Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.

• John 1:1–4 gives us the teaching and the purpose of Christmas.

• Doctrine is a faith position that we commit ourselves to.
• Illustration: Keller demonstrates how Mr. A and Mr. B are both being doctrinal.
• Christianity presents a transcendent God who becomes incarnate.

• The story of Jesus actually happened in history.
• The stories of Jesus are either eyewitness accounts or lies but they cannot be legends.
• If Jesus didn't actually come and do these things, Christmas is depressing.

• Because of Jesus we can have fellowship with God and know him personally.

• Salvation is not about escaping from this world, but that God's kingdom is coming to this world.
• The future of the gospel is a new heaven and a new earth.

• The Incarnation is the secret of good personal relationships.

• Illustration: Keller owned a house where a subterranean river always flowed underneath.
• Christmas gives you a subterranean river of joy that keeps flowing no matter what.
• This joy frees us to get involved in the lives of other people.