God's Quiet Revelation: The Depth of the Incarnation

 

Summary

The Christmas story, as told in the Gospels, invites us to explore how God communicates His message and reveals His nature. This narrative, often seen through the lens of modern advertising, challenges us to consider whether God uses "adverts" to share His story. The incarnation, God becoming human, is the most significant event since creation, yet it unfolds quietly, almost hidden from the world. This paradox of divine revelation is central to understanding God's ways.

The nativity story, with its humble setting in Bethlehem, contrasts sharply with the grandiosity we might expect from such a pivotal event. Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant village, becomes the stage for God's greatest revelation. This choice underscores God's preference for the humble and the overlooked, reminding us that His ways are not our ways. The angelic announcement to shepherds, the star guiding the Magi, and the ordinary lives of Mary and Joseph all point to a God who values authenticity over spectacle.

God's revelation in the incarnation is not about grand displays but about genuine presence. The reality of God with us, in the flesh, is more profound than any advertisement. This truth challenges us to see beyond the superficial and recognize the substance of God's work in the world. The incarnation is a testament to God's commitment to His creation, His refusal to abandon us, and His willingness to enter into our mess.

The story of the prodigal son illustrates this further. While the son returns to his father, the incarnation shows God coming to us, entering our brokenness. This profound act of love assures us that God is with us, even in our darkest moments. The nativity invites us to look beyond the glitter and see the reality of God with us, worthy of our worship and devotion.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Quiet Revelation: The incarnation, God's greatest revelation, occurs quietly in Bethlehem, highlighting God's preference for humility and authenticity over grandiosity. This challenges us to seek God's presence in the ordinary and overlooked aspects of life. [04:07]

2. Authenticity Over Spectacle: The nativity story emphasizes the importance of authenticity. God's choice of humble characters and settings reveals His value for genuine presence over superficial displays. This invites us to prioritize substance over appearance in our own lives. [08:43]

3. God's Commitment to Creation: The incarnation demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His creation. Despite humanity's failures, God chooses to enter our world, affirming His love and refusal to abandon us. This assures us of God's presence in our struggles. [16:09]

4. The Reality of God With Us: The incarnation is a profound testament to God's willingness to enter our mess. This reality challenges us to see beyond the superficial and recognize the depth of God's love and presence in our lives. [22:45]

5. The Prodigal Son and the Incarnation: The story of the prodigal son illustrates God's love, but the incarnation goes further, showing God entering our brokenness. This act of love assures us that God is with us, even in our darkest moments, inviting us to trust in His presence. [24:51]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:07] - The Hidden Revelation
[05:29] - Bethlehem's Significance
[06:53] - The Angelic Announcement
[08:43] - The Star and the Magi
[11:21] - The Mystery of the Star
[12:28] - The Magi's Journey
[13:40] - Mary and Joseph's Role
[16:09] - God's Quiet Work
[18:05] - The Hidden Miracles
[18:52] - Authenticity Over Hype
[19:45] - The Shepherds' Message
[20:28] - The Substance of the Story
[22:45] - God in the Mess
[24:51] - The Prodigal Son and Incarnation
[25:52] - God's Presence in Our Lives

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus and the Shepherds' Visit
2. Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Magi
3. Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Significance

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some key differences between the way God revealed the birth of Jesus and how we might expect such a significant event to be announced today? [04:07]
2. How does the setting of Bethlehem contribute to the theme of humility in the nativity story? [05:29]
3. What role do the shepherds and the Magi play in the nativity story, and how do their experiences differ? [08:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of the star in guiding the Magi to Jesus? [11:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus reveal about God's values and priorities? [06:53]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "authenticity over spectacle" in the context of the nativity story? [20:28]
3. In what ways does the incarnation demonstrate God's commitment to His creation, according to the sermon? [22:45]
4. How does the story of the prodigal son relate to the message of the incarnation, as discussed in the sermon? [24:51]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in an ordinary or overlooked aspect of your life. How did it change your perspective? [04:07]
2. In what ways can you prioritize authenticity over appearance in your daily interactions and decisions? [20:28]
3. How can the humility and simplicity of the nativity story inspire you to seek God's presence in your own life? [06:53]
4. Consider a current struggle or challenge you are facing. How does the reality of "God with us" provide comfort and assurance in this situation? [22:45]
5. How can the story of the prodigal son and the incarnation encourage you to trust in God's presence during difficult times? [24:51]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel distant from God. What steps can you take to invite His presence into that area? [25:52]
7. How can you share the message of God's quiet yet profound revelation with others in your community? [18:05]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Quiet Revelation in the Ordinary
The incarnation of God in Bethlehem is a profound example of divine revelation occurring in the most humble and overlooked settings. This event challenges us to seek God's presence in the ordinary aspects of life, where His quiet work often goes unnoticed. Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant village, becomes the stage for God's greatest revelation, emphasizing His preference for humility and authenticity over grandiosity. This invites us to open our eyes to the subtle ways God communicates His love and presence in our daily lives, encouraging us to find Him in the mundane and the overlooked. [04:07]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ordinary aspect of your life can you seek to recognize God's quiet presence today?


