Shepherds: Reflection on God’s Love

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will discuss times in their lives when they were comforted by the love of God.

Say: It can be easy to feel loved when everything in your life is going smoothly. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing a difficult time, it can be difficult to feel God’s love. Divide learners into small groups of three or four and lead them in discussing the questions below:

When was a time you felt like you were abandoned or forgotten by God?
Looking back, can you see how God was at work in your life during this time?
When have you struggled, but were overwhelmed by the presence of God’s love?
What have you learned about God from these difficult experiences?
How could we help others see the love of God when experiencing some of life’s difficulties?

State that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to earth to die for our sins. Say: This kind of extravagant love brings peace and comfort to those who accept it. Lead learners to pray that, during this Christmas season, God will show us how to help others, as well as ourselves, see how God’s love is constantly surrounding us as we remember the love He has shown us