Finding God's Love in Unexpected Places
Summary
The sermon explores the profound themes of God's love, presence, and redemption, drawing from the biblical narratives of Jesus' birth and the Magi's journey, as well as the literary character of Scrooge from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The speaker highlights the unexpected ways in which God's presence is revealed, such as through the Magi, who were outsiders yet recognized the significance of Jesus' birth. The sermon challenges listeners to consider the implications of this story of redemption and to act by reaching out to the less fortunate, inspired by the quote from Basil of Cesarea that our excess is someone else's sufficiency.
Reflecting on Scrooge's transformation, the speaker emphasizes the importance of opening up to new knowledge and possibilities, developing compassion, and acknowledging apathy towards others' suffering. The sermon confronts the audience with the harsh realities of the world, such as poverty and ignorance, and the presence of evil and violence, as depicted in the story of the Massacre of the Innocents. The speaker suggests that these narratives remind us of the fragility of life and the clash between God's kingdom and worldly powers.
The sermon also addresses contemporary issues, drawing parallels between the violence of Herod's time and the present-day violence experienced by Palestinian children and the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States. The speaker calls for caring for immigrants, sharing with the hungry, and living out the teachings of Jesus to bring peace and justice to the world.
The speaker discusses the importance of both special offerings and apportionments in supporting ministries and aiding those in need. The church's acts of generosity, such as giving new pillows to children and supporting global needs through organizations like UMCOR, are highlighted as ways to share God's love and bless the community. The Pillow Ministry is particularly acknowledged for its impact on children, and the congregation is thanked for their generosity and trust in the church's benevolence fund.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of the Magi serves as a reminder that God's love and presence are not confined to the expected and powerful but are often found in unexpected places and with those who are marginalized. This challenges us to look beyond our preconceptions and to find God in the least likely of places. [44:35]
- Scrooge's journey through Advent is a metaphor for our own spiritual transformation, requiring us to confront our past, develop compassion, and address our indifference to the suffering of others. This process is uncomfortable but necessary for true redemption. [33:53]
- The inclusion of the Massacre of the Innocents in the Gospel of Matthew is a sobering reminder of the world's violence and the vulnerability of the innocent. It calls us to change our response to the world, recognizing that God's kingdom often stands in stark contrast to earthly powers. [42:00]
- The sermon draws attention to the ongoing violence and injustice in the world, urging us to take action in the spirit of Jesus' teachings. By caring for the marginalized and advocating for peace and justice, we participate in the unfolding of God's Kingdom on earth. [38:08]
- Acts of generosity, such as the Pillow Ministry, are tangible expressions of God's love. They demonstrate the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on individuals, especially children, reinforcing the idea that our actions can bring comfort and hope to those in need. [49:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:1-18 - The story of the Magi and the Massacre of the Innocents.
2. Isaiah 58:7 - "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
3. Matthew 25:35-40 - "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus, and what was their significance? ([31:41])
2. How did Herod react when he realized the Magi had deceived him, and what were the consequences? ([32:21])
3. What actions did Joseph take after being warned by an angel in a dream? ([32:21])
4. How does the story of the Massacre of the Innocents contrast with the birth of Jesus? ([35:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Magi, who were outsiders, recognized the significance of Jesus' birth while the Jewish leaders did not? ([45:20])
2. How does the story of Scrooge's transformation in "A Christmas Carol" relate to the themes of redemption and compassion in the sermon? ([33:53])
3. What does the inclusion of the Massacre of the Innocents in the Gospel of Matthew teach us about the world's response to God's kingdom? ([35:29])
4. How do contemporary issues of violence and injustice, as mentioned in the sermon, reflect the ongoing clash between God's kingdom and worldly powers? ([38:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the Magi's journey, how can you be more open to recognizing God's presence in unexpected places and people in your life? ([45:20])
2. Scrooge's journey required him to confront his past and develop compassion. What steps can you take to address any indifference you might have towards the suffering of others? ([33:53])
3. The sermon highlights the importance of caring for immigrants and sharing with the hungry. What specific actions can you take this week to support these causes in your community? ([40:33])
4. Considering the ongoing violence and injustice in the world, how can you advocate for peace and justice in your daily life? ([38:08])
5. The Pillow Ministry is an example of a small act of kindness making a big impact. What small act of generosity can you commit to this week to show God's love to someone in need? ([49:43])
6. How can you ensure that your holiday celebrations do not get out of hand and instead focus on reaching out to those who are less fortunate? ([46:57])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a moment of suffering. How can this experience inspire you to support others who are going through difficult times? ([43:44])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God in the Unexpected
God's love often manifests in the most surprising places and people, inviting us to expand our vision of where and how we encounter the divine. The Magi, as outsiders, were among the first to recognize Jesus' birth, which serves as a powerful reminder that divine revelations are not limited to the familiar or the powerful. This narrative encourages a broadened perspective, looking for God's presence in places and individuals often overlooked or marginalized. [44:35]
Isaiah 56:7 - "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Reflection: In what unexpected places or through whom have you experienced God's presence recently, and how can you be more attentive to these encounters?
