"The Little Things in the Christmas Story"

“The Little Things inthe Christmas Story” MerryChristmas, and welcome to Pastor’s Chat. On this Christmas morning, I want totake a few moments to remind us that God often works through what the worldconsiders small, insignificant, and unnoticed. Years ago, I preached a messagetitled “The Little Things in the Christmas Story.” And the more I reflect onthe birth of Christ, the more I am convinced that Christmas is a story filledwith little things that reveal a very big God.Theworld looks for greatness in power, position, and prominence. But God revealsHis glory through humility, obedience, and faith. Notice these “Little Things”associated with the Christmas story. ALittle Town — BethlehemTheprophet Micah tells us: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be littleamong the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me thatis to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2) Bethlehem was a small, obscurevillage—hardly the place one would expect a King to be born. Yet God chose alittle town to bring forth the Savior of the world. God is never limited bylocation. He delights in working through places the world overlooks. ALittle Virgin Girl — MaryLuketells us that God chose a young virgin named Mary (Luke 1:27). She was notfamous, powerful, or influential—just a humble young woman willing to say yesto God. Her simple response still echoes through history: “Be it unto meaccording to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) One surrendered heart can change thecourse of history. ALittle Stable and a Little MangerLukechapter 2 reminds us there was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born in a lowlyplace and laid in a manger. The King of glory was not born in a palace but in astable. The Bread of Life was laid in a feeding trough. God entered the worldquietly, humbly, and without earthly applause. Christmas reminds us that Godcame down to where we are. ALittle Baby“Untoyou is born this day in the city of David a Savior.” (Luke 2:11) Theeternal Son of God came as a helpless infant. Almighty God wrapped Himself inhuman flesh. Omnipotence came in weakness. Eternity stepped into time. Neverunderestimate what God can do through something that looks small. ALittle Group of ShepherdsThefirst people to hear the announcement of Christ’s birth were shepherds—ordinarymen doing ordinary work. “And there were in the same country shepherdsabiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8) Godchose faithful, watchful men—not kings or scholars—to receive the good newsfirst. Heaven still reveals truth to the humble and attentive. ALittle StarMatthewtells us that wise men were guided by a star (Matthew 2:2). One small light ledsincere seekers to the Savior. God still uses light—the light of His Word, ofHis truth, and of His Son—to guide hearts that are genuinely seeking Him. ALittle Response of FaithMarybelieved. Joseph obeyed. The shepherds went. The wise men followed. Christmasreminds us that God’s greatest work often begins with simple obedience. ABig God at Work Through Little ThingsChristmasteaches us this powerful truth: God specializes in using little things toaccomplish eternal purposes.Littleplaces. Little people. Little acts of faith.Andthrough them all, God brought us the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.“ForGod so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) ThisChristmas morning, may we not overlook the small things. May we surrender whatwe have, where we are, and who we are to the Lord. The Lord can use us andwhatever we yield to Him for the glory of God! MayGod bless you, and may you have a truly merry Christmas.