Sermon Recap
There are so many unexpected moments in the Christmas story. An angel visited Mary and Joseph on separate occasions. Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit. The announcement of the birth of the Messiah was given to lowly shepherds. Magi from far away in the east who knew nothing of God came to worship. The Magi also brought unexpected gifts with them as well. But the greatest unexpected miracle of all was that God became flesh. God sent His one and only Son Jesus to be born of a virgin and become flesh and blood. Fully Man and yet still fully God. And Jesus came to rescue and redeem all who would accept and receive him from their sin. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
He came! Scripture is quite clear on the reasons for Christ’s coming. I will list a few of those reasons below:
Mark 2:17 - Jesus came to heal the sick and not to call the righteous but sinners.
I Timothy 1:15 - Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom he was the foremost.
Mark 3:8 - Jesus came to serve the spiritually broken
John 18:37 - Jesus came into the world to bear witness to the truth
John 12:46 - Jesus came into the world to be the light so we wouldn’t have to remain in darkness
Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus came to destroy the devil and his works
John 6:51 - Jesus came to give us eternal life.
Mark 10:45 - For the son of man came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”
There are actually several reasons why Jesus came, but becoming the sacrifice for our sin, dying on the cross, and redeeming humanity is at the top. It’s quite unexpected that an eternal God would give up so much to rescue His creation and walk in intimacy with them. As you read through the story of Christmas with fresh eyes, pay close attention to the unexpected moments! You too will find yourself worshiping Him.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Share some of the unexpected moments that were revealed to you as you read.
How would you have responded if you were Mary or Joseph?
What caught you by surprise (something new you hadn’t seen before) as you read through the Christmas story?
Discuss -why Jesus came?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I don’t ever want your Word to become familiar. I know your Word is alive and speaks to us in so many different ways. Jesus thankyou for coming, thank you for taking on human flesh so that I might be saved. I receive your sacrifice right now, repent of my sins and choose to give you my whole life. Thank you for unexpectedly coming for me. Amen.
Life Application
Let the Story of Christ’s birth speak to you in new ways this Christmas season. I encourage you to read the story each day of Christmas week and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal more and more to you about the unexpected miracle of Christmas.
Don’t Forget!
Join us for our Christmas Eve services at 9:00am and 11:00am
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