Why Christmas: Prophets, Hope, and the Bigger Picture

Devotional

Day 1: God himself will be with His people.

Take a step back and remember that God promised to be present—Immanuel—right in the middle of the mess and the busy. When life feels overwhelming, the point is not that God finally noticed; the point is that God chose to be with us in the flesh so that even in the crowded chaos of the season, you can trust he is near, active, and involved in the bigger picture of your life [28:06]

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Reflection: What one anxious thought or moment today will you name and replace with the reminder “Immanuel is with me”? Choose when and how you will do it (for example, set a phone reminder to read this verse at noon).

Day 2: The coming King establishes an eternal righteous kingdom.

Christmas points to a kingdom that is bigger than any political or cultural power—a kingdom built on justice and righteousness that will not end. Rather than pinning hope on temporary fixes, allow the reality of a coming, reigning King to reshape how you handle fear, spending, and priorities this season so your hope rests on what lasts, not what is passing [28:06]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Reflection: Identify one decision today where you will choose to submit to Jesus’ rule instead of reacting to worldly pressure (for example, a purchase, a conversation, or a schedule change); take one concrete step toward that submission now.

Day 3: Hope arrives from small, unexpected places.

God often works through what looks insignificant—Bethlehem, a small town, became the birthplace of hope for the world. Instead of overlooking the small, ordinary moments and people around you, look for where God might be starting something new and invest a little attention or care there; it could be the beginning of his bigger work in your life and others [31:22]

Micah 5:2 (NIV)
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Reflection: Who or what in your life seems small or overlooked that you can intentionally invest in this week (a neighbor, a child’s bedtime routine, a brief phone call)? Decide what you will do and do it today.

Day 4: Jesus inaugurates a never-ending, Davidic reign.

The birth of Jesus is the arrival of the promised King from David’s line who ushers in an unending kingdom; Christmas is the inauguration of God’s rule among us. Let that reshape how you measure success and security this season—trust the kingdom Jesus brings more than temporary comforts or political assurances [34:43]

Luke 1:32-33 (NIV)
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.

Reflection: Where are you currently seeking security in temporary things (news, reputation, money)? Pick one specific habit to replace today with a kingdom practice (5 minutes of prayer, a scripture read, a small act of service) and follow through.

Day 5: The Messiah heals by suffering and sacrifice.

The Christmas story points forward to a Savior who would bear pain and punishment for the healing of others—his wounds bring peace and restoration. When guilt, shame, or brokenness tells you healing is impossible, remember that God’s plan included sacrifice so you could be forgiven and restored, and allow that truth to be the heart of your Christmas hope [40:49]

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Reflection: Is there a specific guilt, wound, or regret you need to hand to Jesus today? Write it down, confess it in a short prayer right now, and read Isaiah 53:5 aloud as a step toward receiving his forgiveness.

Sermon Summary

I love this season—the lights, the music, the movies (yes, Home Alone is elite), and even the debates that make us smile. But what I love most is how these weeks invite us to recalibrate faith. Under the noise and rush, Christmas is God’s reminder to step back and see the bigger picture of his love and work. That’s why we’re walking through “Why Christmas”—because God didn’t waste a single role in this story. He used prophets, kings, families, and empires to set the stage for Jesus, and seeing that larger canvas re-centers our hope.

Prophets weren’t fortune-tellers as much as present-tense preachers. They spoke into messy, divided, anxious moments and said, “Lift your eyes—God is doing more than you can see.” Isaiah promised a virgin would bear a son called Immanuel—God with us—and that this King would reign with justice and righteousness forever. Micah said hope would rise from small, overlooked Bethlehem. These weren’t random details; they were strokes in a long, deliberate masterpiece.

Then the pieces clicked. Matthew and Luke show Jesus fulfilling what was spoken centuries before: born of a virgin, from David’s line, in Bethlehem, bringing a kingdom that will never end. Christmas, then, is not sentimental wallpaper—it’s the launch of God’s unending kingdom, the arrival of the final King who would also be the suffering servant, pierced for our transgressions to bring us peace. God’s plan wasn’t just for one nation—it was for the world, reaching to the ends of the earth.

If December tends to shrink your world to deadlines, debt, and expectations, remember: you’re not only hiking a steep trail—you’re part of a mountain range. Let Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, and communion give you altitude. Step back and see the bigger picture: God has been orchestrating redemption long before you felt today’s pressure, and he is not far. He is with us. This is why I hope you’ll invite someone to Christmas Eve at 2 or 4—because Christmas is still how God wakes people up to hope.

