Repeat the Sounding Joy

December 10, 2023

If Luke were writing his Gospel today, his version of the Christmas story might very well be a Broadway musical! In chapter one, Luke shares the songs of Zechariah and Mary, and in chapter two, all heaven breaks into song as the angels announce the birth of Jesus. But this Broadway production wasn’t performed for the elite, but for those the world often overlooks. Join us for part three of Joy to the World, where we meet the unlikely recipients of the best news ever.

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Passage

Luke 2

God meets us ##where## we are, ##how## we are.

God offers us ##good## ##news## of ##great## ##joy## and ##peace##.

Our only logical response:

##Seek## after Him.
Become ##messengers## of God’s ##peace##.

Practice

Be ##still##, ##seek## Him with all your heart, and ##proclaim## His peace.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

What do we mean when we say, “I don’t have time”? Imagine you had unlimited time; how would life be different? If we believe that Jesus gives us eternal life, don’t we have unlimited time? Read chapter 11 of An Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling to dive deeper into this subject.

HEAR

Read John 17:1-5

What did Jesus mean by “the hour has come”? According to Jesus, what is eternal life?
Alan Fadling says, “Eternal life is not so much a matter of mere duration or a guarantee of a pleasant future. Eternal life is an ongoing relationship of mutual love with the One who is Life.” Do you agree?

Read John 14:1-14

What stands out to you in this passage?
What was Thomas’s question? Have you ever questioned God’s direction?
What did Philip demand of Jesus? How did Jesus respond?
Is this passage only about going to heaven when we die? Why or why not?

Read and respond to the following quote by Thomas Kelly:

“We no longer live merely in time but . . . also in the Eternal. The world of time is no longer the sole reality of which we are aware. A second Reality hovers, quickens, quivers, stirs, energizes us, breaks in upon us and in love embraces us, together with all things, within Himself. We live our lives at two levels simultaneously, the level of time and the level of the Timeless. They form one sequence, with a fluctuating border between them.”
How should the reality of eternal life in Jesus change how we manage our time?

HUDDLE

Share your current “sacred rhythm” and any plans you have to refine your plan in 2024. Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

This week’s reading plan will highlight how Jesus frequently appeared to the least of these. From the shepherds of the Christmas story to the thief on the cross, Jesus came to save sinners.

Day 1: Luke 1
Day 2: Luke 2
Day 3: Mark 1
Day 4: Mark 2
Day 5: John 4
Day 6: Luke 23
Day 7: Matthew 25:31-46

Think Deeper

When was the last time you felt close to God? Where were you? What was happening?
Why is the message of peace on Earth still relevant today? How does Jesus provide it?
Have you sought God with your whole heart? Have you found Him? If so, what should your reaction be?