12-19-2021
12-19-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (LOX & Online), Rev. José Marerro (WPB), Rev. Efrain Silva (COH Español)
Sermon Series: Come Home; Jesus left home so that you could come home
Week 4: The Manger
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. Read our theme verse from this series, John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2. We lit the 4th advent candle representing joy. How can the coming of Jesus fill a person with joy even in challenging times like what we’re living through now?
3. Read Luke 2:1-20 - In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
We see here 3 ways that God works, even when life is hard and everything seems to be falling apart.
(1) What is difficult for humanity is an opportunity for God to show off
4. Imagine how this situation would have felt for Mary and Joseph. Describe some of the reasons why these circumstances would have been hard for them and maybe even challenging for their faith.
5. When life is hard and everything is falling apart, many well-meaning Christians often say, “God is in control.” But the Bible doesn’t actually say that! If you do a search through Scriptures, you won’t find it saying God is in control. Instead, over 300 times Scripture says that God is sovereign – like a king is sovereign over his kingdom. What’s the difference between God being in control and God being sovereign? Why is this significant?
6. Read 1 John 5:19 - “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” What are the implications of this Scripture?
7. Joseph and Mary were probably wondering what was going on and where God was. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you felt that way, or if you feel that way now, share about it with your group.
8. God used these circumstances to get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Old Testament prophecies had said the Messiah would be born. And over the centuries, their struggle to find a room, their poverty, and Jesus’ birth in a stable has communicated to millions of poor and struggling people that Jesus came for them and can relate to what they’re going through. But often it’s only in retrospect that we can recognize that God was accomplishing a good purpose in our hard circumstances. In the midst of it, it’s hard to see it. Tell about how you’ve seen in retrospect that God was working to bring about good purposes through a difficult circumstance in your life.
(2) What is belittled by humanity is God's first choice
9. Of all the people the angels could have appeared to, they chose shepherds, who were considered the lowest social outcasts in that culture. What does that communicate to you about God?
10. Read 1 Corinthians 1:27 - But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. What do you notice in this verse?
(3) What is broken for humanity is an opportunity for God to redeem
11. Even when we make a mess of our lives, God can redeem it. Share how you’ve experienced God redeeming the broken places in your life.
12. The shepherds’ response to meeting Jesus was to spread the word about it to others. Look for opportunities this week to spread the word about what Jesus means to you and about our Christmas services, so that more people can get to know and experience him.
Ready for your next step? – If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.
News and Announcements:
· New Here? Let us know who you are by texting “connect” to 561-264-6079.
Christmas Service Times: Go to communityofhope.church/christmas to get all the details.
Christmas Missions Offering: We invite everyone to give an extra amount again this Christmas to support our missions and outreach over the coming year. This year’s goal is $150,000 to expand our ministry to the poor in our community by purchasing a box truck with a lift and a pick-up truck. We’ll use any additional funds as seed money to build a facility on our Loxahatchee Campus to enable us to have cold food storage and additional space for our “Love the 561” ministries and for other needs we have as our church grows. You can give all throughout Advent and at our Christmas Eve services at communityofhope.church/give.
Daniel Fast Group: Sundays | 8:45AM -10AM | LOX Campus | January 2 - 30
A 5-week group led by Fatma Collins to support each other in doing a 21-day partial fast to help you draw near to God and give your body a fresh start as you start the new year. Register at communityofhope.church/groups
Dads Group: Sundays 4:30-6:00pm | Loxahatchee Campus
Come join our new weekly group for dads, step-dads, foster dads & granddads to grow in our faith and as dads. Childcare will be provided for our regular meetings, and once a month we’ll do a fun activity with kids instead of the regular meeting. This group will be led by Omar Vega. To learn more, attend our Dads Group Kick-off BBQ Event on January 9th at 4:30. This event will include activities like axe throwing and corn hole, as well as a delicious BBQ dinner at no cost to you! Be sure to register for the Kick-off BBQ Event so we know how many to expect. Regular Dads Group meetings will start January 16th. Register at communityofhope.church/groups
Connections Class - Sundays from 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. on January 9, 16, 23 & 30
Connections is a 4-week class on how to live the Christian life, and it’s also the best way to get more connected at Community of Hope. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith. At the end of the four weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to become a Community of Hope partner, if you wish, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service. The class will be offered in-person and also over Zoom, for those who can’t attend in-person. Register at communityofhope.church/connections
· Thank you for your regular financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community! If you haven’t already, consider setting up automated giving to help you be consistent even when you’re traveling. To give to Community of Hope go to communityofhope.church/give.