LESSONS FROM THE CHRISTMAS EVENT
by Pastor Richard Tow
December 20, 2015
Text: Luke 1:26-38

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Description: The Christmas story is full of revelation about the way God works. When we understand His ways, we are better equipped to discern what He is doing and how to cooperate with it. This sermon (1) examines how four categories of people interacted with the first coming of Messiah (2) draws lessons from their experiences and (3) applies those lessons to decisions we must make now and in the days ahead.

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OUTLINE

Intro
A. Atheist Story
B. Four categories of people involved in the Christmas Event & Lessons learned from their experience.

I. the FAITHFUL remnant who were waiting for the Consolation of Israel
A. Mary
(Text: Luke 1:26-38)
(1) Surprised by Gabriel’s visit
(2) Surprised by Gabriel’s greeting
(3) Surprised by Gabriel’s message

B. Zacharius

C. Simeon

D. Lesson: Faithful can be in the know; but still be surprised by how God does it.

II. the DISTANT yet interested gentiles

A. Magi probably from Persia or Babylon

B. Who would have suspected these used by God?

C. Different from Faithful remnant; but one thing in common—openness & hunger

D. Lesson: Even the distant can get in on what God is doing if heart is open and hungry.

III. the RESISTANT and self-satisfied who actually opposed the Coming of the Lord

A. King Herod

B. High Priest and Religious Rulers

C. Lesson: Position and Relationship with God not necessarily same thing.

IV. the INDIFFERENT and pre-occupied

A. Crowd in Bethlehem oblivious to anything special going on in Joseph & Mary.

B. God often hides His glory.

C. Lesson: Greatest danger we face is pre-occupation with other things.

QUESTIONS

1. There are four categories of people in Pastor’s message. Do these four
categories exist today?
2. Why were so many people unable to discern what God was doing during
Messiah’s first coming?
3. Four lessons were drawn from the story:

> Even the elect can be surprised by the way God does things.
> Even those who are distant can get in on what God is doing if they are open and hungry.
> The people we might expect to be in the know will be left out if hearts are not right.
> Most people miss God because they are simply too busy with other things.

Do you think the story teaches these lessons? If so or if not, why?
What are the implications of these lessons for us today?

4. What is God speaking to you this morning?
5. How can we pray for you?