Main Thought
Jesus Christ was born into a mess literally and figuratively. Mary’s virgin conception surely would have looked scandalous to any outsider. Then, when it was finally time for her to give birth, the newborn Jesus was placed in a manger. Mangers were feeding troughs for animals! Why on earth would God allow His Son to be born in this way? It’s because He wanted to send a message. The Messiah came to meet us in our mess and help us clean up. Our “mess” represents the problems and pain we face. That comes in all shapes and sizes, but we all have something messy in our lives. If we want to meet the Messiah in our mess, then we can’t hide it. We need to invite Him in and be open to His help. It takes openness and obedience.
Main Passages
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Luke 2:4-7 NIV
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
- Matthew 1:22
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
- Luke 2:15
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above?
Is there a mess in your life right now, or have you been through one before?
What could it look like for God to meet you in your mess?