Home for Christmas (part 4) Sermon audio, video, and questions

On Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached as sermon based on Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:1-12. This message was part 4 of the “Home for Christmas” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the sermon audio and video to listen to, watch, or share. Additionally, there is a daily devotional/Bible reading plan accompanying this series. Access it by clicking here!

To read through the Advent devotional this year on the YouVersion app in a “reading plan with friends,” click here to join a group I am hosting!

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:1-12
Do you own any nativity sets at your house? Do any of them have special significance for you?
On the night Jesus was born, God goes out of His way to invite to the celebration “unclean shepherds,” distant “magi” and religious scribes. How does He invite each group to the celebration? Have you ever thought about the different ways God invites people to the first Christmas party? What do you make of the style of His invitations?
Have you done something that has you feeling left “out in the field” this Christmas, ashamed and alone? How does Jesus’ invitation to the shepherds encourage you to find cleansing and hope in Him?
The Magi did not come from a Jewish background and lived over 1,000 miles away. This reminds us of God’s call to take the Gospel to the nations! How can you be a part of helping shine a light on Christ among the peoples of the earth in the year ahead?
The Scribes knew the right answers (biblically) but they did not respond appropriately. Do you have any experience personally (or in the lives of those you know) of people who know the right things but have not truly ever trusted in Jesus?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?