Did you hear the one about the woman shopper at Christmas who came upon a nativity scene in the store window? In disgust she exclaimed, “Now look what they’re dragging into Christmas. Religion!”
That’s how far many are in their understanding of God’s loving purpose for the human race in the first Christmas. To gain a fresh view of this momentous event, try reading and reflecting on what happened as though for the first time.

1. For you, what is most meaningful at Christmas?

2. Read Luke 2:1-20. As with other strategic events, Luke gives the historical setting of the birth of Jesus (vv. 1-4). What implications does this setting suggest about the world into which Jesus came?

3. Try making that trip from Nazareth as Joseph and Mary—and then arriving in Bethlehem. What do you think Joseph’s experience was like?

What do you think Mary’s experience was like?

4. Luke gives us few details of Jesus’ birth in verses 6-7. But what impression does he leave with you?

5. We like shepherds on Christmas cards. But back then they were an outcast group. So, what in the angels’ message would be incredible to them (vv. 9-14)?

6. Throughout these events what do you find striking about Mary?

7. Read Luke 2:21-52 for four prophetic events about this child of hope. How is the first one in verse 21 prophetic?

8. The second and third prophetic events are closely tied together (2:22-38).
In what ways are Simeon and Anna similar?
How are their prophetic messages about Jesus similar, yet different?

9. The fourth event tells us much about Jesus’ growing awareness of himself and of his relationships to others. What do his dialogs with the religious teachers and his parents reveal about these two areas?

10. Compare yourself with Jesus’ development (vv. 40, 49, 51-52).