Lessons from the Nativity: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In the heart of the Christmas story, the Nativity scene, we find profound lessons that point us to Jesus. Each character in this iconic tableau not only tells their own story but also reflects aspects of Christ's journey and mission. The Magi, with their long journey and precious gifts, remind us of Jesus' own journey from heaven to earth, bringing the ultimate gift of God's love. This journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual mission to offer Himself as the greatest gift to humanity.

The shepherds, often seen as humble and lowly, were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. They symbolize Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Good News bearer. Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God, not to judge but to share the message of love and salvation. This aspect of His mission is often overlooked, yet it is central to His purpose on earth.

Joseph, often a background figure in the Nativity, exemplifies mercy over the law. His decision to stay with Mary despite societal norms reflects Jesus' own teachings and actions. Jesus, throughout His life, chose mercy, teaching us that mercy is not getting what we deserve. His ultimate act of mercy was on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who wronged Him.

Mary's role in the Nativity is pivotal. Her willingness to accept God's will over her own mirrors Jesus' own submission to God's plan. From His birth to His prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus consistently chose God's will, teaching us to do the same. This submission is not a sign of weakness but of strength and purpose.

As we reflect on the Nativity, we are reminded that Jesus believes in us. He calls us to follow His example: to journey with purpose, to share the good news, to show mercy, and to choose God's will. The Nativity is not just a story of the past but a call to action for us today.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Journey of the Magi and Jesus' Gift: The Magi's long journey with gifts symbolizes Jesus' journey from heaven to earth, bringing the ultimate gift of Himself. This reminds us that the greatest gift we can receive and share is the love of God. [05:41]

2. Shepherds and the Good News: The shepherds were the first to hear and share the good news of Jesus' birth. They remind us that Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God, emphasizing His role as the Good News bearer. We are called to share this message of love and salvation with others. [07:56]

3. Joseph's Mercy and Jesus' Teachings: Joseph's decision to stay with Mary reflects Jesus' teaching of mercy over the law. Jesus exemplified mercy throughout His life, teaching us that mercy is not getting what we deserve. We are called to show mercy to others, just as Jesus did. [11:02]

4. Mary's Submission and Jesus' Mission: Mary's acceptance of God's will mirrors Jesus' own submission to God's plan. Jesus consistently chose God's will, teaching us to do the same. This submission is a sign of strength and purpose, guiding us to live according to God's will. [14:38]

5. The Call to Action: Jesus believes in us and calls us to follow His example. We are encouraged to journey with purpose, share the good news, show mercy, and choose God's will. The Nativity is a call to action, reminding us of our role in God's plan. [17:19]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:46] - The Nativity Scene
[04:45] - Seeing Jesus in the Nativity
[05:41] - The Journey of the Magi
[06:49] - The Gift of Jesus
[07:56] - The Shepherds and Good News
[11:02] - Joseph's Mercy
[12:54] - Jesus' Teachings on Mercy
[13:47] - Jesus' Mission of Mercy
[14:38] - Mary's Submission to God's Will
[15:19] - Jesus' Commitment to God's Will
[17:19] - Our Call to Action
[18:16] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Nativity and Its Lessons

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:14 - "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."
2. Luke 2:6-7 - "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn."
3. Matthew 9:13 - "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the journey of the Magi symbolize in relation to Jesus' mission on earth? [05:41]
2. How do the shepherds in the Nativity story help us understand Jesus' role as the Good News bearer? [07:56]
3. In what way does Joseph's decision to stay with Mary reflect Jesus' teachings on mercy? [11:02]
4. How does Mary's response to God's plan mirror Jesus' submission to God's will? [14:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the journey of the Magi reflect the spiritual journey Jesus undertook for humanity? What does this teach us about the nature of God's love? [05:41]
2. Why is it significant that the shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth? How does this relate to Jesus' mission on earth? [07:56]
3. What can Joseph's choice to show mercy teach us about the importance of mercy in our own lives? How does this align with Jesus' teachings? [11:02]
4. In what ways does Mary's submission to God's will challenge our understanding of strength and purpose in following God's plan? [14:38]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a long journey, either physically or spiritually. How can you relate this to the journey of the Magi and Jesus' mission? [05:41]
2. The shepherds shared the good news of Jesus' birth. How can you actively share the message of love and salvation in your community today? [07:56]
3. Joseph chose mercy over societal norms. Is there a situation in your life where you can choose mercy over judgment? How might this impact those around you? [11:02]
4. Mary's acceptance of God's will was pivotal. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God's plan? What steps can you take to align your will with His? [14:38]
5. Jesus calls us to follow His example. What is one specific way you can journey with purpose, share the good news, show mercy, or choose God's will this week? [17:19]
6. Consider the people in your life who may need to experience God's love and mercy. How can you be a vessel of that love and mercy to them this Christmas season? [17:19]
7. How can the Nativity story inspire you to take action in your faith journey today? What practical steps can you take to live out the lessons from the Nativity in your daily life? [17:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Journey of the Magi and Jesus' Gift
The Magi's journey to find Jesus is a profound reflection of Jesus' own journey from heaven to earth. The Magi traveled great distances, guided by a star, to present their gifts to the newborn King. This mirrors Jesus' journey, who left the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity, bringing the ultimate gift of God's love and salvation. The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize the recognition of Jesus' kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death. As we consider their journey, we are reminded that the greatest gift we can receive and share is the love of God, which Jesus embodied through His life and mission. [05:41]

Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV): "After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."

