Overview
Following Nehemiah and the last writings in the Old Testament, approximately four hundred years have passed. Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Zechariah, Micah, and Jeremiah recorded a variety of revelations about the coming Messiah. Like Moses, the Messiah would come to free Israel from her oppressors. Despite decades of being warned to turn from their rebellious ways, the Israelites continued to pursue their own ways rather than God’s way. So, God took the next step. He sent the Messiah as a newborn baby whose goal was to establish a spiritual kingdom. Jesus, the Savior of the Jewish people (and indeed the world), arrived on the scene in an unexpected way.
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Engage
No other event in history has marked time like the birth of Jesus. Even the years count forward and backward from this defining moment. The Old Testament shared prophecies of the soon-coming Savior, so many people would have been expecting His arrival. Most expected a human king with a physical kingdom. But God’s ways are often unexpected, and the birth of Jesus was no different. The same thing can happen to us. Our expectations can get in the way of reality.
QUESTION Describe a time when you were really looking forward to something big (a special gift, dream vacation, new job, etc.) and it didn’t happen the way you had imagined. What was your first reaction? Was the result better or worse in the long run?
Watch
As we watch this video, consider this question:
QUESTION What is your favorite part of Christmas?
Consider
Ask any athlete if they’d rather play an away game or a home game, and they’ll choose a home game every time. As a player, you get a morale boost when you hear the home crowd cheer, chant your name, and celebrate your victories. Even when your lungs are screaming and your muscles are spent, you can summon the stamina to keep going because the crowd is with you, for you, cheering you on. The power of having someone on your side isn’t limited to athletics. From moments of greatest adversity to simply plodding through the mundane, nothing is better than knowing you’ve got someone who’s with you, on your side, in your corner—and nothing worse than feeling like you’re on your own. Before the birth of Jesus, the Israelites found themselves in that isolated position to the extreme. Rome had invaded, conquered, and occupied the land of Israel, and the king they installed was a violent, evil man named Herod. The Jewish leaders weren’t much better either. They fought and argued over the law and created a complex set of rules the people couldn’t follow. To make matters worse, wars and the threat of more conflict had created financial disaster for many in Judah. Food and money were difficult for some to obtain, and people didn’t have an abundance of ways to provide for themselves. Politically, spiritually, and practically, God’s people needed a miracle—a deliverer.
QUESTION
The religious leaders’ extensive knowledge and expectations prevented them from
recognizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. How can our own knowledge and
expectations sometimes get in the way of seeing how God is with us?
What the Bible Says
Prophets like Isaiah had spoken of the day when the Messiah would arrive and liberate God’s people. For more than seven hundred years, the people prayed and waited. They had a promise, but no fulfillment. They had a word from God, but no action from God. Then, one night—a holy, special, wonderful night we now celebrate as Christmas—the miracle came in a way no one
expected. In an instant, the Israelites had the Savior they’d been waiting for. God’s Son was born not in a palace to a wealthy family of great power and influence, but to a set of humble, working-class parents. At long last, God had come to live among His people—to be one of us and to be with us.
Blessed among Women Read Luke 1:28–35, 38.
No doubt, Mary was shocked by both the angel and his message. The angel’s greeting, however, offered peace and reassurance: “The Lord is with you.” Certainly, these words had particular meaning for Mary as the woman who would carry and give birth to God incarnate, but their intent in that moment applies to us as well.
Because of Jesus, we have the peace and reassurance that God is with us. Mary’s response to the news is powerful. She was fully cognizant of the risk she took as a single, young woman in a culture that shamed, ostracized, and even threatened to put to death women who became pregnant outside of marriage. Yet Mary told the angel: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
QUESTION God often desires to use us in ways that are outside of our imagination. Describe a time when you felt Him prompt you to do or say something that was completely out of your comfort zone. Did you follow through? What happened?
Our Savior Is Born Read Matthew 1:19–24; Luke 2:1–7.
Joseph obeyed God and took Mary as his wife. Mary was willing to be used by God; Joseph was obedient. As a result, they were entrusted with raising the most significant child in history: Immanuel, which means God with us.
