Welcome In | December 25, 2022 | Christmas 2022
You know how at every family reunion is the infamous kids' table? And maybe you have a memory of finally getting old enough to sit at the adult table only to remain at the kids' table for another year. Here's the thing, though - it's the kids' table that always seems to have an extra seat. If your life was a table, who gets a seat? When you look at the life of Jesus, you can see two groups: those who made room for him and those who did not. From the beginning and throughout his life, Jesus was well-acquainted with vulnerability and rejection. It would be the busy, self-righteous, and religious who had little to no space, and at the societal kids' table of the 1st century where Jesus often found space: the sick, the widows, the prostitute. But what is even more remarkable than where Jesus sat down is what happened when he did: the marginalized found themselves included, the helpless and avoided were seen and supported, the grieved comforted, and the sick healed. The people who made space had never been more glad they did. Jesus worked where he was welcome. What first feels like an invitation to Jesus quickly becomes an invitation from Jesus. If your life is a table, does Jesus have a seat, and if so, what do you find transforming in your life and the lives around you?
KEY VERSES
Luke 2:6-13 MSG -6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. 7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. 8 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 9 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 10 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 11 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:Glory to God in the heavenly heights,Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
John 14:1-4 NLT -1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
Revelation 3:20 NLT -20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING
One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above and dive in deeper to this week’s message.
Recap
+ Reconnect
+ Recap
Discovering What God Is Saying
+ Read and Retell the Bible Story
+ Read and Look
+ Read and Look Again
Doing What God Is Saying
+ Consider
Sharing what God is saying
+ Praying Together
+ Share
GIVING
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