Here is the recap of what we discussed this past Sunday @ all our Student Ministry Weekend Bible Studies:
Luke 2:8-11
"8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
Intro: What is the one gift you are asking for this Christmas?
Illustration: We gave away a gift to one random student, made a big deal of it and were sure that all the other students saw. The point: that gift was for one person only but God's gift of Christ at Christmas is for ALL PEOPLE, everyone - even our students today!
This week's stunning prophecy - the Angel foretold that the baby born as Jesus Christ was going to be "good news of great joy" that was for all people - people back then, people of all time, you today.
We challenged our students to evaluate their relationship with Christ this Christmas in light of how many of the people surrounding Jesus' birth could have responded. We asked are you...
1. Waiting - sometimes we find ourselves waiting for God to show up in our lives much like the Jews were waiting for the Messiah. We wait for Him to do something in our family, school, relationships, circumstances, and in any area that we think is just not right. The truth is that God has already "shown up" in the birth of Christ @ Christmas and today he calls us to rest and trust in His provision for us, first for eternal life, and for the day to day things in this life.
2. Watching - other times we find ourselves watching Christ from a distance much like many of those surrounding his birth were barely aware of the baby born in a manger much less of His significance for them. We sit on the sidelines of our faith and stay our of the game out of fear or doubt that God can come through if we do it His way. Are you "watching" God work all around you today, but are hesitant to experience him personally? No doubt it was those that engaged Jesus personally that yielded the greatest return in life - healing, life-change, etc. God doesn't call is to passively watch but to passionately follow!
3. Waking up to Worship - That Christmas night it was the Shepherds that went to see Christ and to worship Him spreading the word of his birth to everyone in amazement! Do you see it - their worship. Their response to Christ at Christmas was one of awe. This Christmas morning will you wake up to presents, excitement for a gift, desire for a special something OR hope in the SOMEONE who God sent to change everything? The greatest response we can have to this week's stunning prophecy of things to be fulfilled in OUR lives, to the joy God has given is Worship. On Christmas morning, every morning.
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