Key Takeaways

1. Step back to see the bigger picture Christmas reframes our hurried details inside God’s steady story. When we’re overwhelmed by our personal trail, we need altitude to see the mountain range of God’s work. That shift doesn’t erase pain—but it restores perspective, which restores hope. Christmas is God’s annual nudge: lift your eyes. [34:43]
2. Prophets preach hope in the present Biblical prophecy is not trivia about tomorrow; it’s truth for today. God sent prophets to speak into confusion and fear, calling people to trust his unfolding plan. They tethered weary hearts to the God who was already at work. Their words still do. [24:50]
3. Hope arrives from unexpected Bethlehem God delights in birthing greatness from smallness. Bethlehem was insignificant, yet God chose it to host the world’s Redeemer. If you feel overlooked, you’re not outside God’s reach; you may be exactly where grace loves to surprise. [28:06]
4. Christmas inaugurates an unending kingdom Jesus didn’t come to prop up fragile empires; he ushered in a kingdom that will not end. His reign is marked by justice, righteousness, and nearness—not force. That means our ultimate security isn’t tied to political tides but to a King who keeps his promises. [40:49]
5. Forgiveness secured through the suffering King The cradle points to the cross. Isaiah foresaw a King who would be pierced for our sins so that his wounds would heal us. At Christmas we remember that God came near not merely to inspire us, but to save us—at his own expense. [44:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:20] - Why Nativity Scenes Matter
[18:13] - When Christmas Feels Heavy
[21:29] - Stuck On The Trail
[24:50] - Meet The Prophets
[28:06] - Isaiah’s Sign: God With Us
[31:22] - Micah And Bethlehem’s Surprise
[34:43] - Seeing God’s Bigger Picture
[37:57] - The Mosaic Of Prophecy
[40:49] - Kingdom, Cross, And Global Mission
[44:09] - Hope, Forgiveness, And Practice
[47:06] - Communion: Remembering The Story
[56:42] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

- Isaiah 9:6-7 — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Observation Questions

What titles and promises in Isaiah 9:6-7 stand out as you read them? Which phrase feels most surprising or most comforting to you, and why?
Isaiah 53:5 describes the suffering of the coming one. What results does the verse connect to his suffering? (Look for concrete outcomes in the verse.)
The pastor said prophets were sent to “preach more in the present than the future” and to call people to “step back and see the bigger picture.” What images or examples did he give of that work? [24:50]
The sermon emphasized that hope came from an unlikely place—Bethlehem. What does Micah’s message about Bethlehem (as described in the sermon) make you notice about how God chooses to work? [31:22]

Interpretation Questions

How should one understand the pairing of Isaiah 9 (the everlasting king and kingdom) with Isaiah 53 (the suffering servant)? What does holding both images together tell one about the nature of the Messiah?
The prophets told people to “step back” from their immediate, painful context to see God’s long work. What reasons might the prophets have had for focusing on present encouragement rather than only future prediction?
What is implied about God’s priorities by the fact that the promised ruler comes from “small” Bethlehem rather than a great city? [31:22]
The sermon says prophecy “tethers weary hearts to the God who was already at work.” In what concrete ways does prophecy function to tether people—what does it do emotionally and practically?

Application Questions

Identify one current “trail” you’re walking right now (stress at work, grief, financial strain, family conflict, etc.). How does the reminder that God has been orchestrating a much larger story change the way you view this specific struggle this week? Be specific about one thought or action that should change. [37:57]
The pastor encouraged Christians to be a voice of hope to others during the season. Who is one person in your life who needs to “step back and see the bigger picture” this Christmas? What will you say or do to invite them to that perspective in the next two weeks? (Name the person and a concrete plan—call, text, invite to a service, bring a meal, etc.) [37:57]
Isaiah 53:5 ties Jesus’s wounds to our healing. Is there a place in your life where you’re reluctant to accept that forgiveness and healing? What is a concrete next step you can take this week to bring that area to Jesus (a prayer, a conversation, a confession, counseling appointment, etc.)?
The sermon said God often works through small, overlooked places (Bethlehem). Are there “small” places in your life—relationships, neighborhoods, workplace roles—where you have discounted God’s ability to use you? Pick one and list two specific actions you will take this month to serve there with gospel hope. [31:22]
The pastor suggested practices to help you “gain altitude”: Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, and communion. Which of those four is weakest for you right now? Choose one and make a measurable commitment for the next 7 days (for example: read Luke 1–2 on three separate days; pray five minutes each morning; attend one extra small-group or Sunday service; take time for personal communion/meditation). Report back to someone in your group next week.
The sermon encouraged inviting people to Christmas gatherings as a way to reconnect faith. Who will you invite to your church’s Christmas service (or to a meal or read-through of Luke 2)? Draft the exact message or words you will use to invite them, and set a day this week to send it. [34:43]
The message balanced two truths—Jesus is the reigning King and the suffering Savior. Which truth do you tend to emphasize more in your life? How can you intentionally practice the other truth this Christmas (for example: worship for God’s kingship in one moment this week; spend time confessing and receiving grace in another)? Be specific about one concrete action for each.

