Preparing Our Hearts for the Arrival of Jesus

 

Summary

In this Advent season, we are reminded of the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for the arrival of Jesus. As we anticipate His coming, we are called to reflect on how we would prepare if we knew Jesus was coming to our home this Christmas. This reflection leads us to consider the deeper meaning of Advent, which is about making space in our lives to welcome King Jesus. Our focus should be on showing up and opening up—showing up to church and opening up our hearts to God’s word and presence. This simple yet profound approach can transform our lives and help us follow Jesus more closely every day.

The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 serves as a powerful illustration of how God uses unexpected people in unexpected ways. These shepherds, considered the lowest in society, were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. Despite their humble status, they responded with urgency and joy, spreading the word about what they had seen. Their story teaches us that God sees us, knows us, and can use us to share His message, regardless of our background or status.

We are encouraged to see like the shepherds did, focusing on God’s presence in our lives and recognizing His work in ordinary moments. We are also called to share like the shepherds, spreading the good news of Jesus with genuine excitement and authenticity. Finally, we are reminded that we are seen by God, just as the shepherds were. God knows our struggles and potential, and He calls us to share our stories with others.

As we prepare for Christmas, let us focus on Jesus, share His love with others, and remember that we are seen and valued by God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prepare for Jesus' Arrival: Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and lives for Jesus. It’s about making space for Him and focusing on showing up and opening up to His presence. This preparation transforms our daily lives and helps us follow Jesus more closely. [38:16]

2. God Uses the Unexpected: The story of the shepherds shows that God often uses unexpected people in unexpected ways. Despite their low status, the shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth, reminding us that God sees and values each of us. [49:04]

3. See Through the Lens of Faith: Like the shepherds, we are called to see God’s presence in our everyday lives. By focusing on Him, we can recognize His work in ordinary moments and find gratitude and purpose in our challenges. [53:11]

4. Share the Good News: The shepherds’ response to Jesus’ birth was to share the good news with others. We are encouraged to do the same, sharing our stories and experiences with authenticity and excitement, knowing that God can use our words to impact others. [58:51]

5. We Are Seen by God: Just as the shepherds were seen and chosen by God, we too are seen and valued by Him. God knows our struggles and potential, and He calls us to share our stories and experiences with others, trusting that He is with us every step of the way. [01:02:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Greetings
- [01:45] - Series Overview: The Arrival
- [03:20] - Imagining Jesus' Visit
- [05:00] - Preparing for Advent
- [07:15] - Show Up and Open Up
- [09:00] - The Story of the Shepherds
- [11:30] - Shepherds: Society's Outcasts
- [13:45] - Last in Line, First to Know
- [16:00] - Seeing Like the Shepherds
- [18:30] - Sharing the Good News
- [20:45] - Being Seen by God
- [23:00] - Personal Testimony
- [25:30] - Conclusion and Prayer
- [27:00] - Closing Song and Giving

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial reaction of the shepherds when the angel appeared to them, and how did they respond to the message? ([49:04])

2. How does the sermon describe the societal status of the shepherds, and why is it significant that they were chosen to hear the news of Jesus' birth first? ([44:04])

3. What actions did the shepherds take after visiting Jesus, and how did others react to their message? ([50:39])

4. According to the sermon, what are the two simple actions encouraged during Advent to prepare for Jesus' arrival? ([39:49])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might God choose to reveal the news of Jesus' birth to shepherds, who were considered lowly in society, rather than to people of higher status? ([44:04])

2. How does the sermon suggest that the shepherds' story can inspire us to see God's presence in our everyday lives? ([53:11])

3. In what ways does the sermon encourage us to share our personal experiences of God's work in our lives, similar to how the shepherds shared the news of Jesus' birth? ([58:51])

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being "seen by God," and why is this important for believers today? ([01:02:17])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of preparing for Jesus' arrival. What specific steps can you take this Advent season to "show up" and "open up" to God's presence in your life? ([39:49])

2. The shepherds were considered unexpected messengers of God's news. In what ways can you embrace your unique role in sharing God's message, regardless of your background or status? ([49:04])

