<p> Unexpected Messengers for an Unexpected Message December 17, 2017 Luke 2:7-20</p><p>Big Idea: God sent a message for all people and sent it through all people. The Christmas story reveals the radical shift in God’s plan to bring people from all nations to himself. </p><p>I. God revealed his glory to people we wouldn’t have chosen. . .</p><p>A. Look at Christmas in terms of who is on the inside and who is on the outside. </p><p>B. Communication plan? </p><p>II. . . . At an unexpected time... in the middle of the night. . . </p><p>III. . . . In an unexpected way. . .</p><p>IV. . . . To everyone. </p><p>A. The angels declare that this is for “all the people.”</p><p>B. God send the same message for everyone to Simeon. (Luke 2:30-32)</p><p>C. God found a way to communicate a message for all people through all people. </p><p>V. So what should you do about this? </p><p>A. Get on board with God’s timing, especially when its not yours. </p><p>B. Let God surprise you. </p><p>C. Resize the gospel.</p><p>D. If you feel left out, take heart; God needs you. </p><p>Page 1 of 2 Unexpected Messengers for an Unexpected Message December 17, 2017 Luke 2:7-20</p><p>Discussion Questions: </p><p>1) What is the most shocking news you have ever received? If you feel comfortable (and if it’s appropriate), share the story. 2) You have probably heard that timing is everything? Is it? Why did God decide to show up in the middle of the night to tell the shepherds? 3) If you could advise God on rolling out a communication plan for the incarnation, who would you tell and when? Would you leave out those whom God left out? Would you include those whom God included? Why or why not? 4) What does it mean that this message of good news of great joy is for all people? Is the Gospel in and of itself a message of diversity? Is a monocultural Gospel an oxymoron? 5) How well has American Christianity done executing God’s plan for good news for all people? Who tends to be excluded? Does a monocultural Christianity discredit the Gospel? 6) How often are you surprised by what God does? Tell the of the last time God really surprised you. 7) What single step of obedience could you take as a result of this message? Would you pray for God to use you in surprising ways this Advent? </p><p>Page 2 of 2</p>