DAY 23
GOD'S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
-Luke 2:11
PAUSE
One quiet night long ago, a group of shepherds was sitting in a field, watching over their sheep. Being a shepherd wasn’t a job most people wanted. In fact, shepherds were often looked down on and considered “lowly,” as though they weren’t as important as others. But God had a wonderful surprise in store, and He chose these shepherds to be the first to hear His amazing news: His Son, Jesus, had been born!
It was dark, and the only light came from the stars above and perhaps a small lantern. Suddenly, the sky was filled with a brilliant light, and an angel appeared before them! The shepherds were terrified, but the angel quickly reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The angel told them they would find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Before the shepherds could fully process the message, the sky erupted in a magnificent display of heavenly light as a multitude of angels appeared. They sang and praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It was a celebration unlike anything the shepherds had ever seen.
Filled with excitement, the shepherds decided to leave their sheep and go find the baby Jesus. They hurried to Bethlehem and found Him, just as the angel had said, lying in a manger with Mary and Joseph nearby. The shepherds worshiped Him, overwhelmed by the miracle they had witnessed.
Afterward, they couldn’t keep this incredible news to themselves. They shared the story with everyone they met, spreading the word about the Savior’s birth so that others could worship Him too. Through these humble shepherds, the world began to hear about the greatest gift ever given—Jesus, the Savior of all.
DISCUSSION
What can we learn from the fact that God chose shepherds—humble and overlooked by society—to be the first to hear about Jesus’ birth?
If God valued the shepherds enough to share this incredible news with them, who are the people in our lives that we can show value to, even if the world doesn’t?
Why do you think people are often quick to look down on certain groups or individuals, and how can we change that perspective?
PRAY
Dear God, Thank you for making all people special, even me! Thank you for sending Jesus as the Savior for everyone and for sharing Your news with the Shepherds. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - God’s Big Announcement. Then hang your twenty-third ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Go outside once it is dark and look up into the sky. Imagine what it was like for the shepherds to sit in a field with only the stars for light until the angel appeared. Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 23rd ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
-Luke 2:11
PAUSE
One quiet night long ago, a group of shepherds was sitting in a field, watching over their sheep. Being a shepherd wasn’t a job most people wanted. In fact, shepherds were often looked down on and considered “lowly,” as though they weren’t as important as others. But God had a wonderful surprise in store, and He chose these shepherds to be the first to hear His amazing news: His Son, Jesus, had been born!
It was dark, and the only light came from the stars above and perhaps a small lantern. Suddenly, the sky was filled with a brilliant light, and an angel appeared before them! The shepherds were terrified, but the angel quickly reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The angel told them they would find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Before the shepherds could fully process the message, the sky erupted in a magnificent display of heavenly light as a multitude of angels appeared. They sang and praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It was a celebration unlike anything the shepherds had ever seen.
Filled with excitement, the shepherds decided to leave their sheep and go find the baby Jesus. They hurried to Bethlehem and found Him, just as the angel had said, lying in a manger with Mary and Joseph nearby. The shepherds worshiped Him, overwhelmed by the miracle they had witnessed.
Afterward, they couldn’t keep this incredible news to themselves. They shared the story with everyone they met, spreading the word about the Savior’s birth so that others could worship Him too. Through these humble shepherds, the world began to hear about the greatest gift ever given—Jesus, the Savior of all.
DISCUSSION
What can we learn from the fact that God chose shepherds—humble and overlooked by society—to be the first to hear about Jesus’ birth?
If God valued the shepherds enough to share this incredible news with them, who are the people in our lives that we can show value to, even if the world doesn’t?
Why do you think people are often quick to look down on certain groups or individuals, and how can we change that perspective?
PRAY
Dear God, Thank you for making all people special, even me! Thank you for sending Jesus as the Savior for everyone and for sharing Your news with the Shepherds. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - God’s Big Announcement. Then hang your twenty-third ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Go outside once it is dark and look up into the sky. Imagine what it was like for the shepherds to sit in a field with only the stars for light until the angel appeared. Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 23rd ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!