Christmas Eve service The sermon presents a reflective and theologically rich exploration of how the world responded to the birth of Jesus Christ, drawing from Scripture, art, and hymnody to illuminate both the historical obscurity of the event and its eternal significance. Centered on John 1:9–13, it contrasts the world's initial indifference—where Jesus was born unnoticed amid ordinary life, as depicted in Pieter Brueghel's painting of the census—with the profound truth that God's redemptive plan was never dependent on universal recognition. While the world wandered on, unaware, the sermon affirms that God's purpose was fulfilled through the prophets, shepherds, wise men, and angels, all of whom recognized the Savior, and continues today through the global proclamation of the gospel. The message emphasizes that though many do not receive Christ, those who believe are given divine adoption, becoming children of God through faith, and calls believers to join the angels in heralding the good news of salvation. Ultimately, the sermon celebrates Christmas not merely as a historical memory, but as a living invitation to behold and receive the incarnate Son of God. Published December 25, 2025