Divine Interruptions: Embracing God's Christmas Message
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound message of Christmas, focusing on the divine interruptions that God orchestrates in our lives. We began with the joyous occasion of Melissa Massey's baptism, a testament to the transformative power of faith and the new life that Jesus offers. As we transition into the Christmas season, we reflect on the interruptions experienced by key figures in the nativity story—Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds. These interruptions were divine appointments that led to the revelation of God's plan for humanity.
We explored the perspective of Christmas from heaven's viewpoint, as depicted in John 1. Unlike the earthly narratives of Matthew and Luke, John presents a cosmic view of Jesus as the Word, who was with God and was God. This passage reveals the profound mystery of the incarnation—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Jesus, the living Word, embodies grace and truth, offering us a glimpse of God's glory.
The sermon emphasized the great condescension of God, who stepped down from the splendor of heaven to enter our broken world. This act of divine love is unparalleled, as God pursued humanity despite our rebellion and sin. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a personal invitation for each of us to experience God's grace and become His children.
We also considered the amazing discovery of God's glory through Jesus. The disciples witnessed His miracles, teachings, and resurrection, which transformed their lives and compelled them to spread the gospel despite persecution. This same glory is available to us today, inviting us to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
Finally, we reflected on the startling revelation that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He reveals the heart of God and provides the only path to eternal life. This Christmas, we are reminded that the story of Jesus is not just about a baby in a manger but about God's relentless pursuit of us, offering hope, salvation, and a new way of living.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Interruptions: Just as God interrupted the lives of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, He often interrupts our lives to reveal His greater purpose. These interruptions are opportunities for growth and transformation, leading us closer to His will. [35:33]
- The Incarnation's Mystery: The incarnation is a profound mystery where God became flesh to dwell among us. This act of divine love shows God's willingness to enter our brokenness and offer us grace and truth. [44:12]
- God's Pursuit of Humanity: Despite humanity's rebellion, God continues to pursue us with relentless love. The story of the prodigal son illustrates God's desire to restore us, no matter how far we've strayed. [50:09]
- Witnessing God's Glory: The disciples witnessed Jesus' glory through His miracles and resurrection, which transformed their lives. This same glory is available to us, inviting us to participate in God's work and experience His transformative power. [01:04:22]
- Jesus as the Only Way: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, revealing the heart of God and providing the only path to eternal life. This Christmas, we are reminded that our hope and salvation are found in Him alone. [01:16:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [10:25] - Baptism Celebration
- [35:33] - Divine Interruptions
- [37:58] - Heaven's Perspective on Christmas
- [44:12] - The Incarnation's Mystery
- [48:14] - God's Pursuit of Humanity
- [50:09] - The Prodigal Son's Return
- [51:45] - The Great Condescension
- [53:23] - Jesus' Sacrificial Mission
- [59:02] - The Word Became Flesh
- [01:00:26] - Jesus' Humanity and Divinity
- [01:02:47] - Witnessing God's Glory
- [01:04:22] - Transformation Through Christ
- [01:09:41] - The Glory of God in Action
- [01:16:43] - Jesus as the Only Way
- [01:18:02] - The Wonderful Message of Christmas
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-14
2. Luke 2:8-20
3. Matthew 1:18-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples of divine interruptions in the lives of Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds as mentioned in the sermon? [35:33]
2. How does John 1 describe Jesus in relation to God and creation? What significance does this have for understanding the incarnation? [44:12]
3. What was the reaction of the shepherds when they received the news of Jesus' birth, and how did it change their actions? [35:33]
4. How did the disciples witness the glory of Jesus, and what impact did it have on their lives according to the sermon? [01:04:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might divine interruptions in our lives serve as opportunities for growth and transformation, similar to the experiences of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds? [35:33]
2. In what ways does the incarnation of Jesus as described in John 1 reveal God's willingness to enter into human brokenness? [44:12]
3. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate God's relentless pursuit of humanity, and what does this tell us about God's character? [50:09]
4. What does it mean for Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life, and how does this shape our understanding of salvation? [01:16:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a divine interruption in your life. How did it lead you closer to God's purpose for you? [35:33]
2. The incarnation shows God's willingness to enter our brokenness. How can you invite God into a broken area of your life this week? [44:12]
3. Consider the story of the prodigal son. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to extend grace and forgiveness? How can you take a step towards reconciliation? [50:09]
4. The disciples were transformed by witnessing Jesus' glory. What is one way you can seek to witness God's glory in your daily life? [01:04:22]
5. Jesus is described as the only way to eternal life. How does this truth impact your approach to sharing your faith with others? [01:16:43]
6. This Christmas, how can you focus on the deeper meaning of the season, beyond the festivities, to truly celebrate God's pursuit of humanity? [01:18:02]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him? [01:16:43]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Divine Interruptions
In life, God often orchestrates divine interruptions that may initially seem disruptive but are actually opportunities for growth and transformation. These interruptions, much like those experienced by Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, are divine appointments that reveal God's greater purpose for our lives. They challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and align ourselves with His will. By embracing these moments, we open ourselves to the transformative power of faith, allowing God to work through us in ways we never imagined. [35:33]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected event in your life. How might God be using this interruption to guide you toward His purpose?
