The Untold Stories

Unexpected Hope:

Summary: This sermon delves into the often overlooked characters and events surrounding the Christmas story, revealing how their experiences reflect God's faithfulness and the unexpected ways He fulfills His promises. From the humble shepherds to the wise men, these stories illustrate a broader narrative of hope that transcends the familiar aspects of the Nativity.

Application: This message serves as a reminder that God's plan is often revealed through the lives of those we least expect. It encourages Christians to trust in God's orchestration of their own stories, embracing their unique journeys as integral parts of His greater plan of redemption and grace.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that every participant in the Christmas story, regardless of status or background, plays a crucial role in God's plan. It invites believers to recognize their own significance in God's narrative and to share their personal testimonies of faith, realizing that each story contributes to the collective story of Christ's birth and purpose.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme illustrates how the diverse characters in the Christmas narrative demonstrate the inclusivity of Christ's mission. It shows that Jesus came for everyone, fulfilling the prophecies of redemption not just for Israel, but for all of humanity, thus signifying the universal scope of His salvation.

Big Idea: In God’s narrative, everyone’s story matters as a testament to His faithfulness and love, revealing that unexpected hope can arise from the most humble beginnings.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical implications of the shepherds' role in society during the time of Christ's birth and the significance of their encounter with the angels. Your Logos library can provide insights into first-century Jewish customs, as well as commentaries that delve into the prophetic significance of these interactions, helping you articulate how these stories of seemingly unimportant characters bear profound importance in the narrative of Christ.

1. Shepherds: Heralds of Hope

Luke 2:8-12

You could focus on the shepherds, who were often overlooked and considered lowly in society. Yet, they were the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth, highlighting God's preference for the humble. This demonstrates that God values all people and works through them, regardless of their social standing. Perhaps encourage your listeners to see themselves like the shepherds, as important messengers in God's plan, assuring them of their value and role in spreading the hope Christ brings.

The shepherds weren’t chosen because they were sinner or poor they were chosen because of their lowly status. Humble status. The angel told them it was for all people.

2. Wise men: Journey of Joy

Matthew 2:1-12

Consider exploring the journey of the Magi, who traveled great distances to honor Jesus. Their story teaches us about seeking and the joy of finding that which we seek, no matter the cost. Maybe emphasize that spiritual seekers today can find truth and fulfillment in Christ, just as the Magi did. Encourage your audience to remain persistent in their spiritual quests, reflecting the Magi's dedication and faithfulness as they became part of God's revelation to the Gentiles.

The importance of the wise men or magi is because they read and study the stars. Also, biblically it doesn’t actually say how many wise men were there. We always say there was 3 because that's how many gifts there were. In Numbers 24:17 is a prophecy being fulfilled here with the star. The interaction between Herod and wise men reveals the messianic prophecy of Micah 5:2

3. Simeon: Patient Promise

Luke 2:25-35

You might highlight Simeon's anticipation and recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah. His story serves as a reminder of hope fulfilled and God's faithfulness to His promises. Invite your congregation to view their lives in light of Simeon's example of patient faith, trusting that God fulfills His promises in His perfect timing. This point encourages believers to patiently wait for God to reveal His purposes, knowing that their hope in Christ is secure.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible B. Two Sons Born (1:57–2:52)

Either two different groups are being described here—one group will rise and one group will fall—or more probably Luke is referring to one group. Those who embrace the message of Jesus will fall before they rise. In other words, identification with Jesus will bring persecution. Such hostility to Jesus will reveal the thoughts of the heart

4. Anna: Voice of Redemption

Luke 2:36-38

Perhaps examine Anna the prophetess, who lived a life of devotion and worship, speaking of Jesus to all who were waiting for redemption. Her prophecy underscores the theme of redemption and the hope found in the birth of Christ. Encourage your audience to live a life of devotion and testimony, like Anna, proclaiming the hope found in Christ to others. This point underscores the theme that every believer's voice matters in the spreading of the Gospel.

If she would have married at the earliest age to get married which is 12, she would have been no less than 103 in this passage

She was there all the time. Scripture says she never departs you could refer to her as a watchmen in Psalm 134:1–2 “Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!”