Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. MATTHEW 2:1-3 NLT

Jesus is the word

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. JOHN 1:1-5 NLT

In Greek: Logos, the guiding force behind all creation
In Hebrew: Dabar, God’s personal creative power

The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. PSALMS 33:6 NLT
In John’s personal story about Jesus, he uses the “word” to tell us who Jesus really is.
We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. 1 JOHN 1:1 NLT

The word has always existed

“Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.” The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” JOHN 8:56-58 NLT
Matthew starts the story of Jesus by going back to Abraham
Luke start’s the story of Jesus by going back to Adam
John starts the story of Jesus by going back to the beginning
In the beginning the Word already existed. JOHN 1:1 NLT

The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, but from eternity

“But as for you, Bethlehem…
Too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” MICAH 5:2 NASB
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches.” REVELATION 22:12-16 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

What is your favorite part of the biblical Christmas story and why?
Read Matthew 2:1-3. What does the reaction of Herod and the people tell us about the magnitude of Jesus coming to earth?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is not just a tiny fragile baby, but that he also existed in eternity and was with God at creation?
Why do you think it is important to not limit your view of Jesus to a baby, but to know deeply that he is the great son of God?
Babies have a way of changing things. In what ways should the birth of Jesus change the way you celebrate Christmas?
For many people, the holidays are tough. In what ways can focusing on the wonder of the birth of Jesus bring more joy to you and others this Christmas season?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Bring with you a pen and paper or journal. Spend a few moments reflecting on how you have known Jesus before this sermon. Make a list (e.g. Shepherd, Christ, baby, God’s son). Read briefly through the main points of the sermon. Now sit for a few moments in silence and invite Jesus into the space and ask him to teach you about who he is. What new thing do you need to learn about him? Write down the things that come to you in this time of reflection. As you go about your week, allow your heart to remain open to what Jesus may want to teach you about himself.

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