Finding Beauty in the Messiness of Christmas
Summary
In today's service, we embraced the theme of "A Very Messy Christmas," celebrating the joyous chaos that often accompanies the holiday season. We began with a lively game and some audience participation, setting the tone for a fun and interactive gathering. The service was filled with laughter and community spirit, as we sang carols and engaged in a nativity play that brought the Christmas story to life in a unique and memorable way.
The nativity play reminded us of the original Christmas story's inherent messiness. From Mary's unexpected pregnancy to the humble birth of Jesus in a stable, the narrative is filled with unexpected turns and challenges. Yet, it is within this mess that the profound beauty of God's plan is revealed. Jesus, born in the midst of chaos, came to bring peace and salvation to a world in need. This story encourages us to see the beauty in our own messy lives and to recognize that God is present with us, even in our imperfections.
As we reflect on the nativity, we are reminded that God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds—ordinary, messy people—highlighting that His message is for everyone. The wise men, guided by a star, brought gifts fit for a king, symbolizing Jesus' divine role and the ultimate sacrifice He would make for humanity. This narrative invites us to consider how we can offer our own gifts and lives in service to God.
The service concluded with an invitation to see Jesus as the one who can transform our lives, bringing hope and redemption into our personal messes. We were encouraged to embrace the Christmas story as a reminder of God's love and His desire to be close to us, no matter our circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embracing the Messiness of Life: The Christmas story is a reminder that life is often messy, but God is present in the chaos. Just as Jesus was born in a stable, amidst the mess, God enters our lives in unexpected ways, bringing hope and transformation. [22:04]
2. God's Message for All: The announcement of Jesus' birth to shepherds signifies that God's message is for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance. This inclusivity challenges us to share the good news with all people, recognizing the inherent value in each person. [35:14]
3. The Gifts of the Wise Men: The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus' kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death. These gifts remind us of the multifaceted nature of Jesus' mission and invite us to offer our own lives in service to Him. [42:45]
4. God's Presence in Our Mess: God doesn't shy away from our messiness; instead, He enters into it with us. By sending Jesus, God demonstrates His willingness to be with us in our struggles, offering redemption and new life. [45:35]
5. Transformation Through Christ: The Christmas story invites us to see Jesus as the one who can transform our lives. By embracing His presence, we can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing we are loved and valued by God. [01:12:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:35] - Messy Christmas Donut Challenge
[11:02] - Christmas Carol Medley
[14:53] - Decorating the Christmas Tree
[22:04] - The Messy First Christmas
[24:55] - Angel's Message to Mary
[27:01] - Joseph's Dream
[29:26] - Journey to Bethlehem
[30:37] - Birth in a Stable
[32:30] - Jesus' Birth and Visitors
[35:14] - Shepherds Hear the Good News
[37:02] - Wise Men Follow the Star
[39:05] - Herod's Plan
[42:45] - Gifts for the King
[44:06] - Fleeing to Egypt
[45:35] - Jesus Enters Our Mess
[01:12:13] - Closing Announcements and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: A Very Messy Christmas
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus and the Shepherds
2. Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Wise Men
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Observation Questions:
1. What were some of the unexpected and messy elements in the original Christmas story as described in the sermon? [22:04]
2. How did the shepherds react to the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth, and what does this tell us about the inclusivity of God's message? [35:14]
3. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus, and what do these gifts symbolize according to the sermon? [42:45]
4. How did Joseph respond to the angel's warning about Herod, and what actions did he take to protect Jesus? [44:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon highlighted the messiness of the first Christmas. How does this perspective change the way one might view their own life's messiness? [22:04]
2. Why do you think God chose to announce Jesus' birth to shepherds, and what does this reveal about His character and intentions? [35:14]
3. The wise men's gifts were significant. How do these gifts reflect the different aspects of Jesus' mission and identity? [42:45]
