Unexpected Christmas: God With Us in Humility

Devotional

Day 1: The God of the Unexpected Draws Near

Jesus arrived without pomp—born to poor parents, laid in a manger, welcomed by ordinary people. God delights to surprise us, not to confuse us, but to open our eyes to who He really is. When life delivers the unexpected—both the painful and the pleasant—He is present and at work. He invites you to see through His eyes and to discover that humility is not weakness but the doorway to His kingdom. Let this season remind you that Emmanuel means God chose your neighborhood and your story. He is nearer than you think and kinder than you imagine. [31:25]

Philippians 2:5-8
Let your mindset mirror Christ’s. Though He shared the very status of God, He didn’t cling to privilege; instead, He let it go. He took on the life of a servant, became truly human, and stooped low in obedience—even to the shameful death of a cross.

Reflection: Where has something unexpected happened recently, and how could you look for God’s gentle presence within that very place rather than waiting for a more “impressive” moment?

Day 2: Seeing as God Sees, Not as We See

We often measure worth by appearance, success, or polish, yet God looks beyond the surface and searches the heart. David was overlooked, but God saw a king in a shepherd boy. Jesus came to give you a new lens—one that values humility, faith, and simple obedience. When the unexpected offends you, pause and ask for the sight that comes from heaven. The kingdom does not advance through swagger but through surrendered hearts. Pray for the grace to see people—and yourself—the way God does. [36:24]

1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord told Samuel not to focus on stature or outward strength. People judge by what they can see, but the Lord examines what is hidden within—the heart.

Reflection: Who is one person or situation you’ve misjudged by outward appearance, and what is one small, concrete way you can honor the heart this week?

Day 3: Good News for Shepherds and Strugglers Alike

Heaven’s announcement skipped palaces and found shepherds—ordinary, distrusted workers who lived on the margins. The first to hear the gospel were the least likely, reminding us that God’s joy visits low places. The sky blazed with glory, then went dark again, and the shepherds chose to move toward a feeding trough to find their King. Faith looks like stepping from awe into obedience, from fields into Bethlehem, from hearing into finding. If you feel unseen, take heart: God knows exactly where to meet you. His peace is for all who welcome Him. [46:46]

Luke 2:8-14
Shepherds were keeping watch at night when an angel stood among them and God’s brightness surrounded them, and they were terrified. The messenger said, “Don’t fear—this is joyful news for everyone: today in David’s town a Savior has been born, the promised Anointed One, the Lord. Here’s how you’ll know: you’ll find a baby wrapped up and lying in a manger.” Then a vast crowd of heaven’s army appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God above, and peace on earth to those He graciously embraces.”

Reflection: Who in your life feels like a “shepherd”—overlooked or on the margins—and what simple, tangible act of good news could you bring to them this week?

Day 4: Emmanuel—Approachable, Accessible, Available Savior

The King of all did not wall Himself off with gates and guards; He stepped straight into our dust and tears. He is not intimidated by your mess; He is moved with compassion and strong enough to lift you from it. Jesus is both near and mighty—gentle in presence, powerful in rescue. He came without fanfare so no one would feel too small to come close. Today, you can talk with Him as with a trusted friend, and you can lean on Him as on a mighty rock. He is God with us—and God for us. [48:38]

Matthew 1:23
“Look—the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call Him ‘Immanuel,’” which means “God is with us.”

Reflection: What messy or tender space in your life will you specifically invite Jesus into today, and what words will you use to welcome His presence there?

Day 5: Rescued from the Ditch—Following the Strong Deliverer

Life can feel like black ice—sudden slides, spinning wheels, and a ditch you can’t escape on your own. Jesus walked our same roads but with a power we do not have; He anchors, lifts, and leads us home. He is not the distant “big man upstairs,” but the present Lord who climbs into the cold with us and pulls us out. He breaks the grip of sin and fear, then teaches our feet how to walk steady. Take His hand; let Him lead one faithful step at a time. The One who came in humility carries you with strength. [50:14]

Colossians 1:13-14
God has lifted us out of the rule of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have freedom and the covering of our sins.

Reflection: Name one specific “ditch” (a habit, fear, or hidden burden) where you need rescue; what is one concrete step you will take this week—prayer, confession to a trusted friend, or a change in rhythm—to let Jesus pull you out?

Sermon Summary

Christmas is God’s beautiful surprise. I invited us to sit with the wonder that the King of the universe chose a manger, not a throne; a young couple, not a palace; shepherds in a field, not dignitaries in a court. Life is full of the unexpected—some of it painful, some of it bright and funny—and God meets us right there. From a family health scare this week to little moments of surprise, our hearts are trained to expect control and strength, but the Father keeps teaching us to see with new eyes.

Scripture helps reframe our vision. When Samuel went to anoint a king, the Lord reminded him that we look at appearance while He looks at the heart. That’s the paradigm shift Jesus gives: unless we’re born again, we can’t even see the kingdom. The world is impressed by power that dominates; the gospel is power that serves. Paul tells us Christ, though fully God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming obedient to death on a cross. That is what Christmas is—majesty wrapped in meekness.

