December 24, 2023
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Seeing Jesus in the Nativity: A Journey of Faith, Love, and Obedience
Seeing Jesus in the Nativity: A Journey of Faith, Love, and Obedience
Introduction:
Introduction:
Context: Discuss the iconic Christmas scene of the nativity, as described in
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
, and its significance in portraying the Christmas story.
Each character in the nativity both reminds us of their own story but points us to Jesus.
Purpose: To explore how each character in the nativity story points us to Jesus and the profound lessons we can learn from their actions.
We can learn lessons both from their actions and we can learn how we have the opportunity to point people to Jesus in the same way.
I. Like the Magi: Jesus Made A Long Journey Bringing Precious Gifts (Matthew 2, John 1:14, John 3:16)
I. Like the Magi: Jesus Made A Long Journey Bringing Precious Gifts (Matthew 2, John 1:14, John 3:16)
A. Scriptural Basis:
1. Matthew 2 - Journey of the Magi.
2. John 1:14, 3:16 - Jesus as the embodiment of God's love and the ultimate gift.
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.
Jesus was God incarnate.
God willing to live around and know us.
God showing us His glory.
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
B. Key Points:- Compare the Magi's journey to Jesus's journey from heaven to earth. - Emphasize the significance of Jesus's incarnation and His mission of love.
Jesus came for us, He came
II. Like the Shepherds: Jesus Proclaims The Good News For Everyone (Luke 2:10, Luke 4:42–44)
II. Like the Shepherds: Jesus Proclaims The Good News For Everyone (Luke 2:10, Luke 4:42–44)
A. Scriptural Basis:1. Luke 2:10 - The angel's announcement to the shepherds.
10 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.
2. Luke 4:42–44 - Jesus’s mission to proclaim the good news.
42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them,
43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
B. Key Points:- Illustrate the role of shepherds in spreading the good news. - Relate this to Jesus's own mission as the Good Shepherd and preacher of the Gospel.
III. Like Joseph: Jesus Chooses Mercy Over The Law (Matthew 1:19, Matthew 9:13)
III. Like Joseph: Jesus Chooses Mercy Over The Law (Matthew 1:19, Matthew 9:13)
A. Scriptural Basis:1. Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's merciful decision.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
2. Matthew 9:13 - Jesus’s teaching on mercy.
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
B. Key Points:- Highlight Joseph’s choice of mercy over law. - Connect this to Jesus’s emphasis on mercy throughout His teachings.
IV. Like Mary: Jesus Chose God’s Will Over His Own (Luke 1:38, John 6:38, Matthew 6:10, Luke 22:42)
IV. Like Mary: Jesus Chose God’s Will Over His Own (Luke 1:38, John 6:38, Matthew 6:10, Luke 22:42)
A. Scriptural Basis:
1. Luke 1:38 - Mary’s acceptance of God's will.
38 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.
2. John 6:38, Luke 22:42 - Jesus’s commitment to God's will.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
B. Key Points:- Discuss Mary's submission to God's plan. - Relate to Jesus’s consistent choice of God's will over His own.
V. Application: Emulating Jesus in Our Lives (John 14:12)
V. Application: Emulating Jesus in Our Lives (John 14:12)
A. Scriptural Basis:1. John 14:12 - Jesus’s belief in our potential to do great works.
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
B. Key Points:- Encourage the congregation to follow the examples of the nativity characters and Jesus. - Suggest practical ways to bring gifts, share good news, show mercy, and choose God’s will in daily life.