Luke 2:8-20 (NIV) There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. …You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Job 23:12 (NIV) “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
Jeremiah 15:16 (NAS) “Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by your name, O LORD God of hosts.”
Some good resource suggestions
Northpointe.org/Bible – Bible reading plans download
Insight.org/resources/daily-devotional – from Chuck Swindoll
Pastorrick.com/devotional – from Rick Warren
Maxlucado.com/daily-devotional – Max Lucado’s audio blog
Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 28:20 (CSB) “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
John 16:33 (TEV) “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”
Psalm 23:6 (KVJ) “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
1 John 4:16 (CSB) …As he is, so also are we in this world.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NAS) Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.
When you think of “Vintage Christmas” what images does it conjure up for you?
What is a warm memory you have of “a Christmas past” you find yourself recalling often?
Which of these message points seemed especially interesting, engaging, or relevant to you? Was there a new insight you had about how to experience Jesus more personally? How did the scriptures in this message speak to you?
If there was one or perhaps two things you could change about the cultural experience of Christmas in America, what would it be & why?
What’s your take-away from this message that you’ll be working on this week, and how can your group support or encourage you in that commitment?
Read Luke 2:8-20 together as a family. Discuss how the shepherds were afraid when they saw the angel. But when they heard the news of Jesus’ birth, they were so excited they couldn’t wait to see this special baby. This special baby was the Savior of the world. Once they saw baby Jesus, the shepherds shared the good news with everyone.
Has there ever been something that you were afraid of at first, but it turned out to be good? Give an example. What is something that makes you so excited you must tell everyone you see? How can we take our excitement about Jesus and share it with others? Think of some ways as a family you can share the good news of Jesus with others, then go out and do it!
When you think of “Vintage Christmas” what images does it conjure up for you?
What is a warm memory you have of “a Christmas past” you find yourself recalling often?
Which of these message points seemed especially interesting, engaging, or relevant to you? Was there a new insight you had about how to experience Jesus more personally? How did the scriptures in this message speak to you?
If there was one or perhaps two things you could change about the cultural experience of Christmas in America, what would it be & why?
What’s your take-away from this message that you’ll be working on this week, and how can your group support or encourage you in that commitment?
Read Luke 2:8-20 together as a family. Discuss how the shepherds were afraid when they saw the angel. But when they heard the news of Jesus’ birth, they were so excited they couldn’t wait to see this special baby. This special baby was the Savior of the world. Once they saw baby Jesus, the shepherds shared the good news with everyone.
Has there ever been something that you were afraid of at first, but it turned out to be good? Give an example. What is something that makes you so excited you must tell everyone you see? How can we take our excitement about Jesus and share it with others? Think of some ways as a family you can share the good news of Jesus with others, then go out and do it!
A born teacher, Steve combines a depth of insight with unchanging biblical truths to provide messages that are both engaging & life changing. Married to Jean, his bride of 35 years, and the father of three adult children, Steve enjoys early mornings on his porch in study, time with family & friends at the coast, and playing Bluegrass music on his guitar.
Sunday
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Wednesday | 6:30pm
