God is born, and might trembles, an old Polish carol describes Christmas entirely through contradictions: the almighty becomes a defenceless infant, the infinite fits into a tiny body. This sermon walks through the paradoxes of the Messiah’s birth, who came into the world amid scandal, in a stable, welcomed by shepherds (Luke 2; Philippians 2). The preacher also asks what pushes Christ out of his own birthday today, from glittering shop windows to a figure in a red coat. Listen and check whether the star of Bethlehem still points you in the right direction this Christmas.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Philippians 2:5-11 Paul writes that Christ, being in the form of God, humbled himself and took on the form of a servant. What does this passage tell us about who Jesus is and why he came into the world?
- According to the sermon, why did the Jews of Jesus' time not expect the kind of Messiah who actually came, and what about the circumstances of his birth might have surprised them?
- The Polish carol "God is Born" describes Jesus' birth through paradoxes: power trembles, fire grows solid, the infinite has limits. Which of these images moves you most, and why?
- The speaker quoted this: Santa gives you what you want because you deserve it, but Jesus gives you what you need even though you don't deserve it. What does this contrast reveal about God's grace?
- What in your Christmas season most easily pushes Jesus into the background: traditions, shopping, music, or something else?
- Who around you, perhaps someone lonely or missing loved ones, could you show the joy and hope of Jesus' birth to this week, and how?