4. In what ways does the story of Jesus' birth demonstrate God's willingness to enter into human mess and chaos? [45:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your life felt messy or chaotic. How can the Christmas story encourage you to see God's presence in those moments? [22:04]
2. The shepherds were ordinary people who received extraordinary news. How can you be more open to receiving and sharing God's message in your everyday life? [35:14]
3. Consider the gifts you have to offer in service to God. What is one specific way you can use your talents or resources to honor Him this Christmas season? [42:45]
4. How can you invite Jesus into the messy areas of your life to experience transformation and peace? What steps can you take this week to make room for Him? [45:35]
5. The sermon emphasized God's love and desire to be close to us despite our imperfections. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's love in your daily routine? [45:35]
6. Think about someone in your life who might feel excluded or overlooked. How can you share the inclusive message of Christmas with them in a meaningful way? [35:14]
7. The wise men followed a star to find Jesus. What "star" or guiding principle can you follow to draw closer to Jesus in your spiritual journey? [39:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Finding God in Life's Chaos
In the midst of life's chaos, God is present, offering hope and transformation. The Christmas story is a testament to this truth, as Jesus was born in a stable, surrounded by the messiness of life. This narrative encourages us to embrace the messiness of our own lives, recognizing that God enters into our chaos to bring peace and redemption. Just as Jesus' birth was unexpected and humble, God often works in our lives in ways we do not anticipate, turning our struggles into opportunities for growth and renewal. [22:04]
Isaiah 43:2-3 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels chaotic right now? How can you invite God into that space to bring peace and transformation?
Day 2: God's Inclusive Message
The announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds highlights the inclusivity of God's message. Shepherds, considered ordinary and messy people, were chosen to receive the good news, signifying that God's love and salvation are for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance. This challenges us to share the gospel with all people, recognizing the inherent value in each person and the universal nature of God's love. We are called to be messengers of this inclusive message, reaching out to those who may feel marginalized or overlooked. [35:14]
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV): "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel overlooked or marginalized? How can you share God's inclusive love with them today?
Day 3: The Symbolism of the Wise Men's Gifts
The gifts of the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize Jesus' kingship, priesthood, and sacrificial death. These gifts remind us of the multifaceted nature of Jesus' mission and invite us to offer our own lives in service to Him. As we reflect on the significance of these gifts, we are encouraged to consider what we can offer to God in gratitude for His love and sacrifice. Our lives, talents, and resources can be gifts that honor Jesus and further His kingdom on earth. [42:45]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What is one gift or talent you have that you can offer in service to God? How can you use it to bless others this week?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Mess
God does not shy away from our messiness; instead, He enters into it with us. By sending Jesus, God demonstrates His willingness to be with us in our struggles, offering redemption and new life. This profound truth reassures us that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. God's presence brings hope and healing, transforming our mess into a testimony of His grace and love. We are invited to trust in His presence and allow Him to work in and through our imperfections. [45:35]
Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's presence in your struggles? How can you lean on Him more fully in your current challenges?
Day 5: Transformation Through Christ
The Christmas story invites us to see Jesus as the one who can transform our lives. By embracing His presence, we can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing we are loved and valued by God. Jesus' birth, life, and sacrifice offer us a path to redemption and a new way of living. As we reflect on this transformative power, we are encouraged to open our hearts to His work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness and guide us in our journey of faith. [01:12:13]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you desire transformation? How can you invite Jesus to work in that area today?