Day 2: The Journey of Compassionate Transformation
True spiritual growth involves confronting our past, developing empathy, and actively addressing indifference to suffering. The transformation of Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" mirrors the Advent journey, where self-reflection leads to a renewed heart and actions that align with compassion and justice. This process is often uncomfortable but is essential for genuine change and redemption. [33:53]
Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate a heart of compassion and take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of others in your community?
Day 3: Confronting the World's Darkness with Hope
The Gospel's inclusion of the Massacre of the Innocents is a stark reminder of the world's capacity for violence and the vulnerability of the innocent. It challenges believers to respond with hope and action, recognizing that the principles of God's kingdom often stand in stark contrast to the ways of the world. This calls for a commitment to protect the vulnerable and to be bearers of peace in the midst of chaos. [42:00]
Habakkuk 1:2-3 - "How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?"
Reflection: How can you be an agent of peace and justice in your community, especially for those who are most vulnerable to violence and injustice?
Day 4: Living Out Jesus' Teachings in Action
The call to follow Jesus is a call to action, to care for the marginalized, and to advocate for peace and justice. The sermon draws attention to the ongoing violence and injustice in the world, urging believers to take concrete steps in the spirit of Jesus' teachings. This involves caring for immigrants, sharing with the hungry, and working towards the realization of God's Kingdom on earth through acts of love and service. [38:08]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to care for someone who is marginalized or to advocate for peace and justice in your community?
Day 5: Generosity as an Expression of Divine Love
Small acts of kindness, such as the Pillow Ministry, are powerful demonstrations of God's love in action. These acts of generosity can have a significant impact on individuals, especially children, by providing comfort and hope. The church's commitment to sharing and supporting those in need is a testament to the transformative power of giving and the importance of trusting in the church's mission to bless the community. [49:43]
James 2:15-16 - "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
Reflection: How can you practice generosity this week in a way that directly impacts someone's life, and how might this act of giving reflect God's love to them?
Quotes
"Our decisions for generosity change lives, even for people we'll never meet. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world changed; even in danger under a tyrant desperate to hold power, God came to live among us." [52:34] (Download)
"God's presence is with us even when we're unaware, particularly in the moments of suffering and pain." [44:35] (Download)
"Matthew reminds us that God is present in the world in places, with persons, and in ways we least expect, but definitely in the humble places with people who seem to be unimportant and powerless." [46:08] (Download)
"Our excess is someone else's sufficiency. This is a reminder not to let our holiday celebrations get out of hand; the point of Christmas is not the number of presents under the tree." [47:39] (Download)
"First Scrooge had to open up to new knowledge that he didn't have, to consider new possibilities for the world that were beyond his experience. He had to leave his 'bah humbug' attitude behind and accept that there was more accountability for his actions than he had dreamed." [33:53] (Download)
"Today we discuss the hardest step towards redemption: acknowledging our apathy toward the plight of others. The Ghost of Christmas Present commands us to look past the trappings of the season to see the reality of poverty and ignorance in the world." [34:40] (Download)
"Matthew reminds us of something else: that God is present in the midst of the violence of the world. It is into a violent world that Jesus came and lived among us." [42:00] (Download)
"We show God's love and bless our community as we do these things; we are known as the caring church because we help neighbors in need." [49:43] (Download)
"What can we do? Well, we do support many organizations that are working in areas of need... so that anything that we give goes directly to those who need it most." [51:12] (Download)
"You have no idea how much time all year long goes into this effort and these kids are so blessed by it. This is the best thing ever, you can't believe how excited they get about a little pillow." [55:13] (Download)
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