The Wonder of it All – Week 4
December 21, 2025
Unusual Wrapping
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
1. God Uses the Proud and Powerful to Set His Plan into Motion
2. God Orchestrates His Plan with Perfect Timing and Kept Promises
3. God’s Grace Revealed in Humble Wrapping
The manger isn’t sentimental; it’s strategic.
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time
- I choose to trust God’s plan in good times and bad.
- I commit the hope of Jesus to my friends and family this week.
Deep Dive
- Why do you think God chose for Jesus to be born in such humble circumstances?
- Read Micah 5:2 and discuss how prophecy builds our confidence in the Bible.
- Read Philippians 2:6-7. What does Jesus’ humility mean for how we should live in our homes and church?
Springboards
- What are some subtle ways we make plans without involving God?
- Read James 4:13-17. How can the phrase “if the Lord wills” become more than a cliche in our lives?
- Read Proverbs 16:9. What does this teach us about the relationship between our plans and God’s control?
