TEXT: Luke 2:8-20
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In this famous Christmas-time passage, we read of the heavenly announcement of the birth of Christ. God chose lowly Shepherds, not kings and princes to announce the birth of the Savior of the world. The news of Christ’s arrival is good news of great joy, dispelling our fears and inviting us in to join the chorus of the angels in giving glory to our gracious God. The gospel (Literally “good news”) is Jesus himself- the savior who is Christ the Lord.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
HEAD: Questions aimed at our minds to help us understand God’s word.
Why is it significant that God chose shepherds to be the recipients of the news of Christ’s birth?
Look at verse 11. What does each of these three titles (Savior, Christ, Lord) tell us about who Jesus is?
HEART: Questions aimed at our affections to help us love God.
The Shepherds, like others in scripture who encounter heavenly beings, respond with fear. What does this tell us about the glory of God and how we should initially respond to him?
The gospel is good news. It dispels our fear and replaces it with great joy. What is the Gospel and how does the gospel bring you joy?
HANDS: Questions aimed at our hands to help us live for God (Personally, Communally, and Missionally).
How did the shepherds respond (v.15-18)? How is their response to the birth announcement a model for us in our daily lives?
How did Mary respond to what she heard (v.19)? How is her response to the Shepherds model for us in our daily lives?