MESSAGE NOTES
The Angels and Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20
Dr. Jeffery Clark
The Big Idea: God used unexpected means to announce the birth
of Jesus Christ.
An unexpected announcement to shepherds, v. 8-12.
An unexpected display of angels, v. 13-14.
An unexpected set of responses, v. 18-20.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
My Story: What means has God used in your life to persuade you for personal faith in Jesus Christ?
Digging Deeper:
1) An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-9). Shepherds were not known as trusted, reliable members of society. However, God through an angel reveals Christmas to those in a low social order. What does this say about God’s heart for the least of these?
2) A great company of heavenly angels then appeared praising God (Luke 2:13). Good angels are messengers of God and His salvation program. Here they celebration the birth of God’s Son. How does this view of Christmas compare to that of the world at large?
3) The angels declare peace to men on whom God’s favor rests (Luke 2:14). Just what does this passage mean? To whom does this blessing apply? How does one receive God’s favor?
4) There are three different responses to Christmas in verses 18-20. One response included “amazement” (v. 18), another response involved treasuring and pondering “these things” (v. 19) and a third response includes praising God for what happened. Which of these describes where you are? Which describes where you would like to be?
Taking it Home: Think intentionally about what it looks like to treasure Jesus Christ this week. One idea is to secure a nativity scene and identify a different member of the scene and discuss with your family his or her role in the Christmas story. Ask God to give you the same kind of heart for Jesus.
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
We would love to meet you at our Welcome Center in the lobby and share a gift and available opportunities. Our Pastoral team would also love to meet you and will linger in the front after the services to this end. You may let us know you were here by using a Communication Card found in our worship folder. We receive these in containers on tables in the Celebration Center.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Aspen Ridge Church will hold Christmas Eve candlelight services on December 24 for the whole family at 3:30 and 5:00 PM. We will then have one combined family service on Christmas Day, December 25 at 10:00 AM. All children attend service with their parents. The Comfort Room is available.
STAFF APPRECIATION
It is customary for us to receive funds as a gift-offering for the Aspen Ridge Staff. We create an opportunity for you to make this tax-deductible gift. If you wish to contribute to the staff-gift, please do so in the normal offering until Christmas Eve. Please place “Staff Appreciation” in the memo line of the check or on the outside of an envelope.
CHRISTMAS AT GRACE HILLS
We are excited to announce that Sunday, December 18, at 5:00 PM, we will have our first service at Grace Hills Community Church in Indian Hills. We want to invite you to celebrate Christmas with us. We invite the whole family to join us for a fun evening of games, singing and an encouraging message. Join us afterward for cookies, hot chocolate and a craft for kids! We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, please visit gracehilscc.org.
ASPEN RIDGE OFFICE SCHEDULE
Our church office will be closed for the Holidays beginning Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30. For Pastoral Care or an emergency situation, please contact Pastor Kreg Kastelz via email at [email protected] – which will be monitored.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICES
O Come All Ye Faithful – Central Live
His Mercy Is More – Matt Boswell
Come Holy One – Young Oceans
Mary Did You Know – Cherish Tuttle Version
Go Tell It on the Mountain – Central Live
NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Our services for New Year’s weekend (5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM on Sunday) will be Family Worship services, children will attend service with their parents and an activity sheet will be available for them. The Infant/Toddler Room will be open for childcare for ages two and under.
CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES COLLECTION
We are partnering with Christ’s Body Ministries through Kathy Taraba to help in the collection of new or gently used blankets and men’s coats. These are given out and especially needed in our cold Colorado winters! Please leave donations in the trunk by the Welcome Center in the lobby and thank you for your help.
REDISCOVER CHURCH COMMITMENTS
We invite you to participate in this initiative to support a new church in Indian Hills and to eliminate Aspen Ridge Church mortgage debt. Commitment cards are available at the Welcome Center. We are asking you to pray over such commitment, and when ready fill out the commitment card. You can send a picture of your commitment card to [email protected] or drop it off in the church office.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES
All Wednesday activities on Christmas Break. We will be back on January 11.
LIFE OPTIONS
Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and need support? We are here for you. Receive the no-cost services and resources you need to move forward in your pregnancy journey. Our professional and compassionate team of experts can help educate you about all your pregnancy options. Feel confident in your next step and don’t do it alone! Visit lifesoptionspc.org or call 303-674-5881.
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 11, 2022
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 14,710 $ 35,176 $ 218,468
Budget $ 42,030 $ 84,062 $ 258,803
Difference $ (27,320) $ (48,886) $ (40,335)