The birth of Jesus deserves a significant response from each of us.
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SERMON NOTES:
Luke 2:22-38
The birth of Jesus deserves a significant response from each of us.
Mary and Joseph obediently go to Jerusalem. (22-24)
Simeon meets the anticipated Messiah. (25-35)
Anna experiences a surprise blessing from God. (36-38)
Simeon
ü A guy from Jerusalem: godly actions, godly attitude, Spirit-led, waiting.
ü Experiences a promise kept.
ü Responded with praise and a warning.
Anna
ü Godly prophetess and old-widow: constantly worshipping, fasting and praying.
ü Experiences a surprise blessing.
ü Responded by giving thanks and telling others.
How do these two godly examples inspire you?
How will you respond to Jesus this Christmas?
study questions:
Luke 2:1-20
As we approach Christmas take a few minutes to read and consider the historical Christmas account with fresh eyes. Read it slowly and deliberately trying to imagine yourself there with Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.
Read verses 1-7. What do you think Mary and Joseph were thinking and feeling as they made their journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth with Mary in the late stages of pregnancy? Angry at the Roman government? Overwhelmed? Scared? Joyful? Why do you think God arranged for Jesus to be born in a stable among dirty, smelly farm animals? What does Jesus’ birth teach us about God?
Read verses 8-14. Who initially came to see the shepherds, and what was the shepherd’s initial reaction? What was the message they received? What happened after they were given the message about Jesus? Take a minute to imagine yourself as one of the shepherds. What would you have seen? Heard? Smelled? What would your reaction have been?
Read verses 15-20. What did the shepherds do after the angels left, and what did they find? How did “all who heard” the shepherd’s story react in verse 18? How did Mary respond in verse 19? What did the shepherds do in verse 20 after they saw Jesus as a baby? How are you responding this year to the birth of Jesus? Like “all who heard it”? Like Mary? Like the shepherds?
So what? As you have read and studied through the account of Jesus’ birth, what sticks out to you this year? What about the birth of Jesus or about God encourages you? How will your appreciation for the birth of our King and Savior impact your attitude and heart this Christmas?