Session 4 Luke 2:1-15

THE ANNOUNCEMENT (LUKE 2:8-12)

READ:

Call on a volunteer to read Luke 2:8-12.
Direct the group to look for parts of the angel’s announcement that correspond to the details provided by Luke in the previous verses.

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.

9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

ASK:

• Why might God have wanted to share Jesus’s birth with shepherds? Why does God often deliver His message to people we might not expect? (p. 39) Discuss responses.

ANALYZE:

Lead the group in suggesting
differences and similarities between this angelic encounter
and other appearances of angels in the Bible.
Encourage group members to work with a partner
on the Bible Skill activity (p. 39)
and to share what they learned.

DISPLAY:

Direct attention to Pack Item 5 (Key Verse: Luke 2:11).
Call on some volunteers to point out the titles that refer to Jesus.

Ask:

• What is the significance of the titles used by the angel when referencing Jesus? (p. 39)

ASK:

• What two additional signs did the angel provide to help the shepherds identify Jesus?
• Which one would be fairly normal?
• Which would have been unusual?

TRANSITION:

Once they got over the shock of the angel’s appearance,
the shepherds were able to process the angel’s announcement.
But, as it turned out, they had one more angelic surprise waiting for them.