Luke 2 shows the first announcement going to shepherds—men considered unreliable and unclean by religious standards. Many scholars believe these were temple shepherds caring for sacrificial lambs. How fitting that the Lamb of God would be announced to those watching over lambs. The angels thunder glory; then the shepherds find a baby in a feeding trough. Glory in a manger. Power under swaddling clothes. God’s unexpected way confronts our categories and heals our vision.

What does this mean for us? Emmanuel—God with us—means approachable, accessible, available. He isn’t the distant “big man upstairs.” He steps into our cold roads and ditches. And unlike us, He has the strength to pull us out. Picture a heavy truck with a winch on an icy day: on the same road as we are, yet able to rescue and lead us home. That’s Jesus—near enough to touch our pain, strong enough to save us from it. The greatest news of all: it’s true. In the busyness of the season, let’s keep our eyes on the One who came low to lift us up.

Key Takeaways

1. God disrupts expectations to reveal Himself. When God moves in ways we didn’t plan, He isn’t being random; He’s restoring our sight. The manger confronts our assumptions about what power looks like. Let the surprise become an invitation to trust His wisdom over our preferences. The unexpected can be the doorway to deeper revelation. [31:25]
2. See as God sees, not appearances. We default to what’s visible—status, polish, timing—but God reads the heart and views everything through eternity. That perspective fills the overlooked with hope and the proud with holy caution. Ask the Spirit to retrain your gaze so faith, not optics, leads your steps. [36:02]
3. Majesty shows up wrapped in meekness. Christ’s humility isn’t a detour from glory; it’s the very expression of it. The cross and the cradle are not weakness but love’s strength on display. Redefine victory as obedience, surrender, and self-giving love—the shape of Jesus’ life in us. [38:32]
4. Good news finds the lowly first. The announcement to shepherds reveals God’s bias for the humble and the needy. Many believe those shepherds raised sacrificial lambs; how fitting that they met the Lamb who ends all sacrifice. Come to Him not with your résumé, but with your need—and watch grace rush toward you. [43:35]
5. Emmanuel is near and mighty to save. God’s nearness isn’t sentimental; it’s strong, like a winch that pulls you from the ditch you can’t escape. He steps into our mess, yet isn’t trapped by it, and He leads us home. Draw close with honesty, and let His strength become your rescue. [49:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:17] - Connect Card for Newcomers
[29:57] - Merry Christmas and Sweaters
[30:24] - Building Update: Bathrooms and Permits
[31:25] - Theme: Unexpected Christmas
[31:56] - When Life Throws Surprises
[33:15] - Amarillo Prank and Paradigms
[36:02] - God Looks at the Heart
[38:32] - Christ’s Humility and the Manger
[40:38] - Angels Announce to Shepherds
[43:35] - Shepherds, Sacrifice, and the Sign
[47:37] - Emmanuel: Near, Approachable, Available
[49:10] - Strong to Rescue: Winch Analogy
[52:02] - Prayer and Kids Lead Us
[72:30] - Closing Song and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading
- Luke 2:1–20
- 1 Samuel 16:7
- Philippians 2:5–8

Observation questions (3–4)

Read Luke 2:11. What three titles does the angel give the newborn, and what expectations about God's rescue or presence do each of those titles carry?
Read 1 Samuel 16:7. What contrast does this verse make between human judgment and God's judgment, and where in your life do you tend to rely on "appearance" rather than the heart?
Read Philippians 2:5–8. Which specific actions or attitudes in these verses show Christ’s humility? How do those actions rewrite ordinary ideas of power and glory?
The message noted that “the gospel is preached to the shepherds first.” [41:38] Why would the first announcement to shepherds be surprising to people then, and what does that surprise reveal about who the good news is for?

Interpretation questions (3–4)

“The Lord sees not as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” [36:02] How does this claim change the way the group should think about who is chosen, trusted, or honored in the church and community?
“Christ’s humility isn’t a detour from glory; it’s the very expression of it.” [38:03] How does interpreting majesty as meekness affect how one understands the cross, leadership, and everyday Christian witness?
“Emmanuel is near and mighty to save—like a winch that pulls you from the ditch.” [49:10] In what ways does holding together God’s nearness and his power reshape how people approach prayer, confession, and asking for help?
The angel named the child “Savior,” “Messiah/Christ,” and “Lord.” [40:58] How should each title shape the church’s expectations for what Jesus will do in the life of an individual believer?

