Exegetical Aim: How it is that God is "with us"

Prop: An empty manger (optional). Place it in front of you.

Lesson: Are you excited? (response) Why are you so excited? (response) What happens on Christmas? (response) It is a very exciting time isn't it? I have a question for you this morning. Where is god? (response) Give them time to respond. Don't be afraid of some silence. Hopefully the talk about Christmas will prime them enough to deal with these questions. Where is God? (their initial answer might be: heaven) What is heaven like? (response) Well, God is in Heaven but where else is God? (everywhere) That’s also ri…