Distractions
- God has given us the concept of seasons to celebrate. They’re reminders of who we are and what He has done for us. They’re a time for rest and to connect with people with a common view of life.
- Christmas is a season of reflection, remembrances, rest, and connection.
- In our culture, the enemy seeks to distract us—to turn something God meant for our good into something that depletes us further.
- Our hope is to point you in a better direction.
Distractions we’ve looked at: trying to create or recreate the perfect moment, and the distraction of materialism.
- The problem: we have a desire to be in deep relationship with others—especially with those who are in our family.
- There’s nothing wrong with this; however, those relationships are not the point of Christmas, but if you get the point right, they are definitely affected.
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- They were both from the line of David. Most scholars believe Mary and Joseph would have had family in and around Bethlehem and/or Jerusalem.
- This family dysfunction carried on in Jesus family later: Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Jesus.
- Many believe that Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to get her away from their families.
- We know they stayed there for at least two years because of the story of the wise men and Herod.
- She treasured—valued—Jesus, God with us, Immanuel.
- As she looked in the face of Jesus, she realized that God knew her by name and had include her in His story.
- The angels had told the shepherds where Jesus was. This told Mary, “In spite of where you are, I see you and you are in My will.” How encouraging for Mary!
- She became secure, and that changed how she saw events.
- Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14
- Broken, but loved—humble. We become secure.
- We see others differently. They are broken, but loved, too.
- Our circumstances don’t mean as much.
- We change as we focus on what all of this means. We can become a light, a breath of fresh air, to those around us.
Colossians 3:1–17 …12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity…
- Set our minds on things above. Remember we are chosen and loved. Get rid of worldly things.
- Put on Christ and be renewed. Let the peace of Christ dwell in you. Focus on thankfulness and gratitude.
- We do what we do because of what He has done for us.
Some of us have experienced the faith in a meaningful way, so our family experience is good.
- You have a family in Christ! Thank God for it and share the source of it with those in your family.
- Give credit to Jesus, and tell people how He helped you have it.
- If you have a family, remember others don’t. How can you invite them into yours?
- The spiritual family is all some have. Some of us are Christ-followers, but we don’t have a family who experiences Christ. What can we do?
Experience Christ and be a light. Remember who you are in Christ, even when others won’t let you get past your past—even when they make you feel like you are a disappointment.
Some of us don’t have a family—but yes, we do in Christ.
If you are a Christian, but you haven’t invested in a spiritual family, it’s time to make changes!
Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Ephesians 2:19–22 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
- What in the sermon was important to you?
- Read Luke 2:1-20. Share what you see about relationships in this passage. A) What is a new thought for you from the passage or sermon?
- In your experience, how do the holidays bring out the best and/or the worst in relationships?
- Read Colossians 3:1-17. What does setting your mind on things above look like for you in this season? A) What pattern in your relationships might be an old way of doing things? B) What could be a new pattern to put on this year?
- Of the things listed in Colossians 3:12-17, which one comes easily in the midst of your relationships?Which one do you need more of this season?
- Think about and pray over the relationships you will engage in this Christmas season. How can you put Christ at the center of them? Think about the comfortable ones and the uncomfortable ones. Be intentional with some specific relationships.