3. Consider a recent situation where you might have missed seeing God's work in your life. How can you adjust your focus to recognize His presence in ordinary moments? ([53:11])

4. The sermon emphasizes sharing the good news with excitement and authenticity. Identify one person you can share your faith story with this week. How will you approach this conversation? ([58:51])

5. Reflect on a time when you felt unseen or undervalued. How does knowing that you are seen and valued by God change your perspective on that experience? ([01:02:17])

6. The sermon encourages us to make space for Jesus in our lives. What is one distraction you can minimize this week to focus more on your relationship with Him? ([39:49])

7. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily routine to help you see God's work in your life more clearly? ([53:11])

Devotional

Day 1: Making Space for Jesus
In the Advent season, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for the arrival of Jesus. This preparation involves making intentional space for Him, both in our daily routines and in our spiritual practices. By focusing on showing up to church and opening up our hearts to God's word and presence, we can create an environment where Jesus is welcomed and celebrated. This process of preparation is not just about the external actions but also about internal transformation, allowing us to follow Jesus more closely every day. [38:16]

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to create more space for Jesus this Advent season?


Day 2: Embracing the Unexpected
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates how God often uses unexpected people in unexpected ways. Despite their low status in society, the shepherds were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. This reminds us that God sees and values each of us, regardless of our background or status. We are encouraged to embrace the unexpected ways God might use us to share His message, trusting that He knows our potential and has a purpose for our lives. [49:04]

"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." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be open to the unexpected ways God might want to use you in your community or family this week?


Day 3: Seeing Through the Lens of Faith
Like the shepherds, we are called to see God's presence in our everyday lives. By focusing on Him, we can recognize His work in ordinary moments and find gratitude and purpose in our challenges. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ways God is moving in our lives, even when it might not be immediately obvious. [53:11]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: What ordinary moment in your life can you view through the lens of faith today, and how does this change your perspective?


Day 4: Sharing the Good News
The shepherds' response to Jesus' birth was to share the good news with others. We are encouraged to do the same, sharing our stories and experiences with authenticity and excitement. By doing so, we can impact others and spread the message of Jesus' love and hope. This act of sharing is not just about words but also about living a life that reflects the joy and transformation that comes from knowing Jesus. [58:51]

"Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." (Mark 5:19, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story of faith with this week, and how can you do it in a way that is genuine and meaningful?


Day 5: Being Seen by God
Just as the shepherds were seen and chosen by God, we too are seen and valued by Him. God knows our struggles and potential, and He calls us to share our stories and experiences with others, trusting that He is with us every step of the way. This assurance of being seen by God gives us the confidence to live out our faith boldly and to trust in His plan for our lives. [01:02:17]

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded that you are seen and valued by God, and how can this knowledge impact your actions today?

Quotes

"Good morning, everybody. Welcome to Cokie Mill Church. If you're brand new in the building, brand new online, those are my parents. My name is PJ Summers, and it is great to be here. Merry Christmas to everybody here. We can't say it enough. Thank you for making 2024, seriously, I think our best year in the longest of times. And I just, I can't think of a better time to be at church. So thank you for all of it. We are in our second installment of our series called this behind me, The Arrival. I don't know why it's not on that screen, but it's okay. And we are talking about Jesus is coming and we need to prepare for his arrival. So last week I started the service with, I actually kind of need your help. And if you would be so kind to give me some of your help here today, and I want you to pretend and imagine, I guess more so than pretend that on your smart watch or your phone or your tablet or where you are at home that you receive a text message from God saying, Jesus is coming to your house this Christmas." [00:36:03] (68 seconds)


"But the point is this, all of us would start preparing instantly, without hesitation. We wouldn't hold off to Christmas Eve. We would make a decision. We would put a list on the notes app of our phone. We would check it twice to make sure. This is a big deal. But the point is this, the arrival, this time of preparation, we're anticipating some things. And what I'm describing to you again in this illustration is Advent. And the definition of Advent is preparing our lives to welcome King Jesus. That's all this is. It starts December 1st, that's Advent, and it continues on for this month." [00:38:49] (42 seconds)


