Gifts – Part 3

Open with prayer.

 

Get to Know You (10 Minutes)

If you could only give one more gift, what would it be and who would you give it to?

Observation & Discussion (30 Minutes)

Read the passages below.

Luke 2:1-20 — In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Ephesians 2:12 — In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.

1. From these passages, what is something that stuck out to you or something new you noticed?
2. What was the role of the shepherds and why do you think God chose them for this job?
3. Discuss the details of this story and Jesus’ birth. What does this tell you about God’s character and His love for you?
4. What characteristics of the shepherds from this passage and the message do you relate to?
5. In what ways do you want to become more like the shepherds?
6. Read verses 19-20 again. How do these verses and this passage encourage and inspire you to respond to God’s plans?

Next Step (10 Minutes)

Ephesians 2:12 above is a reminder that we get to SHARE. For the month of December, think of one person you would like to share the hope of Jesus with. Please pray for them daily and consider inviting them to a Christmas service with you.

Prayer Requests (5 Minutes)

Pray with your group to close.