Quotes
"Even though we have lots of fun and we have lots of joy coming together today it's going to get a little messy so I don't want you to think that we're just messy people even though I think we are all a little messed up aren't we but today is a celebration of Christmas and we've entitled it a very messy Christmas and always at this time of year when we're having a family service we like to have a bit of fun and have a few games so we're going to have a game of Christmas and we're going to have a game this morning." [00:04:53]
"I think all of us can feel like we're in a mess sometimes, but you fit right in with our Christmas story. Yes. While that's all true, I think if you listen carefully and closely enough, you might find that the first Christmas was in fact a very messy one. Shall we tell the story together? Good idea. No worries. And I've got some helpers that are going to take part in our telling the story. So keep an eye out for some amazing, talented actors." [00:23:52]
"As messy and confusing as this situation seemed, Mary agreed that she would do what God asked of her. But now, to tell Joseph. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. would expect joseph didn't react so well to the news he felt hurt confused and he just couldn't believe her unbelievable story what yep that's true until an angel visited him in a dream. It confirmed everything that Mary had said was true. This baby was God's son." [00:27:01]
"After camping rough along the road to Bethlehem, Mary would have looked forward to a warm, comfortable place to rest as they enter Bethlehem. But as I said at the start, this story is a very messy one. So when they got to Bethlehem... No way. let's see what happens. This is not acceptable, is it, Samara? It's not. mess. Now that's a mess. Welcome to your home. Same with me. A stable would not be anyone's first choice of a delivery suite, but that is where God's son would be born, amongst the mess." [00:30:19]
"So many questions. So many questions. But, you know, we don't know the answer to all those questions. But what we do know is that Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, which is an animal food trough. Hmm. Now, when I had my first baby, I had so many visitors. Like, it was ridiculous. Mom, dad, that's expected. In-laws, brothers and sisters, neighbours, anyone that thought that it was worth coming in to look and see the new baby, they came. Me too. Yep. Well, when Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph had a very different set of visitors." [00:33:20]
"And the interesting thing is that God made this announcement to not the popular influences of the time, but to a group of dirty, smelly, messy shepherds. Okay, exit the angels. Yes. So they told Mary and Joseph everything that the angel had said. And then they went away telling everyone, about the good news of the promised Saviour's birth. Okay, shepherds, go and tell everyone that Jesus is born. Tell them. Yes. Charlie, you go tell them too. And Mary, she treasured their words in her heart." [00:37:02]
"Now, after Jesus was born, a group of wise men travelled from the east. Now, Tim, you might need to get thrown on the stage as well. Sorry. A group of wise men came from the east and they were following a... What were they following? They were following a... Star. Star. those who haven't been here, this is the star. They went to King Herod and they asked him... Now, when Herod heard this news, he was not too pleased." [00:39:05]
"was born exactly now herod was not too pleased to hear about the new king in his kingdom so he asked the wise men to find the child and to report back to him where he was located so he could worship him hang on if think herod was hatching up a bit of a plan but we'll get to that in just a moment so the wise men went on their way following the star to the place where the child was follow me wise man follow me follow me sparkle i think you need to sparkle thank you" [00:40:47]
"they are not but they are gifts fit for god's promised King gold for he was a king knows frankincense for he would become our great high priest amen And myrrh, for the death he would die for all people. Oh, that last one sounds a bit morbid. Now, the wise men were supposed to go and tell Herod where Jesus was. But they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, for he had bad intentions. So they headed home another way. Anyway, I'd suggest this way, because Herod's that way. Off you go, wise men." [00:42:26]
"Well, funny you should say that. Because an angel appeared to Joseph as he slept. Sleep, Joseph. Thank you. And he warned him that Herod was searching for Jesus to destroy him. So Joseph and Mary packed up all they had. They took Jesus and they fled to Egypt. Off you go, Mary and Joseph and Jesus. What a mess. Definitely. And that... End of our story. Didn't everyone do a great job? How about we get all our cast up here again and you can give them a big round of applause. Come on, angels. Come on, shepherds. Come on, town crier." [00:43:48]
"question, Samara. You know, Jesus, God with us, came into our mess as he knew he was the only one that could actually clean it up. God didn't just see all our mess. He didn't just see our messiness and command us to try harder and to live better. He came close. By sending Jesus, God ran right into our mess for us. Samara. This baby, he changed everything." [00:45:19]
"And that maybe you can see that God is interested in your mess. He doesn't want to leave you in the mess that this world is, but he wants to come close. And he wants you to see Jesus as the one who can come into your life and transform it. We want to invite you to stay and have some Christmas fun with us this morning. But before we get into that, I just want to let you know that, yes, we have a Christmas Day service here on Wednesday morning at 9am." [01:12:14]
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