Sermon

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. Had you ever considered the lives of Esther, Ruth, Moses, Joseph, and others to be a part of the Christmas story? What are some other Old Testament events that God used to prepare the way for Christ’s coming?
2. Read the genealogy of Jesus and the story of His birth in Matthew 1. Discuss some of the unlikely ways and unlikely people (from a human perspective) that God used to save Christmas.
3. How might this message renew your excitement about the miracle of Christmas?
4. Read (or sing) the lyrics of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” How do the words of this song speak to Israel’s longing for God to bring His Messiah?
   O come, O come, Emmanuel
   And ransom captive Israel
   That mourns in lonely exile here
   Until the Son of God appear
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

   O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
   Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
   From depths of Hell Thy people save
   And give them victory o’er the grave
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

   O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
   Our spirits by Thine advent here
   Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
   And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
   Shall come to thee, O Israel.

5. How can you share the truths of this message with unsaved friends and family this week? Spend some time praying for their salvation this Christmas.