Summary

This sermon explores the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament messengers who proclaimed God's promise of a coming Savior. Beginning with Isaiah's prophecy 750 years before Christ's birth, the message traces how God used prophets like Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah to foretell the Messiah's coming. After centuries of silence, God sent the angel Gabriel to announce Jesus' birth to both Zechariah (about John the Baptist) and Mary. The sermon emphasizes that just as these biblical figures were messengers of God's good news, we are called to be modern-day messengers sharing the gospel with others.

The pastor challenges listeners to move beyond being spectators in their faith and become active participants in God's work. He addresses common feelings of unworthiness and reminds the congregation that God sees more in them than they see in themselves. The message concludes with practical steps for living out this calling: praising God for His faithfulness, serving others humbly, speaking blessings over people, and trusting God's promises while being messengers of His love in everyday encounters.

Intro Prayer

Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word and learn from these ancient messengers, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and willing to hear not just the stories of the past, but how You want to use us as Your messengers today. Remove any distractions or preconceptions that might keep us from receiving what You have for us in this time together. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our discussion and help us grow closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's your favorite Christmas tradition from childhood, and do you still practice it today?

Key Verses

1. Isaiah 9:6-7
2. Isaiah 7:14
3. Micah 5:2
4. Jeremiah 23:5-6
5. Luke 1:11-17
6. Luke 1:26-33
7. Matthew 1:18-23

Questions

1. The sermon mentions that 88% of Americans celebrate Christmas but only 22% can accurately tell the biblical Christmas story. Why do you think there's such a gap between celebration and understanding?
2. Isaiah, Micah, and Jeremiah all prophesied about the coming Messiah during difficult times for God's people. How can prophecy and hope coexist with present struggles in our own lives?
3. The people waited 750 years between Isaiah's prophecy and Jesus' birth. Have you ever experienced a season where God seemed silent? How did you handle that waiting period?
4. Compare Zechariah's response to the angel (doubt and fear) with Mary's response (wonder and submission). What factors might contribute to these different reactions to God's messages?
5. The pastor said 'God thinks so much more of you than what you think of yourself.' Why do you think we struggle to see ourselves the way God sees us?
6. Mary responded 'I am the Lord's servant. May your word be fulfilled in me.' What would it look like for you to have that same attitude of surrender in your current circumstances?
7. The sermon emphasizes that we are called to be messengers, not just spectators. What are some practical ways we can be messengers of God's love in our daily lives?
8. How can we keep Christ at the center of Christmas when our culture emphasizes spending, gifts, and material things?

Life Application

This week, choose one person in your life (family member, neighbor, coworker, or stranger) and intentionally be a messenger of God's love to them. This could be through encouragement, practical help, speaking a blessing over them, or simply showing Christ's love through your actions. Look for opportunities to share hope and point others toward Jesus, starting right where you are rather than waiting for the 'perfect' moment or situation.

Key Takeaways

1. God has been faithful throughout history to keep His promises, from the Old Testament prophecies through the birth of Jesus
2. We are called to be messengers of God's love and hope, not just spectators in our faith
3. God sees more potential and worth in us than we often see in ourselves, and He wants to use us right where we are
4. Like Mary, we should respond to God's calling with surrender and willingness: 'I am the Lord's servant'
5. Christmas should be about sharing Christ's love with others, not just about material gifts and spending money

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for the incredible story of Your faithfulness from the ancient prophets to the birth of Jesus. Thank You for choosing ordinary people like Mary, Zechariah, and the prophets to be Your messengers, and thank You for choosing us to be Your messengers today. Help us to step boldly into the calling You have placed on our lives, trusting that You see more in us than we see in ourselves. Give us courage to serve others, speak blessings, and share Your love wherever we go. As we leave this place, remind us that we are walking into the mission field, and help us to be faithful messengers of Your hope and salvation. May our lives point others to Jesus, not just during this Christmas season, but every day. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.