Sermon Clips

While the people were on their own trails struggling to find hope and peace and faith, God was orchestrating this bigger beautiful picture culminating in the person of Jesus. So they say all these things, and that's what the prophets were meant to do—it was to preach the current context about something bigger that was happening. And then Jesus shows up into that. We say Merry Christmas, Jesus comes onto the scene. [00:32:01] (26 seconds) #GodOrchestratedPlan

What you and I need to do—and Christmas is a great time to do this—we need to step back and see the bigger picture at play here. We need to see what Christmas is all about, to be reminded of the work that God has done. And Christmas is meant to do that. Why Christmas? To be reminded that God is always working on the bigger picture for you and for me because he loves us. [00:36:25] (22 seconds) #GodIsWorkingForYou

Maybe you're sitting here or watching online right now and you're struggling with a job decision or a family situation or just surviving the Christmas season or whatever it may be, and listen, those are very real things to deal with. What I'm encouraging you to do though is as you're dealing with them, take a step back to see the bigger picture of Christmas this season. Be preached to, to listen, let God speak into your life in your current context to be reminded that he is always working. [00:37:02] (28 seconds) #StepBackLetGodIn

All these prophets would come and they'd say all these things and preach to the people by saying, hey, step back, see the bigger picture. And as they were putting this together, this bigger picture formed and they finally saw it and it was complete and understood when Jesus showed up. Because Jesus showed up and they're like, oh, there's the bigger picture now. All the little squares make sense. [00:39:23] (21 seconds) #BiggerPictureRevealed

God's bigger picture—it wasn't just for the Jewish people, it was for the entire world. God just used the Jewish people as his way of bringing about this ultimate kingdom and this ultimate king. That Jesus came for you and for me. Christmas is the reminder of God bringing his people back to him. [00:40:58] (19 seconds) #JesusForTheWorld

Christmas is the start of God bringing ultimate forgiveness of our sins. That you and I rebel, we break our relationship with God, we sin and we can't pay the penalty for that, so God sent Jesus to do that. And Christmas is that reminder—reminder Isaiah again in chapter 53 verse 5 says this: but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. [00:42:03] (27 seconds) #ForgivenThroughJesus

Christmas is our reminder to see the bigger picture, and that's my prayer for you. This is what I want to encourage you to start this Christmas season with, is to take a step back and see the bigger picture. I know you're gonna be busy over the next month, I know you have a million things to do over the next month, I know it's gonna be crazy and stressful and chaotic, it's gonna be amazing and joyful and all those things will be in there too, but just to take a step back and remember and see the bigger picture of God here. [00:44:08] (25 seconds) #SeeGodThisChristmas

``If you feel like you're far from God, take a step back and see the bigger picture that God is not far from you. If you feel like you're struggling with something right now and you can't be forgiven, to take a step back that Jesus came at Christmas time as a reminder that we are forgiven through him. If you feel like there's no hope at this Christmas season, to take a step back, see the bigger picture that Jesus is the hope of the world. [00:44:36] (22 seconds) #StepBackFindHope

If you feel like our country and government is a mess right now—shake your head, yeah, because it is—that Christmas is that reminder that we trust in a king whose kingdom is here and will never end. It's bigger than any of the world powers that we see. It's the bigger picture. If you feel like you're alone this Christmas season, to take a step back and see that through Jesus and Christmas is that reminder we are brought into God's family. [00:45:00] (28 seconds) #KingdomAboveAll

Do these things and see if you'll have a bigger Christmas this year. That's what I want for you. I want us to have a bigger Christmas, and I don't mean bigger Christmas as in more presents and more things to do and more stress and more debt and more parties. Bigger Christmas in that we get to take a step back this season and go, whoa, look at God has done in the midst of my life. God has been orchestrating so many bigger things than I see right now. [00:46:33] (26 seconds) #HaveABiggerChristmas

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