.” — Chad Everett
Biblical Principle
Salvation is not a religious activity or a past decision—it is a relationship with Jesus. His very name means “The Lord saves.” To be saved is to receive Him, not merely acknowledge Him.
READ
Open your Bible and read: Matthew 1: 21; Romans 3: 23; Acts 4: 12
RESPOND
- Why was Jesus given His name according to Matthew 1: 21?
- What does Romans 3: 23 say about humanity’s condition?
- What exclusivity does Acts 4: 12 declare about salvation?
REFLECT
- Do I view salvation as a past moment or a present relationship?
• How does knowing Jesus is salvation change how I follow Him?
• In what ways am I invited to deepen my relationship with Christ?
UNIFIED WEEKLY APPLICATION
This week, intentionally reflect on what it means to receive Jesus not just as Savior, but as Lord.
Daily Rhythm:
- Open Scripture
Read one passage daily: Genesis 3: 15; Isaiah 7: 14; Matthew 1: 21 - Declare Truth
Write and speak a truth statement, such as:
“Salvation has a name, and His name is Jesus.”
“I choose faith over understanding.” - Pray and Listen
Ask Holy Spirit:
“What have You spoken that I need to hold near?”
“Where am I being invited to trust You more fully?” - Live It Out
Choose obedience, faith, and surrender—even when the outcome feels impossible.
Closing Encouragement
Christmas is not just the celebration of a birth—it is the restoration of relationship. God came near so we could be made alive. Spiritual authority is restored not through effort, but through Jesus. The invitation remains the same today: receive Him, hold Him near, and walk in the life He gives.