Sermons on Unexpected Christmas:

Just Another Manger

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Nov 10, 2010

Angels' music, while sweet, was not designed to be a resting place for a baby's head. Since cribs are not found in stables, the only thing that could serve that purpose was something as simple as the feeding trough of the stable animals ... the manger.

The sun was setting over ancient Palestine, as it had done so many times before. The wife of the manger-maker walked to the back door of the little workshop in the back of the house, as she had done so many times before. She went there to tell her husband that the evening meal was ready. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

God's Perfect Gifts

Contributed by Mike Hays on Dec 23, 2000

Christmas comes every day of the year for those who will open their eyes to God’s gracious hand at work.

"God’s Perfect Gifts" James 1:16-17 As a child we make our Christmas lists and make sure that all of those who truly love us get copies for their shopping excursions before Christmas morning. I can still remember going through the catalog and marking the things that I wanted most, the things ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Has Jesus Done For Us? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 6, 2008

The new song which the people of God sing in Heaven looks back to all that Christ accomplished on behalf of His people. All that we now enjoy and all that we shall enjoy are because of His sacrifice.

REVELATION 5:6-10 WHAT HAS JESUS DONE FOR US? “Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

Making Room

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 26, 2024

A sermon for Christmas Eve

December 24, 2024 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Luke 2:1-20 Making Room Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Is there any room? I’ve been pondering a daily reflection I received on my daily online Henri Nouwen ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

The Adventure In The Advent

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 28, 2008

Christmas Series

THE ADVENTURE IN THE ADVENT (MATTHEW 2:1-12) Three weeks before Christmas, I was tricked by the moderator who wished worshippers with a “Happy Holidays” greeting at the start of worship. I echoed the same in return instead of saying “Merry Christmas!” For many years I was dismayed with the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Sending Of A Savior Series

Contributed by Allen James on Nov 29, 2009

This first message in our Advent 2009 Series, explores Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1.

The Sending of the Savior • Luke 1:26-28 • Advent Week 1 KEY THOUGHT: Often times God interrupts the ORDINARY to do the EXTRAORDINARY. I. The APPEARANCE of the Angel (vv 26-27) God commissions the angel Gabriel. apo tou qeou – sent from God’s dwelling A) Gabriel appears in an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Nativity Set:: The Shepherds Series

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Dec 13, 2011

The story of the Shepherds reminds us that to find the heart of Christmas we must look beneath the wrapping paper.

The last few embers of the fire are dying out. The air hangs heavy with a silence broken only by the occasional bleat of a lamb. Huddled together for warmth, the shepherds are alone with their thoughts. Each one scanning the horizon. Looking. Perhaps casting a longing eye to the distant lights of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Are You Ready?

Contributed by Nick Hodges on Oct 30, 2012

When Jesus comes again, will you be ready? Jesus’ return will be #1 Unpredictable, #2 Unexpected and it will #3 Bring Judgment.

Intro • Are you ready? • That is a question that we ask people quite often. • Are you ready? – to go to church • Are you ready? – to go to work • Are you ready? – to go to school • Are you ready? – For the big game • This ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Paddington Bear: Discovering God’s Love And Care Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 1, 2024

Paddington Bear is more than just a friendly bear with a fondness for marmalade; he is a symbol of kindness, love, and the beauty of unexpected blessings.

Lessons from Paddington Bear: Discovering God’s Love and Care Introduction Today, I want to talk about a beloved character who has captured the hearts of children and adults alike—Paddington Bear. Paddington is more than just a friendly bear with a fondness for marmalade; he is a symbol of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:7, Hebrews 13:2, Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Blessing Is In The House.

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Jul 25, 2025

The story of Obed-Edom, focusing on how the presence of God brings unexpected blessings even in places and people others might overlook.

10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.   11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Provides In Strange Places Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 31, 2025

Throughout Scripture, we see a recurring pattern of God showing up in unexpected places, providing resources in the most unlikely conditions..

THE GOD WHO PROVIDES IN STRANGE PLACES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 17:1-16 Supporting Texts: Genesis 22:13-14, Exodus 16:1-15, Psalm 23:1-2, Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 43:19-20 INTRODUCTION: There are times in life when our environment seems to offer no hope, no provision, and no ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The King Is Coming PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 18, 2024

This sermon explores the humility of Jesus as our King, challenging us to honor Him in unexpected places and trust in His sovereign ways.

Good morning, beloved congregation. It's a blessing to be gathered here, in the house of our Lord, to share in the wisdom and beauty of His Word. Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to a remarkable passage in Scripture, one that speaks of humility, royalty, and honor in ways that ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-7

Topics: Jesus' Arrival, Jerusalem

The Day And Hour Unknown

Contributed by Mark Adams on Aug 15, 2005

This sermon illustrates the unexpected nature of Christ’s return, along with the urgency of making proper preparations for it. The style is that of story-telling.

(Note: In this sermon, your goal is to describe this community in a believable, relateable way. You can change the names around to make sure you don’t step make anyone think you’re referring to them. I tried to take several of the attitudes Jesus taught against, then create characters based on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rediscovering Our Sense Of Wonder

Contributed by George Durham on Dec 14, 2017

We've lost our sense of Wonder about God, & our relationship to others.

Recapturing the Wonder of Christmas: Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 9:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called WONDERFUL, Counselor, Mighty ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Worship The Saviour Series

Contributed by David Elvery on May 6, 2009

Christmas Series - making Christmas meaningful

“3 Things we can do to make this Christmas Meaningful – 2) Worship the Saviour Gladstone Baptist Church – 6/8/06 pm Where we spend our time is where we worship. We’ve talked a lot over the last couple of years about what worship is. How would you define worship? <Get responses from the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-19

Denomination: Baptist