Luke 2: Child of Hope
DID YOU HEAR the one about the woman shopper at Christmas who came upon a nativity scene in the store window? In disgust she exclaimed, "Now look what they're dragging into Christmas. Religion!"
Warming Up to God
For you, what is most meaningful at Christmas?
Read Luke 2. »
Discovering the Word
- As with other strategic events, Luke gives the historical setting of the birth of Jesus (vv. 1-4). What implications does this setting suggest about the world into which Jesus came?
- Luke gives us few details of Jesus' birth in verses 6-7. But what impression does he leave with you?
- We like shepherds on Christmas cards. But back then they were an outcast group. So what in the angels' message would be incredible to them (vv. 9-14)?
- The second and third prophetic events (note that the naming of Jesus was a prophetic event) are closely tied together (2:22-28). In what ways are Simeon and Anna similar?
- How are their prophetic messages about Jesus similar yet different?
Applying the Word
- Compare yourself with Jesus' development (vv. 40, 49, 51-52). In which area do you think you need more growth?
- What can you begin to do to experience that growth?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to mold you into the person he wants you to be.
For Further Study
Christian Character (LifeGuide Bible Study) by Andrea Sterk & Peter Scazzero