Day 2: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The incarnation is a profound mystery where God became flesh to dwell among us, demonstrating His willingness to enter our brokenness and offer us grace and truth. This act of divine love is unparalleled, as it shows God's desire to be intimately involved in our lives. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a personal invitation for each of us to experience God's grace and become His children. It challenges us to see Jesus not just as a figure in history but as the living Word who embodies grace and truth. [44:12]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How does the reality of God becoming flesh change your understanding of His love for you? What steps can you take to embrace this truth more fully in your daily life?
Day 3: God's Relentless Pursuit
Despite humanity's rebellion, God continues to pursue us with relentless love, as illustrated by the story of the prodigal son. This pursuit is a testament to God's desire to restore us, no matter how far we've strayed. His love is not conditional on our actions but is a constant invitation to return to Him. Understanding this relentless pursuit can transform our relationship with God, encouraging us to seek Him with our whole hearts and trust in His unwavering love. [50:09]
Hosea 11:8-9 (ESV): "How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? ... My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit during that season, and how can you respond to His love today?
Day 4: Witnessing God's Glory
The disciples witnessed Jesus' glory through His miracles and resurrection, which transformed their lives and compelled them to spread the gospel despite persecution. This same glory is available to us today, inviting us to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. By witnessing and experiencing God's glory, we are empowered to live out our faith boldly and share the transformative power of the gospel with others. [01:04:22]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways have you witnessed God's glory in your life? How can you share this experience with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 5: Jesus as the Only Way
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, revealing the heart of God and providing the only path to eternal life. This Christmas, we are reminded that the story of Jesus is not just about a baby in a manger but about God's relentless pursuit of us, offering hope, salvation, and a new way of living. Embracing Jesus as the only way challenges us to align our lives with His teachings and trust in His promise of eternal life. [01:16:43]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to follow Jesus as the only way in your daily life? Identify one area where you can more fully align your actions with His teachings.
