Christmas is a time to reflect on the life Jesus came to give us. At the heart of this reflection is John 10:7-10, where Jesus declares his purpose: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” But what is this abundant life? Is it defined by possessions, achievements, or perfect circumstances? I always say, “You were made for more. You were made for more than possessions and promotions, and you were made for more than straight As and soccer.” In this week’s sermon, we uncovered that the abundant life Jesus offers goes far deeper than these things—it’s about a restored relationship with God that fills the void left by sin and gives us lasting joy, peace, and purpose.
When we think about abundance, our minds often go to material wealth, personal accomplishments, or relational harmony. These things aren’t inherently bad, but they’re not the gateway to the abundant life. Jesus’ words in John 10 remind us that there is a doorway that stands between us and the abundant life, and that doorway is him. While the world offers counterfeit paths to fulfillment, Jesus boldly claims to be the only way—both the door and the shepherd who leads us to true life.
The Abundant Life Defined
In John 10, Jesus uses a powerful metaphor to describe himself as the door for the sheep. This image invites us to consider what we’re trusting to lead us into a flourishing life. Are we knocking on the right door? Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9).
While false promises and worldly pursuits may temporarily distract us, they ultimately leave us empty. Jesus highlights this contrast in verse 10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Anything we place before Jesus—whether it’s money, relationships, or status—becomes a thief of joy and peace. Jesus leads the way and is the way, offering a life that satisfies in ways the world cannot.
This abundant life is good news for us because it is not merely about external blessings—the abundant life is about the state of our souls. The abundant life Jesus offers us is good news for us because Jesus brings abundance specifically where we are lacking. Through the gospel, he restores our broken relationship with God, filling the emptiness we feel when we chase after other things. Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden left humanity searching for cover and wholeness. Without Christ, we carry that same longing. But Jesus came to take on our sin and give us a new identity as beloved children of God. The abundant life is lived with God’s approval that comes from the gospel.
Application: Trust Christ for the Abundant Life
So how do we experience this abundant life? It’s not necessarily easy, but the answer is simple. Trust Christ for the abundant life. For some, this means placing your faith in Jesus for the first time. For others, it means surrendering areas of your life where you’ve relied on false sources of abundance. Whether it’s success, relationships, or possessions, anything that takes priority over Jesus will ultimately disappoint.
Ask yourself: What do you trust for the abundant life? Are you chasing after things that promise satisfaction but leave you empty? Like Frosty’s fleeting philosophy to “run and have fun before I melt away,” many of us pursue temporary pleasures without considering the lasting joy Jesus offers. Trusting Jesus means recognizing that he is better than life itself—he is the abundance.
Conclusion
When we trust Jesus for the abundant life, it changes how we live. The gospel not only reconciles us to God but also brings practical abundance into our everyday lives. For the person struggling with acceptance, Jesus’ love provides the affirmation they’ve been searching for. For the workaholic, his calling replaces the need for status with the security of being a child of God. For the person battling addiction, his forgiveness frees them from the weight of shame and guilt.
This Christmas season, allow the Spirit to work in your heart. Where do you need to trust God’s abundance more? Is it in a relationship, a financial decision, or your involvement in mission? As you reflect, consider these practical steps:
- Be honest about what you’re trusting to bring abundance.
- Surrender areas where you’ve placed false hope.
- Lean into the Spirit’s leading to live out the abundance Jesus has secured for you.
The abundant life isn’t about what we gain from the world but about walking through life with Jesus. It’s a life of purpose, peace, and joy rooted in a restored relationship with God. This Christmas, let’s celebrate the gift of Jesus—the door to abundant life and abundant life himself. As you reflect on his promises, ask yourself where you need to trust him more and take practical steps to experience the fullness of life he offers.
-Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor
Watch the full sermon from week three of our “25 Days of Christmas” series below:
