Emmanuel: The Joy and Mystery of Christmas
Summary
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection on the profound mystery of Jesus' birth. As we gather in the spirit of the season, it's important to remember that God desires to do something special in each of our lives, regardless of our past or how many times we've been here. Christmas is a time to embrace the joy of family, food, and festivities, but also to delve deeper into the story of Jesus' birth and its significance.
The journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, is not just a historical event but a fulfillment of prophecy. Mary and Joseph's trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem was not merely due to a census but was orchestrated by God to fulfill the prophecy in Micah 5:2, which foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This journey symbolizes God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the most unlikely circumstances to fulfill His promises.
David, a man after God's own heart, desired to build a house for God, but God promised instead to establish David's lineage forever. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus, who is born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Jesus' birth is not just a historical event but a divine intervention, a moment where God enters human history to bring salvation.
The incarnation of Jesus is a profound mystery. Unlike reincarnation, which suggests multiple lives, the incarnation is about God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus. Jesus, who existed from eternity, entered our world to be our Savior. This is the essence of Christmas: God with us, Emmanuel, bringing hope and salvation.
Prophecy plays a crucial role in understanding God's plan. While prophecies may seem distant or unclear, they remind us of God's faithfulness and His ultimate victory. The prophecies about Jesus' birth and His second coming are intertwined, showing us that God's timeline is different from ours. The ultimate message of prophecy is that God wins, and His victory is assured.
Key Takeaways:
- The Journey to Bethlehem: Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem was not just a result of a census but a divine orchestration to fulfill prophecy. This reminds us that God can use any circumstance to fulfill His promises in our lives. [40:24]
- David's Covenant with God: David's desire to build a house for God led to God's promise of an eternal kingdom through David's lineage. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus, showing us the importance of aligning our desires with God's will. [46:51]
- The Mystery of the Incarnation: Jesus' birth is a profound mystery where God becomes flesh. Unlike reincarnation, the incarnation is about God entering our world to bring salvation, emphasizing the uniqueness of Jesus' mission. [51:56]
- Understanding Prophecy: Prophecies about Jesus' birth and second coming are intertwined, reminding us of God's faithfulness and ultimate victory. Prophecy assures us that God wins, and His plans are beyond our understanding. [01:02:46]
- God's Invitation to Relationship: God desires a personal relationship with each of us, just as He did with David. By trusting in Jesus, we can experience the fullness of life and be part of God's eternal kingdom. [01:08:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:02] - Christmas Spirit and Music
- [36:00] - Singing Feliz Navidad
- [38:37] - The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
- [40:24] - Why Bethlehem?
- [41:57] - Prophecy of Micah
- [43:54] - David's Heart for God
- [45:18] - God's Promise to David
- [46:51] - Building God's House
- [48:40] - Exalting God's Name
- [49:43] - The Coming King
- [51:56] - The Incarnation of Jesus
- [54:14] - Jesus in the Old Testament
- [56:32] - Jesus in the Burning Bush
- [58:18] - Jesus in the Fiery Furnace
- [01:01:09] - Prophecy and God's Plan
- [01:04:19] - Understanding Prophecy
- [01:06:39] - God Wins
- [01:08:38] - Invitation to Relationship
- [01:11:45] - Prayer and Commitment
- [01:14:29] - Closing and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:1-7: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
- Micah 5:2: Prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.
- 2 Samuel 7:4-16: God's covenant with David.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem according to Luke 2:1-7? [38:37]
2. How does Micah 5:2 describe Bethlehem and the significance of the ruler to come from there? [41:57]
3. What promise did God make to David in 2 Samuel 7:4-16, and how is this connected to Jesus' birth? [46:51]
4. According to the sermon, what role does prophecy play in understanding God's plan? [01:02:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the journey to Bethlehem illustrate God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill promises? [40:24]
2. In what ways does the covenant with David highlight the importance of aligning our desires with God's will? [46:51]
3. How does the concept of the incarnation differ from reincarnation, and why is this distinction important in understanding Jesus' mission? [51:56]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Jesus' first and second coming in terms of prophecy? [01:02:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God orchestrated events in your life for a greater purpose. How did that experience shape your faith? [40:24]
2. David desired to build a house for God, but God had a different plan. How can you ensure your desires align with God's will in your life? [46:51]
3. The incarnation is about God becoming flesh to bring salvation. How does this understanding of Jesus' mission impact your daily life and faith? [51:56]
4. Prophecy assures us of God's ultimate victory. How can this assurance influence the way you face challenges and uncertainties in your life? [01:02:46]
5. The sermon emphasizes God's invitation to a personal relationship. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this Christmas season? [01:08:38]
6. How can you be more intentional about recognizing and responding to God's work in your life, as illustrated by the examples of Jesus' presence throughout the Bible? [59:15]
7. Consider the idea of being "all in" for Jesus. What fears or obstacles might be holding you back, and how can you overcome them to fully commit to your faith? [01:10:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Orchestration in Unlikely Circumstances
The journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem was not merely a result of a census but a divine orchestration to fulfill prophecy. This journey symbolizes God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the most unlikely circumstances to fulfill His promises. It reminds us that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it. The prophecy in Micah 5:2 foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and God used the decree of a Roman emperor to bring this prophecy to fruition. This teaches us that God can use any situation, no matter how mundane or challenging, to accomplish His divine purposes.
[40:24]
Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems ordinary or challenging. How might God be using it to fulfill His promises to you?
Day 2: Aligning Desires with God's Will
David's desire to build a house for God led to God's promise of an eternal kingdom through David's lineage. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus, showing us the importance of aligning our desires with God's will. David's heart was in the right place, but God had a greater plan that extended beyond David's immediate desires. This teaches us that while our intentions may be good, God's plans are always greater and more far-reaching. By aligning our desires with His will, we open ourselves to being part of His eternal purposes.
[46:51]
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (ESV): "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
Reflection: What is one desire or plan you have that you need to align with God's will? How can you seek His guidance in this area today?
Day 3: The Unique Mission of the Incarnation
The incarnation of Jesus is a profound mystery where God becomes flesh. Unlike reincarnation, the incarnation is about God entering our world to bring salvation, emphasizing the uniqueness of Jesus' mission. Jesus, who existed from eternity, chose to enter human history to be our Savior. This act of divine love and humility is the essence of Christmas: God with us, Emmanuel, bringing hope and salvation to a broken world. It challenges us to reflect on the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to redeem us.
[51:56]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: How does the mystery of the incarnation impact your understanding of God's love for you? What difference does it make in your daily life?
Day 4: The Assurance of Prophecy
Prophecies about Jesus' birth and second coming are intertwined, reminding us of God's faithfulness and ultimate victory. Prophecy assures us that God wins, and His plans are beyond our understanding. While prophecies may seem distant or unclear, they serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises. They encourage us to trust in His timing and to have faith that His victory is assured, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
[01:02:46]
Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's ultimate victory? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 5: God's Invitation to Relationship
God desires a personal relationship with each of us, just as He did with David. By trusting in Jesus, we can experience the fullness of life and be part of God's eternal kingdom. This invitation is not just about salvation but about experiencing a deep, personal relationship with God. It is an invitation to walk with Him daily, to know His heart, and to be transformed by His love. As we respond to this invitation, we find our true identity and purpose in Him.
[01:08:38]
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What steps can you take to open your heart more fully to His presence?
Quotes
God wanted them to go. And God used a Roman emperor, to get them there. God transformed the entire world through this decision. Because what was happening in Bethlehem was a sign, a prophecy coming true of the coming king, Jesus. What if I told you that Bethlehem was a place that had been promised for years, that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? [00:41:01] (31 seconds)
David began to be a king. He was a warrior poet, sang songs, wrote poetry, also won a lot of battles. He's a man that God said that he was a man after God's own heart. He's one of the few people in the Bible, the Bible ever says, that about. In fact, David actually is a one of one. [00:43:54] (16 seconds)
Remember, God tells, David, he says, David, because you want to build me a house, I'm going to build for you a house. But your house isn't going to be made out of stone or brick. Your house is going to be a kingdom that will never end. Your line, David, won't be like Saul, who was a one and done king. [00:47:34] (22 seconds)
Now, here we find the mystery of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Because the scriptures are telling us that this baby isn't just like every other baby this baby has come from ancient times he has pre -existed his birth now something you need to know about the bible is that the bible does not teach reincarnation the bible teaches incarnation not reincarnation. [00:50:20] (32 seconds)
And you find Jesus throughout the Bible. When you look at that phrase and you say, okay, now I understand what God was doing all the beginning, from the very beginning. God was telling a story that Jesus is a part of throughout the entire Bible. It's not simply that he showed up in the book of Luke, but rather from the very beginning, Jesus was always there. [00:53:27] (22 seconds)
And so often, like when we think of prophecy, what God has prophesied about his second coming, second coming of Jesus, we will go, how's that going to work? How's that going to, how's that going to all like hold together? What does it look like for us to walk faithfully when we look to the future? [01:02:46] (15 seconds)
The purpose of prophecy is one thing, and it's that God wins. That's the point. God tells us the future, tells us the end of the story, tells the last chapter of the book, that he wins and will reign and will conquer sin, death, and the devil. That's the end of the story. Jesus wins. That's it. [01:06:39] (25 seconds)
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