Read Luke 2:8-20
- How are shepherds usually portrayed in church (think: nativity)?
- As we saw in this week’s video clip, they were socially despised (seen as poor, criminal, outcast).
- Can you think of any parallels to this group today?
. . . . .
- The shepherds are the first ones to whom the angels announced the birth of Christ.
- What does that tell us about the heart of God toward social outcasts?
- How does this relate to the message of Christmas?
. . . . .
- In what ways does the worship of the shepherds differ from our celebration of Christmas?
- What are some specific ways in which our contemporary celebration of Christmas moves us away from the worship the shepherds experienced?
- What can we do to recapture that sense of wonder and gratitude?
. . . . .
- We see the shepherds not only approaching the manger in a spirit of worship, we see them moving into their world to proclaim the good news. The announcement that God has given us his Son changes everything.
- Who still needs to hear this good news?
- Think of some specific people and ways that your family & church can bring this announcement to the world. What might that look like this Christmas?
. . . . .
