Embracing God's Mercy: The Christmas Invitation
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound theme of God's mercy and grace, particularly as it relates to the Christmas story. Many of us have felt estranged from God at some point, whether due to our own decisions or the actions of others. Yet, the message of Christmas is that there is always room for us, no matter how far we feel we've strayed. This is the essence of the Christmas story: God reaching out to humanity, revealing Himself in a way that removes much of the mystery and opens a clear path for reconciliation.
The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully, explaining that at the right time, God sent His Son into the world to redeem us and adopt us as His children. This invitation is extended to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The Christmas story is not just a historical event but a standing invitation for all to experience God's love and grace.
The narrative of Mary and the shepherds further illustrates this inclusivity. Mary, a young woman of humble status, is chosen to bear the Son of God, highlighting that God's grace is not earned but given. Similarly, the shepherds, often marginalized and considered outsiders, are the first to hear the good news, signifying that God's message is for everyone, especially those on the fringes.
The angel's announcement to the shepherds encapsulates the heart of the Christmas message: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people." This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a constant reality anchored in the truth of God's love and the reconciliation offered through Jesus. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God's favor rests on us, not because of what we've done, but because of His immense love for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Mercy is Ever-Present: No matter how far we feel from God, His mercy is always available. The Christmas story reminds us that there is always room for us in God's heart, and His grace is extended to all, regardless of our past. [05:00]
2. Revelation of God's Nature: Christmas marks the moment when God chose to reveal Himself clearly to humanity. Through Jesus, we see the true nature of God, removing the mystery and providing a path for reconciliation. [06:46]
3. Adoption into God's Family: The message of Christmas is that we are invited to be adopted as children of God. This invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. [08:01]
4. Inclusivity of God's Message: The choice of Mary and the shepherds in the Christmas story highlights God's inclusive nature. His grace is not limited to the elite but is available to all, especially those on the margins. [15:09]
5. Joy Anchored in God's Love: The good news of Christmas brings great joy, a constant reality that transcends circumstances. This joy is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's love and the reconciliation offered through Jesus. [17:27]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:46] - Room for a Stranger
[05:54] - Estrangement from God
[06:25] - Revelation at Christmas
[07:01] - God's Perfect Timing
[07:34] - Adoption as God's Children
[08:15] - Invitation to All
[09:15] - Jesus' Life and Message
[10:16] - The Story Begins
[11:44] - Mary's Favor and Faith
[13:20] - The Census and Journey
[14:36] - Birth of Jesus
[15:09] - Shepherds and the Good News
[16:29] - Joy for All People
[17:47] - The Sign of the Savior
[18:44] - Peace and Favor
[19:07] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."
2. Luke 2:8-14 - The announcement to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.
3. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of God choosing to reveal Himself at Christmas? [06:25]
2. How does the story of Mary and the shepherds illustrate the inclusivity of God's message? [15:09]
3. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says that we might be adopted as children of God? [07:34]
4. How does the angel's announcement to the shepherds encapsulate the heart of the Christmas message? [16:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for God's mercy to be ever-present, and how does this relate to the Christmas story? [05:00]
2. How does the concept of adoption into God's family challenge or affirm one's understanding of their relationship with God? [08:01]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the joy of Christmas is a constant reality, regardless of circumstances? [17:27]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation of understanding God's nature through the birth of Jesus? [06:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt estranged from God. How does the message of Christmas offer hope for reconciliation in your life? [05:00]
2. The sermon highlights the inclusivity of God's message. How can you extend this inclusivity in your community, especially to those who feel marginalized? [15:09]
3. Consider the idea of being adopted into God's family. How does this change your perspective on your identity and purpose? [08:01]
4. The joy of Christmas is described as a constant reality. What practical steps can you take to anchor your joy in God's love, especially during challenging times? [17:27]
5. How can you actively participate in sharing the good news of Christmas with others, as the shepherds did? [16:29]
6. Reflect on the ways God has revealed Himself to you personally. How can you use these revelations to strengthen your faith and encourage others? [06:46]
7. The sermon mentions that God's favor rests on us not because of what we've done, but because of His love. How can this truth impact the way you view yourself and others? [18:44]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Mercy is Boundless
God's mercy is a constant presence in our lives, always available no matter how far we feel from Him. The Christmas story is a powerful reminder that there is always room for us in God's heart. His grace is extended to all, regardless of our past. This is a profound truth that can transform our understanding of God's love. The narrative of Christmas shows us that God reaches out to humanity, offering a path to reconciliation and a place in His family. This invitation is not limited by our mistakes or circumstances but is a testament to His unwavering love and mercy. [05:00]
Psalm 103:11-12 (ESV): "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How can you embrace His mercy today and take a step towards reconciliation with Him?
Day 2: God's Revelation Through Jesus
Christmas marks the moment when God chose to reveal Himself clearly to humanity. Through Jesus, we see the true nature of God, removing the mystery and providing a path for reconciliation. This revelation is a gift that allows us to understand God's character and His intentions for us. It is through Jesus that we can see God's love, compassion, and desire for a relationship with us. The Christmas story is not just a historical event but a living invitation to experience God's presence and to walk in the light of His truth. [06:46]
Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek to know God more deeply through the life and teachings of Jesus this week?
