Text: Luke 2:16—20

Topic: Why To Meditate on Lowliness

Introduction:

• • Christmas is a time of surprises.
  • Illustration: A woman is surprised at Christmas by a man looking for work, but even more surprised when he paints her car green.

God reveals himself in silence.

• • We need to be quiet to hear.

Illustration: A father and his son discuss a painting of Jesus, who is knocking at a door, and they conclude people don't hear the knock because their lives are too noisy.

• • The power of God in his creation moves silently.
  • God speaks to the stilled heart.

Illustration: Thielemann shares his story of coming out of anesthesia to the sound of Christmas carols, awed by waking into the love of God.

Christ came in humility.

• • Christ's birth was evidence of a lowly man.

Illustration: Describing the delight of a young boy in a Christmas pageant, Thielemann illustrates Christ's simple birth.

• • Christ's incarnation was evidence of God lowering himself.

Illustration: Thielemann tells the stories of a European monarch and a Hindu who try to grasp the wonder of a king purposely becoming a pauper.

Christ came to the unworthy.

• • The audience of shepherds were a despised lot.
  • The gospel has been given to the unworthy.

Illustration: Humorous letters from children hoping to earn Santa's favor illustrate the silliness of trying to earn God's grace.

Illustration: The story of Al Masters' forgiveness of the boy who killed his son demonstrates both grace to the undeserving and the saintliness of those who act in love.

Conclusion:

• • Mary, who "pondered these things in her heart," serves as our example of meditating on the meaning of Christmas.