Reflection: What is one way you can share the love of God with someone in your life today, just as the Magi shared their gifts with Jesus?


Day 2: Shepherds and the Good News
The shepherds, humble and often overlooked, were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. This highlights Jesus' mission to reach out to the lowly and marginalized, bringing the message of love and salvation to all. The shepherds' immediate response to share the news reflects the call for all believers to be bearers of the Good News. Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God, emphasizing His role as the Good News bearer. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this message of love and salvation with others, just as the shepherds did. [07:56]

Luke 2:8-10 (ESV): "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the Good News of Jesus today, and how can you share it with them in a meaningful way?


Day 3: Joseph's Mercy and Jesus' Teachings
Joseph's decision to stay with Mary, despite societal norms, exemplifies mercy over the law. This reflects Jesus' teachings and actions throughout His life, where He consistently chose mercy and compassion over judgment. Joseph's choice to protect Mary and Jesus is a powerful testament to the transformative power of mercy. Jesus taught that mercy is not getting what we deserve, and His ultimate act of mercy was on the cross, asking for forgiveness for those who wronged Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to show mercy to others, just as Jesus did. [11:02]

Matthew 1:19-21 (ESV): "And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'"

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs your mercy today? How can you extend grace and compassion to them, even if they don't deserve it?


Day 4: Mary's Submission and Jesus' Mission
Mary's acceptance of God's will is a profound example of submission and faith. Her willingness to embrace God's plan, despite the personal cost, mirrors Jesus' own submission to God's will throughout His life. From His birth to His prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus consistently chose God's will, teaching us to do the same. This submission is not a sign of weakness but of strength and purpose, guiding us to live according to God's will. As we reflect on Mary's role in the Nativity, we are encouraged to trust in God's plan for our lives, even when it is difficult. [14:38]

Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting God's will? How can you begin to trust and submit to His plan today?


Day 5: The Call to Action
The Nativity story is not just a historical event but a call to action for believers today. Jesus believes in us and calls us to follow His example: to journey with purpose, share the good news, show mercy, and choose God's will. As we reflect on the characters in the Nativity, we are reminded of our role in God's plan. We are encouraged to live out our faith actively, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. The Nativity is a powerful reminder that we are part of a larger story, and we are called to make a difference in the world. [17:19]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to live out your faith and follow Jesus' example in your community?

Quotes

"The first point is like the Magi, Jesus made a long journey bringing precious gifts. It has been estimated that the Magi may have travelled some 900 miles to bring the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. For those doing word bingo right now, you should have got some then. While that is a long journey, it pales in comparison to Jesus' journey to bring the gift of God's love." [00:05:09] (32 seconds)


"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. That's John 1. The opening lines of the Gospel of John explain that Jesus was with the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit in heaven. And when the earth was created, Jesus was there." [00:05:41] (26 seconds)


"John goes on to say, For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3 .16 You see, the gift Jesus was bringing was in fact Himself. Jesus made the longest journey to bring the greatest gift." [00:06:24] (25 seconds)


"The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Joseph had plans to quietly divorce Mary because she was pregnant with someone else's baby before they were married. The quietly part speaks of his character. However, heaven would intervene. And Joseph would choose to keep Mary as his wife and raise the child as his own. This is an act of obedience for sure. But others would also see it as an act of mercy." [00:12:49] (39 seconds)


"Jesus would grow up and love mercy. On one occasion, he would say to a Pharisee, Go and learn what this means. I desire mercy and not salvation. Sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Matthew 9 .13 You see, if grace is getting what we don't deserve, mercy is not getting what you do deserve." [00:13:04] (31 seconds)


"Before the Magi began their journey, before the shepherds could share the good news, before Joseph, before Joseph could show mercy, Mary had to say yes. We read in Luke chapter 1, And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to Your word. and the angel departed from her. It's Luke 1 .38." [00:14:15] (29 seconds)


"That baby of hers would grow up and say the same thing in the garden the night before his death. Jesus understood choosing God's will over His own long before He would pray that in the garden. His earthly ministry was all about doing God's will. He said, For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me." [00:14:57] (30 seconds)


"Like Jesus we can do all these things too no doubt the most important person in the nativity is the baby Jesus he is the gift he is the good news the mercy found in a manger and God's good and perfect will for us all while we can and should see all those things when we look at that little baby we can also remember the words of the grown up Jesus truly truly I say to you whoever believes in me." [00:16:24] (41 seconds)


"It means that we have the ability to choose God's will over our own. It begins by working into our prayers. Sometimes the only way to show mercy to someone is to pray for them. And then after we've started to pray for that person that desperately needs mercy, forgiveness, love," [00:19:53] (31 seconds)


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Transcript
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