At the Crib

December 12, 2004

Rev. Rurel Ausley
Luke 2:4-14

1. What are some of the things that you associate with Christmas? (Hard work? Crowded shopping malls? Parties?) For what reasons are you glad that it is over? What are some of the ways that you celebrate Christmas? Do you have sad or happy memories associated with Christmas?
2. What is the true meaning of Christmas? (2:10, 11) Other than the obvious birth of Christ, what are the implications of God becoming flesh? What all does that mean? Christmas should mean everything to the Christian. Listen for these reasons in the introduction of the sermon. What would be your guess of how many people are totally ignorant of the real meaning of Christmas?
3. Let us follow the Gospel story and see what the first Christmas was like. First, at the crib we will want to make room for Jesus. (2:7) Much has been made about the innkeeper not having room for the baby Jesus. But a real issue for us today is do we have room for Jesus? What is the No.1 reason that many don’t worship during “Christmas time”? (Busyness). How is your worship attendance during Christmas? What ways do you over commit during Christmas? Have you discovered how this affects your spiritual life? How much of the “things” we do during Christmas might be discarded to make more room for Jesus? What ways do you try to make Jesus the center of your Christmas celebration?
4. Secondly, at the crib we will want to worship. (2:10-15) What did the shepherds do after being told of the birth of Jesus? (2:15-20) What does it mean to worship Jesus? What place does worship have in your life? What changes might occur in our lives if we worshiped Jesus? How much time do you spend worshiping the Lord on a daily basis? What might happen in your life if you spent more time worshiping Him? What does God want to do with us during worship? What happens if we never give Him the chance?
5. Thirdly, at the crib we will want to give. (Matt. 2:11) Why do you think these men came bearing gifts? What is the greatest gift given? (John 3:16) How has God given to us? Has he withheld any good thing? (Matt. 7:9-11) How are you a giving person? In your time? In your spiritual gifts? In your finances? How was God still giving on the cross? When did the plan of God giving His son originate? (Rev. 13:8) If God gives all, how much should we give? Do you? Do you make excuses about your giving or do you just obey God?
6. Lastly, at the crib we will want to tell others about Jesus. (2:17, 18) Why do you think the shepherds told everyone what they had been told about this child? Did they wait to be asked? Did they consider it to be private? A part of their personal life? Were they afraid of offending someone? Were they embarrassed? Why do we not tell more about Jesus?
7. What opportunities do you have to tell others about Jesus? How do you take advantage of the opportunities that God gives you? When was the last time you have spoken to someone about their spiritual life? When was the last time you have shared something that the Lord has done for you to someone else? If we as Christians do not share Jesus with others, who will?