Michael Quattlebaum

Look at some of these ways that people reacted to the baby Jesus.  How will you react today?

1. Some Recognize Him
   John the Baptist, while still in the womb.  Luke 1:39-44
2. Some offer Praise for Him and to Him
   The shepherds.  Luke 2:15-20
3. Some are Expecting Him
   Simeon in the Temple.  Luke 2:25-35; Titus 2:11-13
4. Some Proclaim Him
   The prophetess, Anna, in the Temple.  Luke 2:36-38; Philippians 1:15-18
5. Some Honor and Worship Him
   The Wise Men.  Matthew 2:11-12
6. Some Fear Him
   Herod.  Matthew 2:3-4, 16; Mark 11:18

What is your reaction to Jesus today?  What will you do with Him?  How will your life reflect Him?  Will you call on the name of the Lord today?  (Romans 10:13-21)

Matthew 2:1-12

1. Think back to gifts that you have been given at Christmas.  Maybe gifts you received as a child.  What was your favorite memory of either giving a gift, or receiving one?
2. Why do we give gifts at Christmas?  Does your family have any specific traditions surrounding the giving of gifts?
3. How did Magi identify that a new King was born?  How did they know where to look?
4. How many wise men were there?
5. Why did they bring gifts?  Were the gifts symbolic of anything?
6. What gift did God give us?  (John 3:13-18)
7. Should we give gifts at Christmas time?

John 15:13; Ephesians 2:8-9

The greatest gift ever given, was that Jesus would humble himself and be born as a man, and become sin for us.  In our place.  That he would give His own life so that we may know Him fully.  Do you know Jesus?  Is He your savior?  Give your life to Him today.

Philippians 2:5-11

1. Read Acts 2:25-36.  Why does Peter describe Jesus from the perspective of David’s writing?  What does it mean for God to make all Jesus’ enemies a footstool for His feet?
2. What authority was given to Jesus while he walked on this earth?  What authority did He sacrifice while He was here?  (Hebrews 1:1-4, 13)
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be made for a little while lower than the angels?  How can He be lower than the angels and still have all things subject to Him?  (Hebrews 2:6-9; Psalms 8:5-6)
4. Now read Luke 2:8-20.  During this Christmas season, think about the humility of the Son of God, to come as a man.  Think about the sacrifice of the Glory of Heaven, and the complete authority that He has.  Consider why He did this.
5. If He sacrificed His very being for our sake, how should we react?  (Philippians 2:5-11)

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, worship Him today with humility and love.  If you don’t, one day, either with Him or against Him, you will bow and acknowledge Him as Lord.  Wouldn’t you rather address Him as friend as well as Lord?