Can Jesus relate to the mess of our lives?
Many Christmas songs give off this idea that the birth of Jesus was unrealistically quiet, calm and peaceful.
The problem, life is usually NOT silent, NOT peaceful and NOT calm, especially around Christmas! Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares that If we idealize the birth of Jesus too much, we might miss the main message of Christmas: God meets us in the middle of our mess.
Christmas through Mary’s eyes:
Luke 1:26-35 “34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.”
Mary experienced confusion, fear and uncertainty. But God was in the middle of Mary’s mess.
From Mary’s story we learn: finding favor with God can lead to confusion, fear, and uncertainty. But, God is in the middle of the mess.
Christmas through Joseph’s eyes:
Matthew 1:18-21 “20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph experienced hurt, anger and doubt. But God was in the middle of Joseph’s mess.
Christmas through your eyes:
1. You have sinned and you fall short.
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
1 John 1:8 “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.”
2. You are utterly helpless to solve your sin problem.
Romans 5:6 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”
3. Jesus has come into the middle of your mess.
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Will you let Jesus into the middle of your mess?