Christmas Lights
Jesus came in human flesh to show us that God is accessible to everyone and invites us to enter into relationship with Him.
KEY VERSES
Luke 2:1-20 (NASB)
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so 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 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” 15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And 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 Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
UNDERSTANDING
What are some inaccurate ideas people have about who God is and what He is like?
What does the incarnation itself reveal about God’s true character?
Speaking ahead to the advent of Jesus Christ, Isaiah 9:2 tells us that those who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. How is this truth especially meaningful to you in these days?
What stands out to you about the details leading up to Jesus’ birth?
Read Micah 5:2. How did God use the Roman government in bringing about Jesus’ birth and fulfilling Micah’s prophecy about the Messiah? What do we learn about God’s work in the world through this detail?
Look back at Luke 1:30-38—the angel’s prophecy to Mary. At the point of Luke 2:1-7, what details of the angel’s prophecy had come true?
What is surprising to you about the way Jesus came to earth?
Why do you think God chose to come in such an unexpected way?
What is significant about the fact that God revealed the arrival of Jesus to shepherds? Who would’ve been the more likely candidates?
How can that fact reassure you when you’re tempted to feel unworthy of God’s grace?
What did the angel’s announcement entail (vv. 10-12)?
Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What might the shepherds expectations for the Messiah have been?
What do you think went through the shepherds’ minds as the night sky suddenly lit up with the most brilliant display of angels? What do you think they saw? Heard? Felt?
What’s the gospel message in verses 11-14?
Have you ever had an undeniable encounter with God? If so, describe the experience. What made it so evident God was present?
Look again at the passage. Do you think God wanted the shepherds to go find Jesus? Why didn’t He have the angel command them to go find Jesus and then tell everyone? Even though they hadn’t been given a direct command to do so, why do you think the shepherds responded the way they did?
Read Matthew 2:3-5. How did the shepherds’ reaction to the news compare to the religious leaders’ reaction? What is significant about this contrast?
What can we learn from the shepherds’ response?
Why should telling others about the Savior bring us joy (see Luke 2:20)?
What things have you abandoned in order to pursue Christ?
After seeing Jesus, the shepherds spread the news and glorified God. How do you see these responses in your life? How can you stir up more of these responses?
APPLICATION
Read John 10:11-16. What does it look like in your life when you believe and understand that God loves you so much that He sent His Son to substitute His life for yours?
Pastor Jeff made the following points of application: When you get the Son of God, Jesus, you get all of the components of the meaning in life. When you get the Son, you get the way, the truth, and the life. When you get the Son, you get all that you need to understand reality within and without. Which of these three statements stands out to you the most this Christmas season?
Why is Jesus’ birth good news for “all the people”? What is LCCC doing to help spread that news around the world? How are you helping, or how can you get involved?
What do you need to do to put Jesus front and center and shepherd your life today? How can this group pray for you in that?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.