The Declaration (Luke 2:8-15)

the descriptions of Jesus.

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.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Identify:

what the angel of the Lord said about Jesus.

the significance of the titles
“Savior,” “Messiah,” and “Lord.”

discuss how the angel’s message reveals the mission for which Jesus was coming to earth.

Ask:

• How is the description given by the angel related to Jesus’s mission? (p. 39)

Reflect:

think what it might have been like to have the multitude of angels praising God.
consider their own praise and worship.
Christmas is a great time to seek God’s restoration and forgiveness if they are feeling disconnected from Him.

Transition:

While the birth of Jesus garners a lot of attention at this time of the year,
the reality of what God “gifts” us through Jesus, His Son,
is something that should have an impact on our lives every single day.
The gift of eternal life through Him is indeed the best gift one can receive.

CHALLENGE

Summarize:

Review these points from this week’s Bible passage:

• God demonstrates His authority in fulfilled prophecy.
• God demonstrates His authority through humble means.
• God invites all people to witness His power.

Ask:

Call for volunteers to share at least one way something in this session supports each of these statements.

Present:

Direct attention to the wrapped gift box.

Ask:

• What do you think is in this box?

Discuss:

Guide the group to discuss why it’s important to show that the birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy.

Ask:

• How might the details of Jesus’s birth be used in sharing the gospel message? (p. 39)

Pray:

Close in prayer,
thanking God for His incredible gift of eternal life
through Jesus who was born as Savior, Messiah, and Lord.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by purchasing candy canes at an after-Christmas sale. Visit each of the adults in your group between Christmas and New Year. Deliver the candy canes and share some of the various legends surrounding the candy cane. Challenge the adults to consider how sweet their relationship with Jesus can be and to start the new year by recommitting their hearts and lives to Him.