"And starting your week this way makes a huge difference. And if you open up things like the Bible app, if you go to things like the Bible project, where men and women are compiling huge amounts of the Bible, and they're making these simple two minute illustration videos that break it down so simply, you just go, wow, where has that been? Do some of that. And they're all over social media. Don't worry. You'll be able to find them. But Christmas is this simple story of how God gave his greatest gift, Jesus. And we're preparing for this arrival." [00:41:31] (31 seconds)


"But these are the last people that you would ever think God would use to choose to do something this important. If you're taking notes today, write down the title of the message. This is The Arrival. This is part two. And this is called Last in Line, First to Know, Share What You've Seen. Tell your neighbor, I got to share what I've seen. You did that really fast. Tell your other neighbor to wake up. Say it's getting really good right now." [00:45:30] (35 seconds)


"But the story starts with how God uses unexpected people in unexpected moments like you and I. Let's look at it. Luke 2, 9 through 12. The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shined around them, and they were terrified. We would be too. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people, for everybody. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger." [00:49:34] (41 seconds)


"Luke 2 .16 through 18, so they what? But hurried off and they found Mary and Joseph and the baby, like baby Landon, who was lying in a manger. And when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Today, I wanna get you prepared for Advent and today we're gonna copy the exact format of what the shepherds said. Here's point number one, see like the shepherds did. Tell your neighbor, I gotta see like the shepherds did." [00:51:32] (41 seconds)


"The shepherds show us this different way to see, they show us these things to see through the lens of amazement. Here's a lens we can put on. Even in ordinary moments, God breaks through. They're working, they're working. That means God can move in our work. That means while we work, God can speak to us. Every day, regular routines, on the drive, angels can make announcements in our everyday life. We can see through the lens of gratitude, finding God's presence in disruption. They were clearly disrupted. They recognized there's a divine purpose in the challenge that's going on. They saw eternal value instantaneously. And they could see through the lens of expectation." [00:54:02] (44 seconds)


"Point number two is this, share like the shepherds did. Share like the shepherds did. Luke 2, 15 through 18 says this, my favorite part. Let's what? Go. Say it again. Let's go. Time. Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that's happened, which the Lord has told us about. They spread the word concerning what had been told about this child and all who heard it were amazed. Let's go. These are the first evangelists. These are probably the first missionaries, right? They saw Jesus. long before everybody, before the wise men. Wise men didn't show up on the scene until a week, two weeks later. They witnessed some things." [00:58:05] (46 seconds)


"Share your story, share from your personal experience. Tell your authentic, stop waiting for right conditions. Stop waiting for perfect timing. Ways to share, tell friends about answered prayers like our friends had. Share your faith, how God's brought you through the toughest of times, the darkest of times. I know you've been there because I've been there and that's the stuff I share. If God can do it for me and he's gonna do it for who? You, I'm seeing it happen. They simply shared and our simple sharing can amaze others. Write this down, what God does to you, he wants to do through you." [00:59:36] (40 seconds)


"Man, how many of you believe that God can intersect at the right time in your life? I mean, not only is he perfect, he's personal. And sometimes he sends it like a gift, he sends it like a gift basket. It has friends in there, sometimes food in there, but it has all of you in there. And it has second and third and fourth chances. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen by God on that trip. And here's the funny part. I had nothing to offer God. I didn't have words. I didn't sing songs. I didn't even pray. I stood back and I acted like I was taking pictures, but I was so broken." [01:04:16] (56 seconds)


"God sees your heart. God sees your struggles. God also sees your potential. God saw all this here today. But like the shepherds were chosen to witness this greatest gift to humanity, you too are seen. You've got to share. Look at this quote, and I'll close with this worship team. You can come on up. Look at this quote. God pursues us in love. He's not trying to find us. He always knows where we are. Rather, he goes with us as we find ourselves again. And I'll go one further, as he walks beside us and takes us to the place he needs us." [01:06:55] (40 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?