That’s the central message of the birth of Jesus. We are not alone. God is with us. Yes, Jesus is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” as Isaiah prophesied He would be (Isaiah 9:6). Those names are meaningful because He is all of them to each of us individually. He is your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father, your Prince of Peace.
So why would Mary and Joseph have anything to fear? The angel’s first instructions to Joseph were, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” In fact, the angel had the same instruction for Mary: “Don’t be afraid.” So we can infer that fear was an obstacle God knew might prevent them from obedience.
QUESTION Why do you think fear is such a common obstacle to obeying God?
Good News for All People Read Luke 2:8–18.
The angels’ appearance to the shepherds is a key part of the story. The first people to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth were not the religious or political leaders of the day, nor were they the wealthy or prestigious members of society. Instead, the miracle was announced to some of the lowest people in Jewish society—the shepherds. What’s more, the angels weren’t just making a birth announcement, they were announcing important theology. They proclaimed the good news was for “all people.” This is one of the first moments we find out Jesus is for everyone—not just the Jews. He is Immanuel, God with all of us.
Of all Jesus’ habits and traits that caught the Jews off guard (and there were many), the fact that He came for everyone was perhaps the most shocking. The Jews weren’t prepared to share their Savior with people who weren’t like them, yet that is precisely what He asked them—and all of us—to do.
QUESTION Do you feel that the Church does a good job of modeling the truth that Jesus is for everyone? Explain.
Simeon’s Prophecy Read Luke 2:25–32.
One of the most tender moments of the Christmas story is a part that usually isn’t told. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for the first time, an old man named Simeon was there. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Christ. The people of Israel looked forward to their Savior’s birth for centuries, but because He arrived in a way few anticipated, the religious scholars and experts of the day—the people most qualified to recognize Him—didn’t.
QUESTION What traits in Luke’s description of Simeon indicate he might readily spot his Savior?
Visitors from Afar Read Matthew 2:1–2, 9–11.
Travel during the time of Jesus was remarkably difficult. We think it’s inconvenient when we have a lengthy layover or when we have to stop for gas, but imagine having to stop because your method of transportation needed to eat or was simply tired of walking!
That the Magi, also known as Wise Men, set out on the journey to begin with indicates how special Jesus’ arrival was. Furthermore, the Bible says the Wise Men were “filled with joy” at the
very sight of the star marking where to find Him. How could the Wise Men be so happy at the end of a tough journey? Joy is different from happiness. It comes from knowing we are not alone, that even in difficult circumstances—or, especially in difficult circumstances—God is with us.
QUESTION Just as He placed the star in the sky for the Wise Men to follow, God persistently points people in the direction of His Son. What was your “star”? What led you to discover Jesus as your Savior? Maybe your journey required a series of stars. Share about it with your group.
QUESTION Who are some of the most joyful people you personally know? Avoid talking about celebrities, but focus instead on people whose lives you see up close. What evidence shows their joy comes from the Lord?
Reflect
When we read the account of Jesus’ birth, we have the benefit of knowing how His story ends. From our view, all the pieces fit together perfectly, and the end result is a baby who grows up to save the world. What a story! But Mary and Joseph didn’t have that vantage point. They took God at His word and trusted that His character would remain constant.
Throughout the Old Testament, God had consistently moved toward His people in pursuit of authentic relationship. Not content to be the God of Israel, Father God sent God the Son to earth and gave Him the name Immanuel, God with us—all of us.
Listen to God
The goal of Listen is not only to gain an understanding of God’s Word, but also to pause and listen to what God our Creator might want to say to us about what we have read and shared. Be silent for a few moments and reflect on the following questions. Choose the one that most resonates with what God is saying to you now. Then complete the others during Day 1 of your devotion time this week.
Personal Reflection Questions
Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
QUESTION How does the understanding that God is with you help you to personally experience joy even when times aren’t necessarily happy?
QUESTION In Mary’s time, a great deal of shame was placed not only upon the unwed mother, but also upon the child born to her. How does God’s willingness to enter the world in such a low position affect your view of His love for you?
QUESTION Earlier, we evaluated how well the Church demonstrates to the world that Jesus is for everyone. Now, turn the lens on yourself. How do you make a point to demonstrate this truth in your daily life?
