Luke 2:8-10 NLT  

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,  

Luke 2:10-13 

but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 

Luke 2:13-15 

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

Luke 2:16-19 

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,  

Luke 2:19-20 

but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. 

Luke 2:10 

but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  

1. Hear the good news 

 Luke 2:15  

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

Luke 2:16 

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 

2. Encounter Jesus, the Good News  

Matthew 5:6 NKJV 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 

Matthew 5:8  

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

God’s word to me, “Why do you think I’m so serious?” 

“Exposure to the divine truly transforms everything about us: how we think, how we live, and how we plan for the future.”  - Bill Johnson  

Luke 2:17 NLT  

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  

3. Share the good news 

Luke 2:18 NLT  

All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,  

Acts 26:19a ESV 

Paul declares, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” 

Acts 4:13 ESV  

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 

Isaiah 60:1 

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 

Become light 

1 Corinthian 9:23 NLT 

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 

Mark 16:15 

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 

  

Question for discussion/reflection: 

1. What does hearing the good news look like for you?  Is it happening often/consistently in your life? 

2.  Do you listen and obey or do you just listen? 

3.  Have you ever encountered Jesus?  If so share that experience. 

4. Would you describe yourself as open: spiritually, emotionally, and relationally to an encounter with Jesus?  Why or why not? 

5. Have you ever experienced the joy of the Lord?  (joy rooted in Jesus instead of earthly circumstances) 

6. When people encounter you, do they encounter Jesus?   

7. Is your light shining? Why or why not?