The Kid (2)
Notes
Transcript
People wont care about putting Christ in Christmas, until they begin to see Christ in the Christian.
STORY - Joy in Christmas - Sears Catalog, Playing with cousins, snow days
STORY - Joy in Christmas - Sears Catalog, Playing with cousins, snow days
INTRO
But to some this can be a stressful time of year - Feeling of joy on the outside, anxiety, worry, and stress on the inside
No weather can leave us frozen like fear does (core of all the other feelings)
Tension
Its not in the songs, lights, or movies, but Fear can be a big part of this season for many
Fear - Finals, wrapping up school, wrapping up sports
Fear - Family Expectations (College, bf, gf, growing up, etc.)
Fear - Out of our normal rhythm (no friends to escape to)
Good news - Christmas is about the love of Jesus
Christmas is about the God of the universe wanting a relationship with you
Mary didn't fear
Truth
Background on Luke - Accounts from Peter, and Mary
Mary had alot going on (young, engaged, pregnant with the savior of universe, cousin was pregnant as well)
Luke 1:28 “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.””
Odd greeting (mix of emotions)
“confused and disturbed”
Luke 1:30 “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
Encouraged her and gave her reason why.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 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.”
Next, Mary still not comprehending asks a clarifying question. Understandably.
Luke 1:34 ““How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?””
There might have been countless thoughts going through Mary’s mind.
What will people think?
What will they say about Joseph and me?
Oh no! What is Joseph going to say?
Fearful questions like these likely rattled through her brain. In Mary’s culture, if you ended up pregnant before you were married, it typically created a lot of drama for you and your fiancé. This could’ve been really bad.
Luke 1:37 “For no word from God will ever fail.”” “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 ESV).
Mary had lots of reasons to be afraid. All of her plans and dreams had just been thrown for a loop. Out of seemingly nowhere, this ordinary girl was going to become the mother of God in human form. Mary probably had questions, she was confused, and she didn’t fully understand. While she may have felt fear in some of those moments, something else happened in Mary. In spite of her fear, she chose to have faith. And that’s what Luke tells us she did next. Mary said to Gabriel:
Luke 1:38 ““I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
Something happened with mary - She didnt freeze in fear, instead she was bold in faith.
She found favor with God, and was Chosen for a great mission.
Best part of the story is for us - Jesus showed up, that means God is with us
So, because of this Kid, we are invited into an incredible story that God is writing, just like Mary. We have an opportunity to respond to our fears in the same way that Mary did: with confidence and faith (Gospel Presentation)
The Kid changes how you see your fear.
APPLY
Sticky Note Reminders
I am deeply loved by God. [Put note on an ornament on the tree.]
Jesus showed up for me. [Put note on an ornament on the tree.]
I can trust what God is doing. [Put note on an ornament on the tree.]
CLOSE
Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, but perhaps the way you make sure that’s true for you is simply by remembering what Jesus did for you. He chose to show up and work through the life of an ordinary teenage girl from small town. Not only did it change her life, but God made it possible for yours to change, too. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can always change how you respond to them.
So, this week, may you find the faith to move forward when your fear tries to keep you frozen. Just like Mary, may you remember that you are deeply loved by God.
When you head out, think about your answer to this question: How can Jesus help you see your fears differently?
