Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 2:13-18

Other Scripture References: Exodus 3:7-11; Matthew 25:40; John 20:19-21; John 7:37-38; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 5:16

INTRO–‘Christmas Interrupted by Evil’Read Matthew 2:13-18

The modern church has often sanitized and even distorted the version of the historical birth of Jesus, and the Christmas you know is probably unlike the Christmas that was experienced by Jesus’ family. That first Christmas did indeed begin with angles singing, but was interrupted by an evil king who wanted to find and kill this baby Jesus. In the end Jesus’ family had to flee and Herod committed genocide in Bethlehem. Evil is a reality in this world and has many faces using political, economic, racial and even religious means to harm people in its path. The questions often asked are these, “Where is God?” and “Why doesn’t God do something about it?”

• Where do you see the reality of evil in the world right now?


• Have you ever asked God “why is there so much evil” or why don’t you do something about it?” Did you get any answers?

STEP #2–‘God Intervenes into Evil’Read Exodus 3:7-11

God does have an answer to this question of evil and God answered it with the birth of Jesus. The answer is that God has intervened into this world of evil! Just as God intervened and delivered Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians, God has intervened for the deliverance of the world. And even though God has intervened by coming as Christ, the final defeat of all evil is still yet to come when Christ returns again with the second coming. For now, however, the Christ who came to earth came as a baby thrust into the experience of a refugee of the world and identifies with victims of oppression and suffering.

• How has God intervened and changed your life?


• Jesus identifies with the oppressed of the world. Do you? How can you become more like Jesus in response to those who are truly hurting?

STEP #2–‘God is Sending You’Read Matthew 25:40; John 20:19-21; & John 7:37-38

Well how do you honor the birth of a king like Jesus? The answer is by bringing your treasures, whether time, talent, or resources, to the least and the lost. To answer the initial question of why doesn’t God do something about evil is simple; you are the ‘somebody’ that God is sending to combat evil in this world. Make no mistake, evil will try to convince you that you can’t change anything or really make a difference in this world. But just as Jesus was sent by God to intervene in the world of evil, Jesus is sending you with his power and resources to bring light to a dark world and to bring good to places where evil reigns.

• How do you currently honor the birth of Jesus each year? What can you do differently to better help the least and the lost?


• Do you ever feel like your small actions could never come close to changing the world? How has God used you recently to be light in the darkness?

STEP #3–‘Don’t Grow Weary’Read Galatians 6:9 & Matthew 5:16

As you continue to work and wait for evil to be vanquished don’t grow weary in doing good no matter how hard it might become because there is a harvest of righteousness just around the corner. In your effort be a proactive parent passing on the faith to children, identify ways to be light in dark places, and finally be a witness with your words sharing everything Jesus has done for you with others around you.

• How can you become proactive in parenting, serving, sharing, and/or witnessing about Christ and the true meaning of Christmas this year?