Application questions (4–7)

God often upends expectations to restore sight. [31:25] When was a time God surprised you in a way that changed how you saw a person or situation? What did you learn, and how might you be open to more of that kind of surprise now?
God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance. [36:02] Who in your neighborhood, workplace, or church might you be overlooking because of appearance or résumé? What concrete next step could you take this week to see them differently (listen, invite, serve)?
Majesty shows up wrapped in meekness. [38:32] Where is pride or the need to “look strong” shaping your decisions? What concrete practice could you try that cultivates humility (e.g., confessing to a friend, serving without recognition, stepping back in a meeting)?
The good news found the lowly first—shepherds caring for lambs. [43:35] How can the group intentionally lean toward people who feel overlooked or unqualified for church roles (practical ideas: welcome meals, childcare for newcomers, relational visits, invitations to serve)?
Emmanuel is near and able to rescue. [49:10] If someone here felt stuck in a “ditch” right now (addiction, grief, debt, loneliness), what specific, practical help could the group offer this week that shows both presence and real rescue (rides, meals, counsel contacts, a regular check-in)?
The incarnation calls for a new way of seeing and living. Which spiritual discipline (silence, Scripture reading, confession, service, simplicity) would most help each person “see as God sees” this season? What is one small, measurable step to begin that discipline before your next meeting?

(End of guide—no closing prayer included.)

Sermon Clips

You think about it. He took the unexpected. He took slaves in Egypt. And he turned them into a mighty nation. He took David, a shepherd boy. When the prophet came to anoint a new king, his dad didn't even think that highly of him. He left him out in the field. And he says, none of these are it. The prophet says, who else you got? Oh, well, David. The dad didn't even think of him. David, bring him in. God does the unexpected. [00:35:35] (27 seconds) #GodChoosesUnderdogs

The world doesn't know what to do with grace and humility. You win by being the strongest. You win by being the fastest, the most cunning. If you have to cheat your way, do it. Whatever it is to get to the top, you don't show weakness and humility. Don't be vulnerable. Always give your best side. And this is the story and the wonderful truth of the gospel. God is majestic and glorious and all-powerful and beautiful and strong, and he's also humble and gentle and kind and not self-serving, and he doesn't need our approval. I don't care what you think. I'm just going to show you who I am. [00:37:40] (44 seconds) #MajesticAndMeek

See, this is what Christmas was all about. Jesus comes in the most unexpected way. A king, the creator of the universe, humbles himself and becomes the most humble, helpless thing imaginable, a little baby. Think about, I mean, I know it's not my phrase, but think about that for a second. God came as a little baby. This is the incarnation. Not in a nation. Not in a castle. Not in a wealthy home. Not with people of stature. He came as a little baby in a stable. [00:39:06] (37 seconds) #KingAsBaby

Now it's really important that the angel gives three attributes to this baby, to this person. Number one, the Savior. This is the deliverer, the rescuer of your people, the one you've been waiting for, the deliverer from oppression. They were thinking Roman oppression, but Jesus was thinking oppression from the devil, which is much worse, actually. The Savior. Number two, the Messiah. Some of your translations will say the Christ. These are the same word. Messiah is Hebrew. Christ is Greek. It's a title. It's not his name. It's a title. The Messiah or the Christ is the chosen one, the one they have been waiting for, the one that has been prophesied for centuries. [00:44:21] (43 seconds) #SaviorMessiahChosen

And then the last word for the word is the word Lord. This is the Greek word kurios, which is the same Hebrew. In Hebrew, the word is Yahweh. So in Greek, you would say kurios, which means a name for God. So the angel said to those in Bethlehem, those shepherds today, your Savior, your deliverer, your rescuer has come. the Messiah has come, the chosen one. And you know who it is? It's God himself coming to the world. [00:45:05] (38 seconds) #YahwehIsLord

And they go to Bethlehem and what do they find? They find their rescuer. They find the Messiah, God himself, Yahweh, in a feeding trough. I mean, can you think that, do you understand the paradigm that could be? You just saw the glory of God with myriads of angels and they say, go find him. Here's your Messiah and you go and he's in a, like a cave or a stable with animals sitting in a manger feeding trough for animals. It makes no sense. This is the one that's going to save my life? Save the world? He's the God of the unexpected. [00:46:40] (56 seconds) #MessiahInAManger

So what does this mean for us? And I'm almost done here. Elizabeth, you sang it this morning. It means Emmanuel, God with us. We're on a team here. It's almost like we planned this all. Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus born in meekness to show everyone he's approachable, accessible, and available. God, who is much greater than the President of the United States, he's the king of the world, sends his son with no fanfare, unafraid to step in the nastiness of life, to say, I'm here with you. I know your pain. I know you're hurt. I'm in this world. I'm becoming one of you to show you how much I love you. [00:47:36] (81 seconds) #EmmanuelWithUs

Maybe you're here today and you see God as the big man upstairs far away judgmental. Let me just tell you that is not the God of the Bible. That's not Jesus. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. He is close. He's in the dirt with us. He's in the mess. He's unafraid to get down in the hurt and the pain of your life but He has the strength and the power to pull you out of it. It's the greatest story ever told and let me just tell you something really exciting. It's true. It's true. We all want things to be true. It's true. [00:50:42] (56 seconds) #JesusIsNear

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