(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will study Luke 2:1-20 and examine the presence of God’s love in the circumstances of Jesus’ birth.
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner. Also provide paper, a dry erase board, and markers.
Distribute copies of the Learner Worksheet and pens. Explain that Luke has given us historical information about the birth of Christ and the miraculous events surrounding the birth. Invite learners to consider how the events surrounding the birth of Christ and the actual birth itself demonstrate God’s love for His people as they examine this Scripture passage.
1. God fulfills His promises through His gift of love (Luke 2:1-7).
Invite a volunteer to read verses 1-7. Ask: Why was it important for Luke to emphasize that Joseph and Mary were traveling to Bethlehem? (Bethlehem was also known as the City of David. All descendants of David returned to Bethlehem for the census.) Why would Luke mention that Joseph was a descendant of David? (To show how Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment to the promise to David.)
Explain that the expressed promise of Jesus can be seen throughout Scripture. Share the following quotation from theologian John Piper: “Therefore, beyond any shadow of a doubt the Bible teaches that the promise to David that his descendant would rule forever is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As the Son of David (Romans 1:3) and the Lord of David (Matthew 22:45; Psalm 110:1) Jesus now reigns as king in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:25) over the true house of Israel.” Share that God kept His promise to David but He also kept His promise to Mary. Ask: How was Mary’s entire pregnancy from conception to birth a physical proof that God fulfilled His promise? Emphasize that we can take comfort knowing that God’s promises are always fulfilled, which includes that one day the Lord will return, there will be no more pain or sickness, and we will live eternally with God. Encourage learners to write promises in the blank to complete the first statement on their worksheets.
2. God’s gift of love is for all peoples (Luke 2:8-12).
Invite a volunteer to read verses 8-12. Explain that the news of the arrival of Christ was something Jews had expectantly anticipated for centuries as people looked for the coming Messiah. State that while not expecting a baby, the news of the Messiah still brought much joy. Ask: Why do you think the message was given to lowly shepherds, instead of religious leaders, political leaders, or prominent citizens?
Ask: What do we know about shepherds? (They fought off animals to protect sheep; they were dirty, smelly, not highly thought of.) Share that we know for sure that shepherds were not highly thought of (see context study for more information). Ask: Why would God choose for the announcement of His son’s birth to be made towards shepherds? (The revelation to these shepherds shows that God wished to express His love to all people––outcast, prominent, poor and rich.) Suggest that learners complete the second statement on their worksheets with the word love.
3. Because of His gift of love, God is deserving of praise (Luke 2:13-20).
Read verses 13-20 and summarize that, after an army of angels appeared in the sky to sing praises to God, the shepherds left immediately to find the Child. Point out that after they had witnessed the Christ Child, the shepherds went away excitedly telling all who would listen about the birth of Christ. Ask: What do you think it means when Luke wrote that those who heard their story “wondered” at these things? (They were amazed).
Express that all the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth were miraculous, from the angels’ announcement of Christ, to the newborn in a manger, to the testimony of the shepherds. Share this statement from the lesson commentary: “Each were singularly incredible occasions; when consided together, these document the unmistakably miraculous event of the birth of God’s one and only Son.” State that God’s wondrous love was praised by the angels and is deserving of praise by all those who follow Christ. Encourage learners to write praise in the last worksheet blank. Share that the birth of Christ is an example of the depths of God’s Love For Us.