Sample kit made from a public-domain sermon: C. H. Spurgeon, "The Incarnation and Birth of Christ" (Sermon No. 57, Micah 5:2), preached December 23, 1855. Source text: spurgeon.org. Your kit is built the same way, from your own sermon.
Sample kit: "The Incarnation and Birth of Christ"
Big idea
The Child born in little Bethlehem was sent by the Father, came to rule, and has been "going forth" from everlasting.
Summary
From Micah 5:2, the preacher asks four questions. Who sent Jesus? The Father did, so we should not picture a reluctant Father won over by a loving Son: the whole Trinity is at work in our salvation. Where did He come? To Bethlehem, "little among the thousands of Judah", a town with a history and a fitting name (often explained as "house of bread"), which shows that God delights to use small things. Why did He come? "To be ruler in Israel." Jesus was born a King, and He reigns over a people who willingly receive Him. Had He come before? Yes. His "goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." The Son did not begin at Bethlehem, and He was active in covenant mercy long before the manger.
Small-group guide
- Read Micah 5:2 aloud. Which phrase stands out to you, and why?
- The sermon warns against giving the Son more credit for our salvation than the Father. Have you ever pictured God the Father as distant or reluctant? What would change if you didn't?
- Bethlehem was "little among the thousands." Where in your life does God seem to be working through something small?
- Jesus was "born a King." What does it look like this week to treat Him as ruler, not only as a helper?
- "From everlasting": how does Christ's eternity comfort you in a season of change?
- Application: name one small, faithful thing you'll do this week that no one may notice.
Five daily devotionals
Social posts
- "Little among the thousands," yet out of Bethlehem came the King. God still loves to work through small places. (Micah 5:2)
- The Father didn't need to be persuaded to love you. He sent His Son. #Advent
- The baby in the manger had "goings forth from of old, from everlasting." Christmas is the eternal Son stepping into time.
Quote graphic line: "Born a child, and yet a King."
Newsletter recap
This Sunday we looked at Micah 5:2 and four questions about Christmas: who sent Jesus, where He came, why He came, and whether He had come before. The Father sent Him. He came to little Bethlehem. He came to rule a willing people. And His "goings forth" are from everlasting. This week, look for one small place where God might be at work, and treat Jesus as King there.
Kids' version
A long time ago, God told His people that a special King would be born in a little town called Bethlehem. God the Father sent His Son Jesus because He loves us. Jesus was born a King, and He is a kind King who wants us to follow Him gladly. And here's something amazing: Jesus didn't start when He was born. He has always been alive with God!
- Which town was Jesus born in?
- Who sent Jesus?
- How can you follow King Jesus this week?