Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Luke 2:8-20), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [8, 11-12] Bethlehem is “the city of David.” God had chosen David, a lowly shepherd boy, to be king. And now God had chosen to announce the humble birth of the new (Davidic) king to lowly shepherds of Bethlehem. Why does God associate and identify with the lowly? Can you believe he cares for the lowly? Do you count yourself among the lowly?

• [9-10] The Bible frequently records a person’s fear reaction when meeting an angel (or God himself!). This is often followed by some form of reassurance, in this case: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…” Is it a wrong instinct, to be afraid of what is holy? Why do we so often interpret the manifestation of divine/heavenly holiness as a threat, rather than as good news?

• [13-14] What is your favorite song with these angelic lyrics? (It’s likely to be a Christmas Carol.) How does it strike you to know that this song is actually an echo of a heavenly song, and not just something with its origin on earth?

• [20] Lowly shepherds heard the good news proclaimed by the angel, and when they apprehended the reality of it in the newborn Christ, they were moved to join the angelic choir in glorifying and praising God. Has your apprehension of Christ moved you to sing to the praise of his glory? Does your demeanor have a “singing” quality to it, even when you’re not literally singing? How do you think God might use your “Gospel-induced-singing” to help others pay attention to Jesus? Have you asked him for this?