2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: David wants to build God a house, but God doesn't really care about having one. Instead, God promises to make David's house last forever. When do we offer God something that God did not ask for? How does God respond? What does God give us that exceeds our expectations?

Christ's birth exceeds our expectations. Christ does not just come into the world to save us from the Romans. Christ comes to save us from death.

Romans 16:25-27: Christ's coming is the revelation of the secret long held. That is, God's salvation project is revealed by degrees, revealed in stages. How is that project continuing to be revealed? For instance, is the inclusion of homosexuals a new stage of the salvation project of God?

Luke 1:26-38: You are Mary. The angel comes to you and declares that you are the bearer of God to the world. How do you respond? How will your life be different? How do you nurture and raise Christ?

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)