A Christmas classic about a man shown by an angel what the world would be without him, and a Kieslowski film about three versions of one run for a train, open this Christmas reflection. The preacher puts the same question to the whole history of the world: what would our lives look like if the Word had not become flesh and lived among us (Matthew 1)? The answer runs through human dignity, the place of the child, and care for the weak, things that seem obvious today but once were not at all. Listen, and consider what would be different if God had never been born in your life either.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Read Matthew 1:18-25. What do Joseph's choices reveal about him: first planning to divorce Mary quietly, then taking her as his wife after the angel spoke?
- The angel gives two names: Jesus, meaning God saves, and Immanuel, meaning God with us. What might these names have meant to the first hearers, and what do they tell us about who this child is?
- The sermon reminds us that Jesus was born in a dirty cave, amid scandal, poverty and the threat of Herod. What does it mean to you that God chose circumstances like these to become human?
- The speaker argues that the dignity of every person and care for children, the sick and the weak are not self-evident but grew out of the birth of Jesus. Which of these examples moves you most, and why?
- The sermon says that even if Christ were born a thousand times on earth but never once in your life, it would mean nothing for eternity. What would your life look like without God?
- The speaker mentions gift packages for refugees, children at the after-school center and people in addiction treatment centers. Who weak or lonely around you can you show this week that God is with us?
