A Random Christmas (Luke 1:1-4, 26-38)

Merry Christmas everybody and we are so glad that you are here today worshiping with us! How are you planning to celebrate Christmas? Are you still doing some last minute shopping? No matter how you plan to celebrate, I am sure soon after the gifts have been given you are left in disbelief how the year went by so fast. As you recount the events that have happened in your life this year, does it seem random to you? Or does it seem like each happening is connected that leads to a specific purpose?

The ingredients in the Christmas story seem kind of random: a decree from Caesar, an engaged virgin, an angelic announcement, three wise men, and no room at the inn—doesn’t sound like the narrative we’d write if we were God. Perhaps some of the circumstances we may be dealing with this year aren’t exactly what we’d write for our own story, either. So how do we respond to the seemingly random events in our lives? Hopefully the same way Mary when she responded to God’s seemingly planned random events.

Moving Forward

In the face of life’s seeming randomness, we can take comfort in the fact that God is active in the world. The Christmas story confirms that he is at work in the midst of darkness. As Christmas approaches, remind yourself of God’s extraordinary love of humankind with Ephesians 3:14-19 and prayer.

Discussion Questions

1. What is your most cherished family Christmas tradition and why is it special to you?

2. Is it easy or difficult for you to believe that everything in life happens for a purpose and according to God’s will? Why?

3. Talk about a time when a season of tragedy or suffering caused you to wonder if life had purpose and meaning.

4. Read Luke 1:38. Can you imagine praying a similar prayer? How would you apply this prayer in the coming year 2014?