Day 3: Adoption into God's Family
The message of Christmas is that we are invited to be adopted as children of God. This invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Apostle Paul beautifully explains that at the right time, God sent His Son into the world to redeem us and adopt us as His children. This adoption is a profound act of love that offers us a new identity and a place in God's family. It is a reminder that we are not alone, but part of a larger community of believers who are loved and cherished by God. [08:01]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God's family change the way you view yourself and your relationship with others?
Day 4: God's Inclusive Message
The choice of Mary and the shepherds in the Christmas story highlights God's inclusive nature. His grace is not limited to the elite but is available to all, especially those on the margins. Mary, a young woman of humble status, is chosen to bear the Son of God, illustrating that God's grace is not earned but given. Similarly, the shepherds, often marginalized and considered outsiders, are the first to hear the good news, signifying that God's message is for everyone. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder that God's love knows no boundaries and is extended to all people. [15:09]
James 2:5 (ESV): "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?"
Reflection: Who in your life might feel marginalized or overlooked? How can you extend God's inclusive love to them today?
Day 5: Joy Rooted in God's Love
The good news of Christmas brings great joy, a constant reality that transcends circumstances. This joy is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's love and the reconciliation offered through Jesus. The angel's announcement to the shepherds encapsulates the heart of the Christmas message: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people." This joy is not dependent on external factors but is a deep-seated assurance of God's presence and favor in our lives. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that God's favor rests on us, not because of what we've done, but because of His immense love for us. [17:27]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate a sense of joy in your life that is rooted in God's love, regardless of your current circumstances?
Quotes
But regardless of why, the answer is yes, there is always mercy for someone like me and someone like you. And that is actually what the message and the story of Christmas is really all about. There's mercy for someone like me and you and the you beside you and the you that is nothing like you. [00:05:20]
And at Christmas, God chose to reveal himself in such a way that much of the mystery would be taken away and that the path forward and the way to connect or that to use a Bible, word to reconcile with God for everyone would be made clear. [00:06:33]
But when the set time had fully come, in other words, when God had it, had the world just the way he needed it to be, when there was an empire with a highway system and port cities all around the Mediterranean room, when there was a way to communicate it, when there was a way for God to do something in the world that the world would be able to know actually happened, that the world could take note of in that time as soon as it was possible, when the full time set time had fully come, God sent his son, born of a woman born like the rest of us born under the law to redeem those under the law that we, and here's the kind of the punchline that we might be adopted as children. [00:06:56]
And the we included some people he'd never met the, we included people that he had no idea what they were up to, what they'd been into, what they were trying to work their way out of. He had no idea the kind of lives they live. And yet he was able to say with this very open-ended end of the funnel way, Hey, you need to know that you're part of the we, that you are part of the we that has the potential to be adopted as a child of God. [00:07:44]
And God has made it clear, not simply through a prophet, but God has made it clear by sending himself into the world so that much of the mystery would be erased so that we would know the way forward. So a Christmas, we celebrate that God so loved the world, he moved in our direction, whether we ever move in his direction or not. [00:08:13]
The good news of great joy is that you matter a great deal to your heavenly Father. And whether you feel it or not, whether you feel it this Christmas or not, that's a reality that maybe possibly you might feel again someday. [00:10:07]
And the angel went to her and said, greetings you who are highly favored. In other words, greetings, you who are an object of God's grace. That's what the Greek means. To which she could have said, wait, why me? And the angel might have said, well, it's not really about you, God just chose you. This is what grace is. You just, you don't earn it. It's just He chose you, you who are highly favored. [00:10:57]
First of all, God announces through an angel to a woman what he's about to do for the world in the first century. No one would have made that up because of the status of women. The implication being that that is about to change with this brand new king. And then secondarily, now we're gonna announce to shepherds. Shepherds were on the outskirts. They were on the, the periphery of the religious system. [00:15:02]
And then when God decides to announce to the outside world what he's about to do, he goes to the outer rim, to that group of people that looked in from the outside to say, Hey, you're included. I want you to be the first to know what God is about to do in the world, for the world. And yes to you shepherds and you families of shepherds, you're included, you're invited. [00:15:36]
The angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news. That will be the cause of great joy for all people. If Christianity doesn't strike you as good news, if Christianity in the message of the church doesn't elicit joy in you, maybe just maybe the version you were taught, the version you were raised on wasn't the Christmas version, wasn't the original version. [00:16:18]
The thrills of life, of course, are circumstantial, relational in the moment. But joy is a constant. Joy is something you can experience no matter how young you are or no matter how old you are, because joy is anchored to a reality that does not change. And the angel said this, good news isn't just thrilling. This new good news when understood and when accepted has the potential to elicit in you joy, a constant sense of everything is okay because I am connected to my father in heaven. [00:17:09]
Peace to those. Here it is just like the angel said to Mary, peace to those on whom his favor rests. Not because of what we've done, but because he loves you. Because for God so loved the world, he moved in our direction and will continue. [00:18:40]
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