Christmas
Christmas is a lot of things to a lot of people. Some celebrate family. Some celebrate gifts. Some celebrate a terrifying old man in a blood red suit who sneaks into our homes at night. Some celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many celebrate a confused mixture of all these things. They no longer know what it is; but they know they like it. At Dulins Grove, let’s celebrate Jesus’ miraculous birth.
Jesus’ Miraculous Birth
That manger scene on your hearth isn’t just a cozy reminder of a pleasant myth (like Santa). It is a diorama of a historical event: when God blasted into a silent night in the form of a baby boy who would be the savior of all who believe in him.
Zacharias and Mary
Luke 1 introduces us to two folks who were hit very personally (in the womb!) by this miracle. It will be helpful to see who they were and how they reacted (you should read Luke 1 so you’ll know what I’m talking about):
Zach was in Jerusalem (think New York or D.C.); Mary was in Nazareth (think Frog Pond).
Zach was an 80ish year-old priest; Mary was a 13ish year-old girl.
Zach was a faithful husband; Mary was engaged.
This sounds like material for a road trip comedy; but it’s through these two individuals that God will perform two miracles: 1) The birth of John the Baptist and 2) The birth of Jesus Christ. They do have a couple of things in common:
Zach is righteous and blameless; Mary is favored. (Both “right with God”.)
Zach’s wife is barren and past child bearing age; Mary is a virgin. (Both unlikely candidates to have babies.)
Touched by an Angel
Each gets a visit from Gabriel who tells them they will have a miraculous child.
Zach is troubled and gripped with fear; Mary is perplexed.
Zach doubts and demands evidence; Mary trusts and inquires about logistics.
Zach is disciplined with muteness; Mary is instructed and sings a song.
Both are blessed with their promised miracle baby.
Conclusion
God works through diverse people to bring about his will in the world. From Zacharias to Mary to you and me, his miracles will find a landing pad on earth. Christmas is a reminder of the greatest miracle: the provision of a savior in Jesus Christ. How will you respond this Christmas?
Discussion Starters
1. Read Luke 1. Which individual do you relate to the most? Why?
2. If you could ask God to perform one miracle this Christmas, what would it be? Why? What about in your lifetime? What hinders you from believing he will perform these miracles?
3. What are your top three challenges for communicating the good news of Jesus this Christmas?
4. Do you tend to doubt or trust in your relationship with God? Why? What about in your relationships with people?
5. How will you emphasize the supremacy of Jesus in your Christmas celebration this year?
6. What is the most striking aspect of Luke 1 to you? Why?
7. How can you serve each other as a group in light of this passage?
8. How can your group pray for you this week? Pray together.
