LIFEGROUP LESSON - Advent Week 3
Jesus the Glory and Peace
LOOKING BACK
Family Time (15 mins)
LOOKING UP
Worship (-15 mins)
Bible Reflection (30 mins)
Passage: Luke 2:8-20
A note: Shepherds were on the bottom of the social ladder during the time of Jesus. They were deprived of any civil rights, and often lived in isolation and away from people. Of all people, the fact that the shepherds were the first to see God’s Messiah, Jesus, would have been very unexpected.
Have a couple people take turns reading this passage a couple times. Encourage people to underline or make note of what jumps out to them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
LOOKING FORWARD
In small groups, share:
ANNOUNCEMENTS (5 mins)
Pasadena Homelessness Count (Jan. 23 & 24): There are more than 500 unhoused people living on the streets of Pasadena. We invite you to help with this survey project, which gets funding and resources for long-term support for them. Pastor Matt is leading a team of folks doing the count and we invite you to join in as we love the marginalized people of our city.
Pasadena Blood Drive (12/21, 1-7 PM): There’s a severe shortage of blood, and we can be a church that serves our community and cares for others practically. One donation can save up to three lives! Consider giving blood this Thurs from 1-7 pm at the Armenian church right across the street from Connals.
Christmas Eve: an in-person 10 AM service at Marshall, and 12/31 Selah Service will be hosted by Lifegroups + other groups in homes.
Glove Drive (now till Jan 7)
We are also collecting as many pairs of gloves as we can to give to unhouse people in our community! Help us reach our goal of collecting 400 pairs of gloves, which we're collecting on Sundays now till Jan. 7th!
Selah Service (Sunday, Dec. 31): On New Year's Eve day, we will gather as Lifegroups and small groups in homes to practice a reflection on the year and ask for God’s vision for 2024. We'll share resources soon for you to do as a group, so it's easy to do together!
All info at epicentre.org/events!
Family Time (15 mins)
- Vision of Advent: On this third week of Advent, the pink “joy’ candle is lit on the Advent candle wreath, rejoicing as the shepherds did when they were told about and then saw the baby Jesus.
- Connection Question: What makes you really happy?
- Announcements (see bottom of this doc)
- Check-Ins: life updates, praise reports, etc.
LOOKING UP
Worship (-15 mins)
- Hark the Herald Angels Sing by Jeremy Camp
- Angels We Have Heard on High by Chris Tomlin
Bible Reflection (30 mins)
Passage: Luke 2:8-20
A note: Shepherds were on the bottom of the social ladder during the time of Jesus. They were deprived of any civil rights, and often lived in isolation and away from people. Of all people, the fact that the shepherds were the first to see God’s Messiah, Jesus, would have been very unexpected.
Have a couple people take turns reading this passage a couple times. Encourage people to underline or make note of what jumps out to them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
- Questions (Feel free to think of your own questions!)
- What stands out to you from this passage?
- Why do you think the angel’s first word to the shepherds was, “do not be afraid?” What would they have been afraid of?
- Who would be the equivalent of shepherds in our days? Who would be seen as the “lesser than” people in our world? What do you think they would be afraid of?
- What do you think “glory” means or symbolizes? What would “glory” look like today?
LOOKING FORWARD
In small groups, share:
- Is there anything you yourself are afraid of? What would the angel give you to replace your fear(s)? (Feel free to give people a few minutes to listen to Holy Spirit for this one).
- Who might be the “lesser than” people in your life/neighborhood/city/work you can encourage, lift up and bless this week?
- Pray for one another based on your sharing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (5 mins)
Pasadena Homelessness Count (Jan. 23 & 24): There are more than 500 unhoused people living on the streets of Pasadena. We invite you to help with this survey project, which gets funding and resources for long-term support for them. Pastor Matt is leading a team of folks doing the count and we invite you to join in as we love the marginalized people of our city.
Pasadena Blood Drive (12/21, 1-7 PM): There’s a severe shortage of blood, and we can be a church that serves our community and cares for others practically. One donation can save up to three lives! Consider giving blood this Thurs from 1-7 pm at the Armenian church right across the street from Connals.
Christmas Eve: an in-person 10 AM service at Marshall, and 12/31 Selah Service will be hosted by Lifegroups + other groups in homes.
Glove Drive (now till Jan 7)
We are also collecting as many pairs of gloves as we can to give to unhouse people in our community! Help us reach our goal of collecting 400 pairs of gloves, which we're collecting on Sundays now till Jan. 7th!
Selah Service (Sunday, Dec. 31): On New Year's Eve day, we will gather as Lifegroups and small groups in homes to practice a reflection on the year and ask for God’s vision for 2024. We'll share resources soon for you to do as a group, so it's easy to do together!
All info at epicentre.org/events!