Growing Deeper

5-Day Christmas Devotional: The Lamb of God
Day 1: God Works Through the Mess
Reading: Luke 2:1-7
Devotional: Joseph and Mary's first Christmas was far from perfect. No room in the inn, a baby born in a stable, far from family and friends—nothing went according to their plans. Yet God was orchestrating every detail to fulfill ancient prophecies. When your Christmas feels chaotic, when life doesn't unfold as expected, remember that God specializes in taking our messes and making something beautiful. The King of Glory chose to enter our world in the humblest circumstances to show us that He meets us right where we are—in our imperfection, in our chaos, in our need. What "mess" in your life today might God be using for His greater purpose?

Day 2: Good News for All People
Reading: Luke 2:8-14
Devotional: The angels didn't announce Jesus' birth to kings, religious leaders, or the wealthy. They appeared to shepherds—teenagers doing a job society looked down upon. This wasn't an oversight; it was intentional. God's message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of status, education, or background. The phrase "do not fear" appears over 100 times in Scripture because fear paralyzes us from experiencing God's best. Today, God says to you: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy." You don't have to earn God's love or measure up to receive His gift. Jesus came for you, exactly as you are. How does knowing God chose the overlooked change your view of His love for you?

Day 3: The Perfect Lamb
Reading: Hebrews 9:11-22
Devotional: For centuries, Israel sacrificed perfect lambs twice daily at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., seeking forgiveness through shed blood. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Jesus was placed on the cross at 9 a.m.—the time of the first sacrifice. He died at 3 p.m.—the time of the second sacrifice. This was no coincidence. Jesus fulfilled every requirement as the perfect, spotless Lamb. Those shepherds who heard the angels would have understood immediately: the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger—just like the sacrificial lambs they protected—was the final sacrifice. What Jesus did once, He did for all time. Your forgiveness is complete.

Day 4: Whoever Believes
Reading: John 3:16-17
Devotional: "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." That word "whoever" is an invitation with your name on it. Salvation isn't complicated—it's as simple as ABC: Admit your need for Jesus, Believe in who He is and what He's done, and Confess Him as Lord. But while receiving Jesus is simple, living for Him is the toughest and most rewarding journey you'll ever take. Jesus was born so He could die, providing a way for you to experience eternal life. This Christmas, don't just celebrate the holiday—celebrate the relationship. Have you taken that step of faith? If you're already walking with Jesus, is there an area where you need to surrender more fully to Him?

Day 5: Seek, Share, and Praise
Reading: Luke 2:15-20
Devotional: The shepherds' response teaches us how to live as Christians. First, they sought Jesus—they went with haste to find Him. Are you still seeking Jesus daily through His Word, prayer, and worship? Second, they shared—they "made widely known" everything they experienced. When's the last time you told someone what God has done for you? Third, they praised—they returned "glorifying and praising God." Worship isn't just for Sunday; it's a lifestyle of recognizing God's worthiness. As you celebrate Christmas this year, slow down enough to truly appreciate what God has done. Let the shepherds inspire you: seek Jesus intentionally, share His goodness boldly, and praise Him continually. He is worthy of it all.

1. God is in Control (Even in the Mess)

• Caesar Augustus thought he was in control, but God orchestrated events to fulfill prophecy
• Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as prophesied in Micah 5:2
• Nothing went according to Joseph and Mary's plan, yet God's plan was perfect

2. Jesus: The Lamb of God

• Shepherds raised sacrificial lambs near Bethlehem
• Perfect lambs were wrapped in swaddling clothes to protect them from blemishes
• Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger - the sign pointing to the ultimate sacrificial Lamb
• Jesus was crucified at 9 AM (first sacrifice time) and died at 3 PM (second sacrifice time)

3. The Gospel is for Everyone

• Angels appeared to lowly shepherds, not kings or religious leaders
• "Good tidings of great joy which will be to ALL people"
• John 3:16 - "WHOEVER believes in Him"

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message

1. What stood out to you most from this sermon? Why?
2. How does understanding the sacrificial lamb system help you appreciate what Jesus did on the cross?
3. Why do you think God chose shepherds to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth? What does this tell us about God's heart?

Personal Reflection

4. Pastor Dayton mentioned that "God can take even a mess and make the most out of it." Share a time when God turned a difficult situation in your life into something good.
5. The sermon emphasized that we can't "buy happiness" or find lasting peace through material things. How does this challenge our approach to Christmas gift-giving and celebrations?
6. Read John 3:16 together. Have you personally accepted Jesus as your Savior? If comfortable, share your salvation story with the group.

Going Deeper

7. The pastor shared that "accepting Jesus is easy, but living for Jesus is the toughest thing." What makes following Jesus difficult? What makes it worth it?
8. How does knowing that Jesus was born specifically to die for our sins change the way you view Christmas?
9. The sermon mentioned that the phrase "do not fear" appears over 100 times in Scripture. What fears tend to paralyze you or prevent you from doing God's will?

Practical Applications
This Week

• Slow down during the busyness: As Pastor Dayton encouraged, take time to appreciate your family and keep the focus on Jesus, not just tasks and things.
• Read the Christmas story as a family: Make Luke 2 part of your Christmas celebration before opening gifts.
• Share your faith: Like the shepherds who "made widely known" what they experienced, share with at least one person this week what Jesus has done in your life.

Ongoing Practices

• Daily seek Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and worship
• Examine your heart: Are you seeking happiness through things or through Christ?
• Be bold in sharing: Don't keep the good news to yourself

Action Steps
Choose one or two to focus on this week:
□ Read Luke 2:1-20 with your family on Christmas Day
□ Share the gospel with someone who doesn't know Jesus (use the ABC method if helpful)
□ Write down 3-5 ways God has blessed you or worked in your life this year, then share with someone
□ Pray specifically for opportunities to tell others about Jesus
□ Spend intentional time with family without the distraction of tasks and to-do lists
□ Memorize John 3:16 if you haven't already
□ Reflect on whether you've truly accepted Jesus as Savior - if not, talk to your group leader or pastor