May the light of Christ’s love, born in a humble manger, fill your heart with peace, joy, and hope this Christmas season. As we celebrate His coming, may we be reminded of His purpose—to bring grace, truth, and eternal life to all who believe.

GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

THE SACRIFICE: LOVE DEMONSTRATED ON THE CROSS

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

The crucifixion of Jesus stands as the ultimate demonstration of selfless love and sacrifice.

In His willingness to endure suffering and death, Jesus not only fulfilled God’s plan of redemption but also gave us a clear picture of the depth of His love.

His sacrifice was not merely a response to human sin but a proactive act of grace, ensuring that we, though undeserving, could be reconciled with God.

Every nail, every word spoken from the cross, and every moment of anguish bore the weight of humanity’s redemption.

His love was costly, and it was for us.

Jesus calls us to love as He loved, which means embodying sacrificial love in our relationships and daily lives.

This kind of love isn’t always grand or dramatic—it’s often found in small, consistent acts of kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.

It means putting others’ needs before your own, offering grace even when it’s undeserved, and being willing to endure discomfort or inconvenience for the sake of love.

When we emulate Christ’s love, we become living examples of His sacrifice to the world around us.

Consider the story of a firefighter who risks their life to save someone trapped in a burning building.

Their sacrifice goes beyond duty—it’s an act of love and courage to preserve another’s life.

Similarly, Jesus’ sacrifice was an intentional act to rescue us from the flames of sin and eternal separation from God.

His love didn’t waver, even when the cost was immeasurable.

PRAYER:  Father God, I am in awe of the love You demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for enduring the pain and shame of the cross to bring me into a relationship with You. Help me to reflect that same sacrificial love in my life—whether through forgiveness, generosity, or selflessness. May Your Spirit guide me to follow Your example and live a life of love that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ASSIGNMENT:  Scripture Reading: Read Ephesians 5:2 and Romans 5:8. Let these verses deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrificial love.

PERSONAL REFLECTION: Write down specific ways Jesus’ sacrifice has changed your perspective on love, grace, and relationships.

ACTION PLAN: Identify one person in your life who could benefit from a tangible act of love and plan a way to demonstrate Christ’s sacrificial love to them this week.

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ben Bruce

Brody Fuller – Jackson Byrd’s Roommate at College 

Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don

Carol Lawhead

Daisy Almand 

Danny Jarrard  

Darlene Wiggins

David Newby

Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother 

Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Ellen Boyd

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Faith Burnette

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gail Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

George Calhoon

James Burnette

James Parker

Jessica Headrick

Joanie/Jeanie Mom

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim McClain’s Sister

Krista Hilscher 

Larry Barker 

Lee Cronan

Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Linda Hodges’ Sister 

Linda Lanier

Liz Knight

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary William’s Granddaughter

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Marynell Ford 

Matt Barron’s Mother

Maureen Brown 

Michael Stanley 

Mike Bryan

Nora Allison

Pastor Driskell 

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Sandra Roach Mitchell 

Sarah Parker

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Theresa Bain

Tom Witcher