QUESTION Simeon was a very old man by the time he met Jesus and saw God’s promise fulfilled. What promises from God are you waiting on? Is there anything you believe He’s spoken to you—either through His Word or impressed on your heart—that hasn’t yet been fulfilled? List those promises below, then prayerfully recommit your confidence in the Lord to be faithful to His Word.
QUESTION Brainstorm a list of ways you can show the people around you that Jesus is for them. Then, choose two of those ideas and put them into action this week. Report back to your group how it went.
Prayer Requests
Note any requests from the group and remember to pray for them during the week.
Before next time, continue to listen with the personal devotions.
Did You Know?
While tradition has Joseph and Mary being turned away by an innkeeper, the word translated as “inn” (kataluma) was really an upper living area or guest room in someone’s home. So the Bible really says there was no room for them in the guest room or upper living area.
From history and archaeology, we know that Jesus was not born in a barn. Some may assume He was because Mary placed Him in a manger, and they were surrounded by animals. But most likely they were in a cave home (kataluma), which was common in Bethlehem. This cave home would have had space reserved for animals near the front. The upper living area would have provided space to sleep, but not enough room to allow Mary to be surrounded by helpers while giving birth. So Jesus was born into a loving family, surrounded by helpers in a cave home. What a wonderfully common occurrence! However, we know there was nothing common about the birth of this baby.
Listen on Your Own
Listening to God is something we need to do every day. Before you begin each devotion, pray and ask God to speak to you through His Word. Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
Day 1 Read Matthew 1:19–24; Luke 2:25–32.
Look back over Listen in Community and complete your responses to the Personal Reflection Questions. If time permits, reread the Scripture too.
QUESTION What do you sense God is saying to you about the idea that He is “God with us”?
Listen on Your Own
Day 2 Read Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7.
Approximately seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah gave this prophecy about the Messiah. In those days, it was common for a person who became king to choose a new name or names. Those names were titles, meant to detail the qualities and successes of the king.
QUESTION There are five names given to the Messiah in these verses. What are they? (Hint: Don’t forget Isaiah 7:14.)
QUESTION Which name means the most to you? Why?
Listen on Your Own
Day 3 Read John 14:15–26; 16:7–15.
This passage describes part of the Last Supper, the evening Jesus spent with His disciples before His crucifixion. While Jesus was only physically present on the earth for a short time, He promised to send “another Advocate, who will never leave you.” Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, God is not only with us—He is within us. And His impact on our lives doesn’t end at salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit opens our lives to even greater impact.
QUESTION List at least three ways in which believers benefit from the Holy Spirit, according to these passages.
QUESTION Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? If so, use this space to describe the specific ways that event has affected you.
QUESTION If you have not yet been baptized in the Holy Spirit, what questions or concerns do you have about it? (Make a point to meet with your pastor or mentor to discuss them.)
End your time today by thanking God for His power in your life.
Listen on Your Own
Day 4 Read Psalm 145. Though this psalm begins with jubilant declarations of God’s might and power, it shifts in verse 8 to discuss God’s goodness to His people. Psalm 145:13–20 in particular demonstrates just how interested God is in the details of each of our lives.
QUESTION This psalm is full of action. List at least five actions the Psalmist says he and the rest of God’s people will take in response to how amazing God is. For example, the Psalmist begins by saying, “I will exalt.”
QUESTION How does this psalm show that God is with us?
QUESTION The Psalmist couldn’t keep quiet about how good the Lord had been to him. People often take courage from the good God has done in their lives. Jot down an example of God’s goodness to you. Then ask Him for an opportunity to share with someone who needs to hear about it.
Listen on Your Own
Day 5 Read Psalm 23.
Though often used to comfort those mourning loss, this psalm actually has much more to do with life than with death. It shares a metaphor about a shepherd and his sheep to help us grasp God’s tender relationship with His children. In fact, Jesus used this metaphor in the New Testament to underscore the depth of His concern for us.
QUESTION Examine the many ways God cares for His sheep in this psalm. Which do you think is most meaningful to you? Why?
QUESTION In what ways have you personally experienced God’s tender care and concern?
