Embracing the unexpected this christmas

The Christmas story is one of the most familiar tales in history: a baby born in a manger, angels singing to shepherds, and wise men traveling from afar to bring gifts. We know the figurines of the nativity scene, but there’s a deeper truth behind why God orchestrated this story in such an unexpected way. Why shepherds? Why wise men? Why a stable? These questions point us to a God who doesn’t do things by human standards but instead chooses unexpected people and situations to reveal His glory.

This Christmas, as we make our lists and fill our calendars, we are invited to reflect on the lessons of Christ's birth. The angels didn’t announce the birth of the Savior to kings or scholars but to shepherds, some of the most overlooked people of their time. Meanwhile, God also drew wealthy, educated wise men to worship Him. These two groups had little in common except for one key thing: they were willing to be interrupted by God. Their willingness to stop, listen, and follow God's leading serves as a powerful example for us during this busy season.

God’s choice of shepherds and wise men to witness Jesus' arrival reminds us of His heart for all people. Shepherds, lowly and unclean, represent those who feel unworthy or overlooked. The wise men, outsiders from a distant land, represent those who seem far from God. Both were called to the manger, showing us that God's love and salvation are for everyone. The Christmas story is a reminder that Jesus came not just for the expected but for the unexpected—the outsiders, the broken, and the forgotten.

How often do we let our plans get in the way of hearing God's voice? The shepherds were going about their daily work, and the wise men were studying the stars when God interrupted their lives with a call to worship. This Christmas, God may be trying to speak to you, too. Will you be willing to pause and listen? Will you allow Him to guide your priorities, even if it means changing your plans? Let’s learn from the shepherds and wise men by being open to God’s interruptions.

Another lesson from the Christmas story is to show grace to those we least expect. Just as God prioritized shepherds and foreigners in the nativity story, He calls us to extend grace and love to people we might otherwise overlook. Who in your life feels like the least likely candidate for God’s love? This season, we are challenged to reach out, to show kindness, and to share the good news of Jesus with the unexpected people in our lives.

Jesus’ birth is just the beginning of the ultimate act of grace. That baby in the manger grew up to die on the cross for our sins, offering salvation to everyone. Reflecting on His sacrifice reminds us of the depth of His love and calls us to embody His grace to others. When we allow ourselves to be interrupted by God and extend grace to others, we become part of His redemptive story.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep our hearts open to the unexpected. May we be ready to hear God’s voice, willing to change our plans, and eager to extend His love to others. This season, let’s let God’s agenda become our priority and follow where He leads us, just as the shepherds and wise men did long ago.

- Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 12/01/24.