There is a danger inherent to Christmas nostalgia - namely that we would long for something other than who Jesus reveals himself to be. So as we come to a very famous passage, let's pray that God would show us who He is in fresh ways. Why come like this? What is he showing us about who he is as well as our own need? And how does that lead us to the very joy we are longing for as this year comes to a close? Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the Incarnate Deity. Let's join the shepherds in awe.
Discussion Questions
How far have you or someone else gone to show love? What’s an extreme or fun example where someone went all out to convey their message of love? What was the recipient’s reaction or response? Have you ever seen a “ho-hum” response?
Event
The shepherds were afraid and undone by the glory of the Lord, coming from the angels. (vs. 9, 13) Have you ever had the glory or weight of God knock you down to size and put you in your place? Talk about a time when God has overwhelmed you. Was their fear, joy, or both in that moment?
Good news these days is typically followed up by more bad news, or reasons why that good news doesn’t really solve all of our problems like we once hoped. How does the Christmas good news of great joy satisfy in ways modern solutions can’t compare? And what is that message saying exactly? (v.11)
Messengers
Shepherds were near the bottom of the social structure. What is the social structure of our time in our context - who is at the top and who is at the bottom? Where are the most influential voices coming from today, and what is their message? Is there a better message that is being ignored because of who is saying it? If you’re being honest, what default-message are you putting there?
God loves you so much that He became a dirtbag full of water. Contrast that with earthly celebrity and power, which lead to dead ends, and typically is self-serving. So how is God’s love most evident to you, specifically this Christmas? As you think of your own unique challenges, pain, or disappointments in this moment, what does good news of great joy sound like to you right now?
Responses
Damien went to the lepers and became a leper for the sake of the lepers. In what sense is PCCSB a leper colony? What could incarnational ministry look like in your own personal surroundings, especially during lockdown?
If you are currently having a “ho-hum” reaction to yet another Christmas season, where can you find purpose and joy this year? What did you need to hear in the message to serve as a reminder of what the gospel is all about?
GOSPEL: Jesus Christ became undone so you could be remade. God-Himself became a nobody so that you could become a somebody. Royalty came low so you could be elevated to glory. The shepherds were chosen to play a key part of the story to send a message that anyone (even you, even them, even that person) can be a part of God’s story.
