growing SUNDAY

DEEPLY
a daily scripture guide
Week of December 1823

MONDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Who is Important? Who is Worthy?

The first to hear the news of the birth of Christ were shepherds. Shepherds were on
the low end of the social structure, yet they were first to hear the good news.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the reality that God sees no social structure. All are
important in the eyes of God.
TUESDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Unexpected Blessing
Every part of the story of the birth of Christ is unexpected. Realizing this, it should
be no surprise that such wonderful news should come in such an unexpected way.
REFLECTION: Consider the arrival of this wonderful news. Reflect on a time when
you received a blessing that was unexpected or from an unexpected source.
WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Choices
The shepherds had several choices. They could have ignored the news assuming
that such a thing could never have really happened. They could accept what
had happened as reality. They could ignore the invitation or they could see for
themselves.
REFLECTION: Reflect on the choices of the shepherds and what inspired them to see
for themselves.
THURSDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Good News is Meant to be Shared
According to Scripture, the shepherds did go and see, then they immediately shared
the news.
CONSIDER: Consider the news that you share with others. What makes news worthy
of sharing?
FRIDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Responses
Scripture says that the response of the shepherds was immediate. The good news of
Gods love is meant to be shared with everyone.
CONSIDER: Consider the thought that we have a choice regarding our responses to
Gods love. How do you respond to the gift of Christ?
SATURDAY: Luke 2:8-9; 15-19 Heart and Mind
Mary was amazed at all that was happening to her and around her. Verse 19 reminds
us that she kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. We
too are to keep these things in our hearts and minds.
PRAYER: We thank you God for reminders of the wonders of Christmas. We thank
you for your message that all are welcome into your family and that all receive your
love. Help us to keep the wonders of Christmas in our hearts and minds throughout
the year.
SERMON
Wonder: Christmas Through the Eyes of the
Shepherds - December 17th
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 (NLT)
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks
of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance
of the Lords glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured
them. Dont be afraid! he said. I bring you good news that will bring great
joy to all people. The Savioryes, the Messiah, the Lordhas been born today in
Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find
a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of othersthe armies of heaven
praising God and saying,
Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, Lets
go to Bethlehem! Lets see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told
us about.
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby,
lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had
happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard
the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart
and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying
and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told
them.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My Notes:
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