We all know the story of Christmas.
And for the most part, we know it well.
After all, it’s the greatest story ever told; the cosmic drama of divine love coming so near that it is seen, heard, felt, known. It’s the story of God’s own life and presence and essence breaking into humanity; being born among and within the least likely.
And for the most part, we know the major players on stage. There are carpenters and virgins, magi and mangers. But in all the years that we have celebrated and rehearsed the Christmas drama, I wonder if we have looked at the story from every possible angle.
Truth is, there are many entry points to the story of our Lord’s birth.
Not all of which are front door entries.
A close reading of the texts in Matthew and Luke reveal there are many players in the drama who are lesser known and lesser celebrated, but whose presence in the story has incredible impact and significance. And here’s the tragedy. If we only pay attention to those on center stage, we may think these other characters to be nobodies; nothing more than minor players; extras on the set.
But if we know anything about the child being born, we know that in his view, there are no minor players. No extras. Ever.
That is why I want to spend this Advent Season leading our congregation in a study of a few Christmas Nobodies. Who knows, maybe seeing the birth of hope and salvation through their eyes means there is room for even us.
December 1: Bad Girls, Black Sheep, and the Family Tree
December 8: Rachel, and the Bethlehem Babies
December 15: When Love Comes to Town
December 22: So, just out of curiosity, who IS there room for in the inn?
Shaun King
Senior Pastor
Johns Creek Baptist Church
3 Comments. Leave new
Shaun, I thought that you might entitle one of these sermons:
“Jesus majored on the minor”—because that is exactly what he did!
Thank you Pastor,once again, for bringing the Divine Language of God’s immortal LOVE right into the center of our daily lives- as the light on our path… Majoring on the Minor sometimes requires a prayer and the determination to go and do something that we may not ” feel” like doing + “in His name and for His sake” The feeling that counts happens between us as we serve those who may need just a simple act of caring concern during this special time of year.
The Joy of the Journey is found in the Company of the LORD…
I have been meditating on this devotional over the past few weeks and it ties in well with the service yesterday on HOPE and Christmas nobodies.
What Can God Do with Difficult Circumstances?
Samantha Evilsizer
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 (ESV)
This past year, people I love have had to grapple with some very difficult things—home foreclosures, loss of businesses, empty cupboards, and dry gas tanks. Family and friends have endured marital affairs, children sentenced to jail, another year of unemployment, cars breaking down, churches falling apart.
In the midst of such hardships, it’s easy to doubt God can redeem the pain, recover what’s lost, heal all that’s broken. Can He truly fit the pieces of our suffering into a hopeful future?
If we rely on what our circumstances imply, we may believe the Lord isn’t able to make something good come from our hardships. Or that He won’t. But the truth is, God can and does change our circumstances.
Whether or not God alters our current situation, His power to give a future and hope never changes! We know this based on His Word that stays the same. That’s why it’s important to take action when difficulties weave doubt in to our faith in God’s authority. How do we do this?
For me, refocusing on the truth found in Job 42:1-2 makes a big difference, “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”
Reading accounts of God’s faithfulness bolsters us up when all that is around us is crumbling down. When we focus on what God did for others, it reminds us He is able to work on our behalf as well. Take a look at God’s redeeming plans for some of His people throughout the Bible…
While Job’s family, home, crops and health were demolished, God was preparing to give him double of what was killed, stolen, lost and damaged. (Job 1 and 2; Job 42:10)
While Joseph was a slave and prisoner, God was planning for him to be second in command over Egypt. (Genesis 39:19-21 and 41:41)
When Ruth was a homeless, childless widow, God was creating a home in Boaz’s heart for her to be his wife. God also knew she’d one day be a mother and years later a great, great, great-grandmother to Jesus. (Ruth 1:4-5 and 4:13-17)
When David lay down in adultery, God was laying the groundwork for him to rise up and repent. (2 Samuel 2:4; Psalm 51)
When Peter lost faith and denied Christ, God knew Peter would be instrumental in growing the Christian church by proclaiming Christ to thousands. (Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:38-41)
While Mary watched Jesus dying on the cross, God had full knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and seated on His heavenly throne! (John 19:25-30; Revelation 3:21)
No matter what the dire, dreary circumstances, God turned each into a hopeful future.
God can reverse, restore, revive, and renew. Be on the lookout for His plans that are already in motion right now, even in the midst of your difficult time. Trust Him. He can take any circumstance and use it for your good and His glory.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness shown to every generation, and for recording these stories where You turned dreary pasts into hopeful futures. I ask that You do the same for mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.