Pastor Jen reminds us of this beautiful truth– Christmas means that Love came down to Earth. Jesus, the Son of God, came down from heaven to connect with us on a very real and personal level!
Notes 📓✏️:
We rejoice because Jesus was willing to show up and rescue us while we were lost!
Why were the Jews so weary?
• Social and Political Tension
• Economic Burdens
• Roman Government’s use of Brutality and Fear
Hope shows up in unlikely places.
Luke 2:8-9 (NLT) — “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,”
Hope conquers fear.
Luke 2:9-10 (NLT) — “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
Hope has a Name
Luke 2:11-12 (NLT) — “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Notice the three key titles given to Jesus in this passage:
• Savior — The Rescuer from Sin, Death, and Brokenness.
• Christ — He is the promised Messiah, the “Chosen One”
• Lord — He is sovereign over all, with power and authority to reign.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Hope will move you to take action
Luke 2:15-16 (NLT) — “When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.”
I’d rather face problems with God by my side than have a life with no problems at all.
Hope is a message that must be shared
Luke 2:17-18 (NLT) — “After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.”
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then, you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- What does it mean when that “love came down” through Jesus during Christmas?
- How can the way that Jesus chose to come to earth help us better understand God’s desire for relationship with us?
- What does Colossians 1:15 tell us about Jesus, and how does it shape our understanding of God?
- What are some key qualities of Jesus that pastor Jen mentioned which reflect the character of God the Father?