Introduction

v.8-9 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

Ordinary people performing a mundane task in obscurity.

v.9-12 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

From fearing to beholding.

From the Age of the Law to the Church Age.

v.13 – 14 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

From beholding to praising.

v.16 – 20 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Advent – from Latin adventus, “coming”

Behold:

God notices you.

God loves you.

God is offering you joy and peace.

Jesus’ birth is worth Celebrating!

How can we Celebrate?

Advent: The Savior is Born!

Luke 2:8-20

Pastor Lance Ainsworth, 12/1 & 12/4 2022

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: What is your favorite Christmas gift of all time?

Read out loud: Luke 2:8-20,

#1. Do you relate with the shepherds? Do you feel like an ordinary person performing a mundane task in obscurity? Why do you think God chose to reveal himself to shepherds first?

#2. Fear of God can take many forms. For the shepherds they were fearful of death and punishment of their sin. In the 21st Century we are fearful of not having control, fear of rejection, fear of the future, or fear of failure. How do you deal with fear in your life?

#3. The Angel tells the shepherds to behold the good news of great joy. Behold means to perceive, to contemplate and see what God is doing. What effect does beholding do in the face of fear? When you behold the goodness and kindness of God what do you think about?

#4. How can we celebrate Christmas this year? What can you do to keep Jesus at the focal point of Christmas this year? What can we do this year to make a lasting impact on those around us? Who do you know that needs hope, peace, joy, and good news? How can you share that with them?

Family Time: Read Luke 2:8-20. Research together what it means to be a shepherd. Discuss together what it means when Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd in John 10.