The Hidden Messages of Christmas

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Tom

December 20, 2021

Coach talked about how God can bring great things from places that appear to have no value. Many characters in the Christmas story might have questioned how “something good” could come from Nazareth. This was because Nazareth was a virtually insignificant place. What areas in your life feel like a “Nazareth?”
With Christmas services coming up later this week, there is an opportunity for many people to hear the good news of Jesus. Who are you inviting to join you at a Christmas service?

Read these scriptures out loud:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What do you think it means to be “God’s workmanship"?
God’s plan has always had a role for each of us to play. What role do you sense God inviting you to be a part of?

Luke 2:1-4

This verse may appear to be an unusual detail in the Christmas story. However, it illustrates how God can use our circumstances to position us for the good He will do in us and through us. How has God positioned your life to do good for others?
Through this weekend’s teaching Coach shared that “God will use His word to help us follow His will.” How has God used His word to work in your life?

1. God can bring GREAT THINGS from the places that appear to have no value.

God sent the angel Gabriel to a young seemingly insignificant woman living in a small village that had no significance in order to bring about the greatest gift that man has ever received – Jesus.
Take a moment to read 1 Pet. 2:4-5. God delights in taking what seems insignificant or rejected by people and including those in His plans. Do you feel small or insignificant? If so, you’re in good company! What do you see in Mary’s story and in the 1 Peter passage that speaks to you right now?

2. God’s plan has ALWAYS had a ROLE for EACH OF US to play.

The amazing thing about the God we serve is that He chooses to accomplish His will through partnership with His people – those who have placed their faith in Jesus and seek to follow Him.
Read 1 Cor. 12:12-27 for another perspective on the roles that each of us have to play. Have you actually taken the time to ask God what role He has you to play to fulfill His purposes? If not, take the time to intentionally pray and seek God for direction.

3. God’s Word had placed a DEPOSIT OF FAITH to help her BELIEVE the IMPOSSIBLE.

Take a look at Luke 1:28-38. Pay attention to Mary’s response in vs. 38. That’s an incredible faith! Coach mentioned that Mary’s faith was likely impacted because she knew what God’s Word had to say in passages like Isaiah 7:14.
What are you struggling to believe for now? Do you know what God has to say about that in His Word? If not, find out what He says about it and start reading and meditating on that.

4. God will use OUR CIRCUMSTANCES to POSITION US for the good He will do IN US & THROUGH US.

In the story of Jesus’ birth, there are a lot of details that seem insignificant or just commonplace, like the Roman census. Yet, God can incorporate the most minor details to accomplish His purposes.
Take a moment to read the messianic prophecy in Micah 5:2. God used the Roman census to move Joseph & Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem so that His Word would be fulfilled! Take a moment to read & reflect on Rom 8:28; what do you take away from this verse?

5. The MANGER was GOD’S PLAN.

The manger was not a place that was restricted to only certain people – it wasn’t in a palace or a place that was heavily guarded – it was open to shepherds and kings alike.
Consider John 3:16 – this great gift is available to “whoever believes in Him.” That 'whoever' means that this amazing gift of life through faith in Jesus is available to everyone! Who are you praying for in this season to come to a saving faith in Jesus?

6. God desires a PERSONAL LOVE RELATIONSHIP with us.

God desires a relationship with us so much that He came in the flesh as Emmanuel – God With Us. In other words, He is not some remote God who is far away; He has come close and desires a close personal relationship with each one of us.
Consider each word in this phrase, “Personal-Love- Relationship.” Do these 3 words describe what you’ve experienced? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus?

7. The power of the Holy Spirit that brought life inside of Mary is available to bring SPIRITUAL LIFE INSIDE YOU!

Application: Invite someone you know to come and experience the message of Christmas this week!
Pick one of this week’s key Scriptures and make it a reminder on your phone. Spend a few minutes repeating it and thinking about it each day.
S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.

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