H2H: Unexpected King, Unlikely Guests (December 15th)
Opener
- What has been the best gift you have ever received and why?
Read
Take turns reading passages through Luke 2:1-20. If you have children involved, this is a great time to include the readers.
[1] In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all went to be registered, each to his own town. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. [6] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. [7] And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:1-20, ESV)
[8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. [10] And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
[14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
[15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Watch Video
Encourage participants to have a pen and paper to write down questions they may have. Then, if they are not answered throughout the study, they can ask them.
Talk About It
Luke 2:1-7—Unexpected Entrance
- If you could have fresh eyes and approach the Christmas story as if it were your first time. What do you think are the most unexpected parts?
- Although the Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the arrival of the King, the people of God were not expecting Him. What holds you back from seeking Christ in your life the way the Bible describes?
- FOR THE KIDS: Would you be disappointed if you got no presents for Christmas? Why? (Give them time to answer) That’s because you expect them, and when we don’t get what we expect, we are disappointed, but Jesus fulfills what he says he’s going to do. What are some promises that Jesus has given us?
Luke 2:8-14—Unexpected Announcement
- When Zechariah gets the opportunity to obey, he doesn’t delay. Despite the traditions of others around him and the lack of a voice, he cannot help but obey. His obedience not only freed his tongue and glorified God, but it also inspired awe in all who saw it happen. What kind of obedience do you think we could do as individuals or the church that would inspire awe in those around us? Are there times in your life that you tend to run from the things of God because you feel unworthy? Like times when you don’t pray, read your Bible, or attend church? How does this account help us to think about those things?
- FOR THE KIDS: Are there kids at school or in your lives that you think would never believe in Jesus? Why? This story reminds us that Jesus especially comes for them, and you should want them to know Jesus, too.
Luke 2:15-20—Unexpected Response
- We saw four responses from these verses in today’s video: Go to Christ, Wonder at Christ, Treasure Christ, and Glorify Christ. Which one do you think is most difficult for you?
- What are some practical ways you can more intentionally prepare yourself to respond to Christ in these ways?
- FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: One of the ways we can treasure Jesus is by remembering his words. Let’s work together to find a verse to memorize this week.
Bring It Home
The Shepherds left praising God! An appropriate response to this great news of joy was to sing a song! Take time to sing a few more songs together (It’s ok to use a YouTube video to help).
