Our text during the month of December will be Luke 1 & 2. The chapters detail the story of God’s plan to rescue mankind from our selfish and sinful lifestyles.
Each week we will look at a passage from these chapters and learn some truths and lessons about God that should be applied to our lives.

Most Bible commentators point to a Christmas Play List here in these two chapters. The list contains what they refer to as four songs:

-Mary’s Song Luke 1:46-55 What God is like? [Personal, Powerful, Promise-Keeper]

-Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:67-79 Why mankind needs Christmas? [Sin]

-The Angel’s Song Luke 2:1-14 Who was born on Christmas day? [Jesus]

-Simeon’s Song Luke 2:25-35 How should Christmas impact our lives?

Birth announcements have become a big deal in our culture. Over the years people have promoted their announcement in different ways (cigars, candy bars, local newspaper, sending letters or cards, and paying for radio or televison ads.
Now baby announcements have become big business for companies as they've become increasingly grandiose, creative, and unique.

This morning the third song on our Christmas Playlist is the Angel's Song found in Luke 2:1-14. Its purpose is to tell us who was born on Christmas day.
Imagine having an angel announce the birth of your child!
Christmas is all about celebrating a birthday and this birthday is a matter of prophecy, a matter of history, and a matter of testimony.

Who was this person born on the first Christmas day?
Our text answers this question in Luke 2:11. The angel told the shepherds who it was who had been born in the little village in Bethlehem.

The Angel's Message was clear:
1. He described the baby's job - "Savior"
2. He announced the baby's title - "Messiah"
3. He announced the baby's identity - "Lord"

The Christmas Story:

RELATIONSHIP - We've learned over the last couple of weeks that God created mankind in order to have a relationship with Him.

RUIN - But mankind decided to rebel against God. We have brought ruin to any kind of relationship with God and this has brought ruin to the relationships we have with each other. The cause is sin.

RESCUE - Out of God's compassion for us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to give His life on our behalf. A Savior who could rescue humanity, or as we learned last week, redeem us.

RESPONSE - God stepped into this world to save us. The Angel's Song is about God's love for you, Jesus' sacrifice for you, and about the response you are allowed to make: accept Him or reject Him.

Application and Discussion Questions:

1. What kind of birth announcement did your parents have for you? If you are a parent, what kind of birth announcement did you use for your children?

2. Read Luke 2:1-14 or watch the above video clip.
Why do you think so many people have forgotten this or are unaware? What does your family do to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive during this season?

3. Re-read Luke 2:11 and look at the three words used to describe Jesus. Think on these and answer this question, “Who is Jesus to you?”

4. In explaining the Christmas story/Gospel to someone, you could use the four terms; Relationship, Ruin, Rescue, and Response. Practice telling the story to a family member or friend.

5. Write a short post for social media using a creative birth announcement about Jesus to explain the Gospel/true meaning of Christmas to a non-Christian friend.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Friday, December 25 - Happy Birthday Jesus!