Read Matthew 26:36-39
Sorrowful, troubled, deeply grieved…this is how Matthew 26 describes Jesus. Not very Christmas-y, right? The thing we often love about Christmas is the sense of magic. Santa has supernatural powers to see you when you are sleeping and enough riches to provide toys for all the children in the world, but Jesus laid aside the full use of his divine power to live a mortal life of poverty, sorrow, and sacrifice. Make no mistake, he is ruling and reigning at the right hand of the Father now, and our desire for the power, joy and victory of Christmas are met in him. At the same time, our hearts can take comfort in knowing that he has struggled, and suffered, and grieved; and he understands us in our human frailty.
Discussion Questions
Do you picture Jesus in his humanity, or is your imagination of him someone who was above tripping over his own sandal or truly experiencing human emotion?
How does knowing that Jesus felt “very sorrowful” help you feel that he understands your suffering?
Talk about the doctrine of the incarnation: the idea that Jesus is both God and man, yet one person.
Pray
Read Chapter 3 of Is Christmas Unbelievable: How can you believe in the virgin birth?
Family activity Over dinner or with cups of cocoa, listen to the song, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Pause at certain places to discuss with kids like,
Santa says, “You better not pout; you better not cry,” but the Bible says to cast all of our cares on Jesus because he cares for you. Jesus cried too when he was sad.
“He sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you are awake.” While Santa is a myth, this is really true of God. Our hearts long to know that God sees and he is watching over us.
“He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!” We have all sinned and fall short, but Jesus offers to cover us all in his goodness if we trust in him.
“The kids in girl and boyland will have a jubilee.” Jubilee is a word that is used in the Bible as a time of liberty and celebration when everyone’s debts were forgiven and slaves were released from their service. In fact, Jubilee is a sign that points forward to the ultimate day of jubilee: heaven! This is just what Jesus wants to do for us. He wants to forgive us and set us free from sin!
“Santa Claus is coming to town.” Jesus came as a human baby that first Christmas, and one day Jesus will come again in power!