Day 2: Authenticity Over Spectacle
The nativity story highlights the importance of authenticity, as God chooses humble characters and settings to reveal His nature. This choice underscores His value for genuine presence over superficial displays, inviting us to prioritize substance over appearance in our own lives. The angelic announcement to shepherds and the star guiding the Magi are examples of how God communicates His message through authentic and meaningful experiences rather than grand spectacles. This challenges us to look beyond the surface and embrace the depth of God's work in our lives. [08:43]

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize authenticity over appearance in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: God's Commitment to Creation
The incarnation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His creation, demonstrating His refusal to abandon us despite humanity's failures. By entering our world, God affirms His love and presence in our struggles, assuring us that He is with us even in our darkest moments. This profound act of love invites us to trust in God's commitment to us and to find comfort in His presence, knowing that He is actively working in our lives and in the world around us. [16:09]

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's unwavering commitment to you today?


Day 4: The Reality of God With Us
The incarnation is a profound testament to God's willingness to enter our mess, challenging us to see beyond the superficial and recognize the depth of His love and presence in our lives. This reality invites us to embrace the truth that God is with us, even in our brokenness, and to find hope and strength in His presence. By entering our world, God demonstrates His commitment to being with us in every circumstance, offering us the assurance of His love and the promise of His guidance. [22:45]

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you acknowledge and embrace God's presence in a challenging situation you are facing today?


Day 5: The Prodigal Son and the Incarnation
The story of the prodigal son illustrates God's love, but the incarnation goes further, showing God entering our brokenness. This act of love assures us that God is with us, even in our darkest moments, inviting us to trust in His presence. The nativity story reminds us that God is not distant but actively involved in our lives, offering us the hope and assurance of His love and guidance. This challenges us to trust in God's presence and to seek His guidance in our daily lives, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [24:51]

"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." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what way can you invite God into a broken area of your life today, trusting in His presence and love?

Quotes

The nativity story, the incarnation, means God becoming human. God with us. God here in a body. This is the most significant event since the Trinity decided to make humanity way back in Genesis chapter 1. This is the most significant event in the history of the world. This is God becoming human. This is the great reveal. [00:02:56] (24 seconds)


If we want to know what God is really like, then we look at the manger, we look at the cross, we look at the empty tomb, because we're looking at Jesus to find out what God is really like. This is so significant. This is so important. This is God amongst us. This is God with us. This is God alongside us. [00:04:07] (20 seconds)


But Bethlehem somehow was so important in the mind of God, because that was where it was going to happen, that, this is a bit naughty, this bit, but we'll see if we can get away with it, that God had to send Micah, the prophet, to remind Bethlehem how significant it was. [00:07:28] (18 seconds)


The angel choir was amazing. The angel choir was to announce to the shepherds that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And it's like King's carols. It starts with one angel and then all the other angels join in until you've got an army full of angels. The Bible calls it a host of angels. [00:08:57] (22 seconds)


When the Magi arrive at the manger, they quickly swap the light of the star for the light of the world, and they kneel down and give them the star. They're gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. And Matthew makes it very clear that they worship Jesus. They worship Jesus, which is odd because Matthew knows that you only worship God. [00:13:01] (32 seconds)


But somehow he chooses to display his glory at night, not quite in Bethlehem but outside Bethlehem, or in a way that no one quite understands by using a star. He chooses to not display his glory. This always happens. This most significant intervention in human history happens almost in secret, certainly in quiet. [00:15:30] (39 seconds)


He doesn't light up the sky with his announcements, but is more likely to be doing remarkable things quietly at night in Bethlehem on a hillside or in a way we probably don't notice or understand. And behind the advert, behind the glisten, and the twinkling of the star, behind the glory of the angels, behind all the wondrous demonstration of glory that most people didn't see, behind all of that there was a baby. [00:18:55] (33 seconds)


The reality is more important than the hype. There's no over-promising and under-delivering with God. There's a substance that justifies the show and the substance of the story is a real baby real flesh real blood some ads aren't they're all flimflam aren't they they're all just noise is the emperor wearing any clothes but here in first century judea when god becomes human all the fanfare and the glitter and the the twinkle and the messaging is about a solid reality a real child a new kingdom [00:20:28] (42 seconds)


This is our God, not limited to the ethereal, the mysterious, the vague, not the flim-flam of the advert, but living here in flesh and blood, in the mess, in the dirt, with us, alongside us, identifying with us, close to us, quietly, with authenticity, with genuine humility, with no hype, and that changes the way that we think about God and it changes the way that we think about the world and it changes the way we think about our reality, our flesh and our bodies, about our pain and about our world, because he joins in. [00:22:03] (43 seconds)


The incarnation goes further than that because in the incarnation God doesn't wait for us to come to our senses in a pigsty. God is born into the pigsty with us, in the mess. God has not abandoned you. If you feel God has abandoned you, if you feel God has abandoned you, if you feel god forsaken if you feel alone in the universe if you feel distant from god then look to the manger that don't look to the bright lights or the angels or the star look to the reality the reality of god with us in the mess [00:25:52] (46 seconds)


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Transcript
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