Then he released for them Barrabas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.   Matthew 27:26 (ESV) 

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV) 

Introduction - The power of story in our common experience of pain and suffering as human beings 

Fallen Condition Focus: We celebrate the baby Jesus, but we do not tell the whole story which includes his suffering and death for our sake. Christmas doesn't seem that relevant to the suffering of our world. 

Sermon Proposition: Because Jesus suffered for us as one of us, we are able to face our suffering with courage and grace. 

A. God's answer to human sin and suffering was to send his Son to suffer with us and for us  

B. In the midst of our suffering, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, his incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection for our sake. 

C. Let us tell the whole story this Christmas

Conclusion and Call to Respond