Red Rocks Church Weekend Messages
Episode: December to Remember
Date: December 20, 2025
Podcast Host: Red Rocks Church
Episode Overview
In this heartfelt Christmas message titled "December to Remember," the speaker invites the congregation to pause amidst holiday busyness and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—worshipping King Jesus. By unpacking the story of the Magi in Matthew 2, the message explores themes of expectation, pursuit of perfection, worship, and the inseparable connection between the cradle and the cross. The episode challenges listeners to reconsider their focus, posture, and the object of their worship as they enter the Christmas season.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Entering God’s Presence When We’re Weary
- Many are entering the holiday season feeling exhausted or “out of gas.”
- The simplicity and beauty of God’s presence brings rest (00:06).
- Invitation to let this service re-center hearts on Jesus and give space for God to encourage and comfort.
Quote:
“Can I tell you that there's something so beautiful about the simplicity of God's presence that can bring rest to your soul in a moment. And that's what we celebrate at Christmas.” (01:14)
2. The Pursuit of Perfection vs. The True Gift of Christmas
- The speaker humorously references “December to Remember” Lexus commercials and the pursuit of a perfect Christmas (06:00).
- Draws a parallel between cultural ideals of perfection and the deeper spiritual hunger for meaning.
- Relates personal anecdotes, such as family traditions and gift exchanges, to the greater magic of Christmas.
Quote:
“For as long as I can remember, ‘Pursuit of Perfection, December to Remember’ has been a widely accepted token of our society around Christmas, has it not?” (08:10)
3. The Story of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1–12)
Historical & Scriptural Context
- The Magi likely traveled 500–1,000 miles from Babylon or Persia, underscoring their expectation and hope (12:00).
- Earlier exiles and prophetic writings (Daniel 2, Daniel 9, Numbers 24) informed their anticipation of a coming King.
Expectation and Seeking
- The wise men’s journey prompts introspection: Are we still looking for God to move?
- What we look for, we find—whether bitterness or goodness.
Quote:
“I wonder if you would notice if God showed up and did the miracle you’d been seeking Him for, if you would see the hand of God on your situation. Because the truth is, we see what we’re looking for, do we not?” (16:35)
4. The Universal Pull Toward Worship
- All humans are wired to worship; our hearts seek something to attach to as ultimate.
- Church fathers (John Calvin, Augustine, Athanasius) cited to reinforce this truth (22:15).
- Even those close to Christ’s birthplace (Herod and Jerusalem) missed the moment due to distraction or apathy (24:50).
- Knowing about God is different from truly seeking and worshipping Him.
Quotes:
“There is within the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, an awareness of divinity.” — John Calvin (22:25)
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” — Augustine (23:02)
5. The Posture of Worship: Head vs. Heart
- The religious leaders knew the prophecies, but didn’t pursue Jesus (26:50).
- Challenge to the listener: Are you “close to the things of God,” but missing true worship?
- Even positive routines or traditions can distract from genuine encounter if hearts are not engaged.
Quote:
“Is it descriptive of us? … Like, you know, but you don't, like, know know... Maybe you're close to the things of God. ... But could I ask you this weekend, where is your heart when it comes to worshiping the king?” (28:30)
6. Joy in the Presence of the King
- The wise men rejoiced “exceedingly with great joy” just to enter Jesus’s presence, before He had “done a thing” (32:10).
- The message encourages listeners to consider: Do we only worship when God answers our prayers, or is His presence enough?
Quote:
“Before he had done a thing … they had a revelation of the Messiah and a declaration that the King had come.” (34:38)
7. The Gifts: Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh – Their Meaning
- Gold: Jesus’s royalty (36:55).
- Frankincense: Jesus’s divinity, used in temple worship.
- Myrrh: Jesus’s humanity and suffering, alluding to His crucifixion.
8. The Connection Between Christmas (the Cradle) and the Cross
- The narrative draws a direct line from nativity to crucifixion (39:00).
- At Calvary, Christ declined myrrh as a pain reliever—embracing full suffering.
- Jesus, once worshipped as a baby, was later mocked as “King of the Jews.”
Quotes:
“You cannot separate the cross from Christmas because both are robbed of their power without the other.” (41:15)
“As Jesus hung and bled out and suffered, he willingly gives up his spirit. And that which separated us from him ... was torn in two. Because of Christmas, Jesus came to dwell with us. Because of the cross, we now have access to Him.” (43:25)
9. Communion: A Moment to Remember and Re-center
- Congregation invited to take communion, reflecting on the sacrifice and love of Jesus (44:55).
- For those who haven't accepted Jesus, invitation to make this a "December to remember" by making Him King.
Quote:
“Would you remind me that there’s no way I could have pulled myself out of the pit of despair that I found myself? And would you remember the moment when you made Jesus your Lord...?” (46:10)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “If you’re looking for God’s goodness this Christmas, I think you’ll find it... If you are looking for reasons to worship and to celebrate, you’ll find them.” (18:40)
- “Does Jesus have your worship? As you head into the day that changed everything, have you given yourself space to actually reflect and consider what that means?” (30:44)
- “Those who look for Jesus will see him. Those who truly see him will worship him. Those who worship him will consecrate their substance to him.” — Charles Spurgeon (38:21)
- “Maybe this is a December that you'll remember forever. Maybe this is one where... a moment before the Lord at the cross could change everything." (49:12)
Important Timestamps
- 00:06: Opening remarks on God’s presence & the year’s weariness
- 06:00: Lexus “December to Remember” anecdote and pursuit of perfection
- 12:00: Background on the wise men, their journey, and expectation
- 16:35: Invitation to reflect on what we seek this Christmas
- 22:15: Universal need to worship; quotes from church fathers
- 26:50: Religious leaders know the scriptures but miss the Messiah
- 32:10: Wise men’s exceeding joy at finding Jesus
- 36:55: Symbolism of the wise men’s gifts
- 39:00: Jesus’s acceptance/rejection of myrrh—cradle to cross parallel
- 44:55: Communion—invitation to remember and re-center
- 49:12: Call to salvation for those seeking a “December to remember”
Final Thoughts
The message uses warmth, humor, and biblical depth to encourage listeners to let go of perfection and distractions, and truly seek Jesus as King this Christmas. Whether weary or expectant, the clear invitation is to move from simply knowing about Jesus to wholeheartedly worshipping and drawing near—recognizing that the baby in the manger is the Savior on the cross, and that only in Him do we find rest, joy, and purpose.