Read: Luke 2:1-3

1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered.

Reflect: What parallels can you draw to today’s world and this scripture? Or, why do you think Emperor Augustus made this decree at this time?

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

Luke 2:4-5

4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 

Reflect: Why did Mary go along with Joseph? They were not married and it would be hard late in a pregnancy.

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

Read: Luke 2:6-7

6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Reflect: How did Mary feel as she took care of her newborn baby, the culmination of all that had happened since the angel first spoke to her? What mix of emotions might have filled her heart? What are our emotions as we approach the new born baby Jesus in the manger?

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

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Read: Luke 2:8-14

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Reflect: Have you ever had to work or do you know someone who has worked the “third shift,” (firefighter, nurse, truck driver, or waiter)? Why do you think God chose the “third shift” Shepherds to be the first people to hear about the birth of Christ?

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

Read: Luke 2:15-20

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reflect: Have you ever seen or heard something that completely stunned and/or amazed you? How did you respond?

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

Read: Luke 2:1-20

Reflect: How will this message influence what you do this week?

Respond: Comment below to share your response to reading and reflecting on these passages.

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