Series Description:
This Christmas, we’re stepping into a season of worship like never before. Here I Am to Worship is a four-part journey through the Christmas story — through Mary, the Wise Men, the Shepherds, and finally, each of us — learning what it means to come before Jesus with open hands and surrendered hearts. Their “yes” changed the world… and our “yes” still does. As we celebrate salvation, life change, and the movement of God in our church, we’ll rediscover the hope, healing, and joy found in wholehearted worship. God is writing something incredible in this season — and He’s inviting every one of us to play a part.
Here we are, Lord. We worship You.

Message Description:
This Christmas season can feel heavy. Life is busy, expectations are high, and joy can feel hard to come by. If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or quietly wondering if there’s something more than just getting through the week, this message is for you.

We’ll look at the Christmas story through the eyes of the shepherds—ordinary people working long hours, feeling unseen, when hope unexpectedly broke into their normal night. You’ll discover how God meets people in real life, not when everything is perfect, but right in the middle of exhaustion, stress, and uncertainty.

This message is dedicated to you who are:
- Feeling overlooked or worn down
- Carrying stress you don’t talk about
- Wondering if God actually sees you
- Longing for joy that lasts longer than a moment

Just like the shepherds, we believe God still steps into ordinary moments with extraordinary grace—and that real joy doesn’t come from having life figured out, but from being met right where you are.

Come as you are. You don’t have to have it all together.
There’s room for you—and there’s joy waiting to be found.

Key words: Christmas, Hope, Peace, Joy, God’s presence, Grace

TALK IT OVER

1. When Joy Feels Hard to Find
This season talks a lot about joy—but many of us don’t feel it.
- Where do you honestly find yourself on the joy spectrum right now?
- What has been draining your joy lately—stress, grief, expectations, comparison, exhaustion?

2. God Meets Us in the Ordinary
The shepherds were doing normal, tiring, unnoticed work when God showed up.
- Where does your life feel most “ordinary” or overlooked right now?
- What would it mean for you to believe God sees your faithfulness in that place?

3. Chosen First, Not Last
God chose shepherds—outsiders and the lowest on the social ladder—to hear the Good News first.
- Have you ever felt overlooked, unimportant, or “not spiritual enough”?
- How does it change things to know God often moves toward people the world ignores?

4. Fear, Fatigue, and Good News
The shepherds were afraid, exhausted, and surprised—yet the angel said, “Do not be afraid… I bring you good news of great joy.”
- What fears or worries are loudest in your heart right now?
- What would it look like to let God speak joy into those fears instead of pushing them down?

5. The Humility of the Manger
Jesus wasn’t born in comfort or convenience, but in humility—laid in a manger.
- Why do you think God chose such a low, humble way to enter the world?
- Where do you need to stop striving or “climbing” and simply receive God’s nearness?

6. Joy Grows Through Obedience
When the shepherds heard from God, they didn’t delay—they hurried to see Jesus.
- Is there something God has been nudging you toward that you’ve been delaying?
- How might taking one step of obedience open the door to deeper joy?

7. Joy Was Never Meant to Be Kept Quiet
After encountering Jesus, the shepherds couldn’t help but tell others.
- How has your story with Jesus become quiet or private lately?
- Who might God be inviting you to share hope with—through a conversation, invitation, or act of generosity?

8. Making It Personal
The Gospel has traveled over 2,000 years because people made it personal—and it eventually reached us.
- What makes the Good News personal to you right now?
- How far are you willing to carry that joy this season—into your home, relationships, or community