Quotes
"God's interrupted your life so that, he might work on you. You've heard many stories from me through my lifetime of the different ways and times and places that God has worked on my life and interrupted my life. And I would encourage you, you know, you ought to be able to look back through your life." [00:36:19] (18 seconds)
"Down through the day that God called me to ministry, God called me to Rome and all the events of the last almost 39 years we've had together here. There ought to be some markers in your life that you look back on and go, wow, look what God did there. Look what God did there. Look what God did there. Look what God did there. Look what God did there. It's not just salvation. It's the whole experience of walking with God. I've witnessed the goodness of God." [00:37:32] (26 seconds)
"There's a plan to Christmas. There's a plan to this story. God has been planning this since the beginning of time, since before the world. The Bible says Jesus was the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world. God put a plan in place to send Jesus to this earth. And the thing I can't understand about Christmas is why Jesus would even come into this world." [00:50:51] (27 seconds)
"Jesus, the son, the glorious son of God is stepping out of heaven, condescending, stepping down to the human race to not overdo it. To not only lure himself, but to become one of us. He's as much God as God is. He's as much human as you and I are. He is the unique, one of a kind, one and only God -man so that he could live a perfect life. And all of this, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem is so he can go to the cross. Because he's going to be the perfect sacrifice that's headed to the cross. He's getting married at Calvary one day to die in our place." [00:52:36] (48 seconds)
"John told us there, he came to his own, and his own what? Received him not. They didn't want him. Just a few days before he's crucified, they said, crown him king. Hail to the king. Hallelujah to the king. Hosanna to the king. And just three days later, they stand at the same place when Pilate washes his hands of him, and what do they say? Crucify him. Crucify him. We don't want the man. Give us Barabbas. They want no part. He came to his own, and his own received him not. Who would give up their life for somebody who hates them, and turns their back on them, and seems to despise everything about them? That our God loves you that much, that even when you hate him and turn your back on him and despise him and push back on the things of God he still loves you it's like the story of the prodigal son when the father the son looks at the father and says I wish you were dead I want you to die I want you to die so I can get my half of the inheritance and the father cashes out gives it to him and he runs off into far country and he blows all the money and spends it all in foolishness and there when he's done he winds up with nothing no friends no family no occupation nothing he's feeding pigs and so hungry he's ready to eat pig slop now I gotta say something to you I've been around some pigs too first of all to even be near pigs and smell something that you think you would want to eat is incredible because there is a stench you could put a beautiful steak and potato down and you wouldn't be able to eat it because of the stench and he looks at their stench slop and says I'm so hungry I want to eat the husk and he says I will arise and go back to my father's house hopefully he'll make me a servant hopefully he'll let me serve him somehow I don't have to be a son I don't have to live in the big house I'll live out here where the where the servants live I'll live just so I'll have a place again and he comes home and what does the father do the father he's he's all he's prepared that speech can you imagine him preparing that speech all the way home dad I just come to tell you I don't have to be your son and I know a stink and I've wasted it and I blew all your money and I'm sorry and if you'll just let me live in the servants quarters just so I have a place to live and some food to eat I'll do anything I'll serve you for the rest of ages I can hear him rehearsing that speech over and over and over again and he comes and he sees the father the father runs to him and part of the reason the father runs to him is because in their culture if everybody else had got to the son they would have killed him for bringing shame on the father the way he did when he left and the father wraps his arms around him to protect him to hold him to love him to draw him close to say no matter what you've done and i can hear him start to try to get the speech out dad if you'll just he's like my son my son that was lost is now found praise be to god and he wraps his arms around him and he says put a robe on him put a ring on his finger prepare the fatted calf we're going to celebrate not that you've come to be a servant you are my son and can i say to you this morning no matter how far you may have gone from god no matter what you may have done no matter how far you've been out there you are my son no matter what sin you've committed there's not a sin that separates you from god that god can't forgive you and restore you except for blaspheming the holy spirit if you will come home he will return to you and love you and restore you to walk as your child as a child of his with him amen that's the story of christmas god steps down to our level because here's what he knows we can never get to god's level what do you have to do preacher how many how many good things do i have to do to get to god do i have to save somebody's life how many lives do i have to save how much money do i have to give how far do i have to go do i have to travel the world do i have to heal cancer" [00:53:40] (0 seconds)
"Because the step has already been taken that gets us to God, and God took it for us because he knew we couldn't take it. So he took the step for us to come to God. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. Wow." [00:58:21] (22 seconds)
"When John says, we've seen his glory, he meant we have witnessed the glory of God coming through the life of Jesus. You know why these men were never the same? You know why these 12 men were willing to go all across the world? They will scatter out around the world, and every one of them, every one of them will be exiled and executed, put to death for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even John that writes this book, they will take John and boil him in oil, but he don't boil." [01:03:25] (40 seconds)
"God wasn't through with him yet, but every one of these men will be put to torture and death for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And you know why they're willing to go? Because they've seen the glory of God." [01:04:22] (14 seconds)
"To go to the cross. To reveal God to us. And to make a way that we could have forgiveness of our sin. And the only way, the only way, listen to what I'm saying to you, the one and only way you'll ever know the forgiveness of sin is through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection." [01:12:13] (21 seconds)
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