Make Room for God’s Perspective

When the world is unstable, we need to look up: Psalm 121(NIV)

The Christmas story begins in the garden of Eden –
• God created man and woman to be in relationship with Himself
• Gods responded to our rebellion by creating space for a sinful people to continue to be in relationship with Him
• He created a temporary system of sacrifice while looking forward to a final end to sacrifice in Christ.

The cost of building the space
• God coming to earth –Jesus leaving heaven on a rescue mission
• The mission will cost Him His life
• Old Testament prophecy (See verses below)
o Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
o Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
o Micah 45:2 (NASB95)
o Zechariah 12:10 (NIV)
o Isaiah 53:5-7 (NIV)

God made room for us – shouldn’t we make room for Him?
John 1:9-12 (NIV) – 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
Mary didn’t know the end of the story:
Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)
Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)

God’s perspective:
1. From God’s perspective, Mary was blessed because she was invited into his plan. She made room for Him and His plan in her life.
2. God gives us the big picture, but he doesn’t always give us the details of how we get there.
3. God gave Mary the opportunity to carry the highest honor, and it was an eternal one.

Our perspective:
• We have to choose to make room for God.
• When we are faced with struggle or discomfort we have to remember God’s promises and focus on the big picture.
• What we believe will determine our next step.
Luke 2:16 (NIV)

Where does this perspective come from?

• Remembering the promises of God
• Remembering the experiences with God
• The encouragement of other believers
Luke 2:7 (NIV)
At Christmas, we remember that God has made room for us in relationship – and we are also invited into His plan. We remember we can focus on the big picture and endure the little ones. And we remember that we can have joy because our God wins. He has done it, He will do it, and He will carry us to the final Kingdom

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider Luke 1:26-56; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7; Micah 5:2 Isaiah 7:14

Ice Breaker: What is your favorite Christmas memory or tradition? Or What are you looking forward to about the Christmas season this year?
• Share something from the sermon that was meaningful to you.
Questions:
1. Read Luke 1:26–38, 39-45 and Matthew 1:18-24. Describe what is happening in each of these passages. Put yourself in their position. What do you see & hear? What might you be feeling? What questions would you have?

1. What challenges could Mary and Joseph each face as they made room for God’s activity in their lives? A) What might it cost them? B) What might help them gain God’s perspective of what is happening?
2. What is your typical response when the situations in your life get disrupted? A) To whom or where do you go to help you gain perspective? B) How might you help others gain perspective?
3. What is the big picture that gives perspective in your life at this time? A) What is helpful or challenging in the daily little pictures to make room for God’s perspective?
4. Where in your life do you need to make room for God’s perspective? (This might include marriage, parenting, singleness, career, finances or difficult relationships.)
5. How can the way you approach this Christmas season help you make room for God’s perspective? A) What can you do? What would need to change?