Outline of message prepared for Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, Toronto (the service was cancelled due to ice storm). Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25.
One implication of Christmas is that the timeless can be born in the very timely circumstances of our life. What is extraordinary (meaning outside of the ordinary, not just unusual or special) can transform our ‘ordinary’ experience.
1. a) The circumstances of Christ’s birth were in some ways quite ordinary, even less than than ordinary. b) Other aspects of Christ’s birth were well outside of the ordinary (the meaning of his name, conceived by the Holy Spirit). c) The extra ordinary invaded the ordinary to bring about his birth.
2. a) Much our essence is “ordinary” or less: the reality of sin as descendants of Adam. b) God causes us to be extra ordinary because Christ also can be born in us through the same Holy Spirit by whom he was conceived in Mary’s womb. c) We can allow what is eternal and timelss to invade our “ordinary” experience with its needs and challenges by allowing Christ to be born in us.