Christmas

Hope / Christmas
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Slow Down and Behold Him

Study Guide for Sermon on Luke 2:8-20: “Slow Down and Behold Him”

Opening Prayer

Begin with a prayer inviting God to reveal His presence and truth through this study. Ask for an open heart to rediscover the wonder of Jesus’ birth and its significance for your life.

Scripture Passage: Luke 2:8-20

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
(Luke 2:8-11)

Key Themes from the Sermon

  • God Chooses the Unlikely
    • The shepherds, considered lowly and ordinary, were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth.
    • “He uses the unlikely and the ordinary to do the impossible and the extraordinary.”
  • Behold the Good News
    • The angel’s call to “behold” invites us to pause and deeply consider the significance of Jesus’ coming.
    • “To behold is to look more than once… It’s taking time carefully to examine something.”
  • Respond with Wonder and Praise
    • The shepherds’ reaction was awe and action, while Mary treasured and pondered God’s work in her heart.
    • “Don’t get so busy that you miss the peace Jesus gives.”
  • God’s Glory is Greater Than Our Troubles
    • Reflecting on God’s glory helps reframe our struggles in light of His power and presence.
    • “The weight of His glory is so much greater, and He is with you in this.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

  • Why do you think God chose the shepherds to first receive the news of Jesus’ birth?
  • What does the angel’s command to “behold” mean for us today?

Applying the Message

  • How can we “behold” Jesus during this busy season, rather than just glimpse at Him?
  • Think about the shepherds’ response to the angel’s message. How does their immediate obedience challenge or inspire you?

Personal Reflection

  • Like Mary, how can you treasure and ponder the work of God in your life this Christmas?
  • What steps can you take to slow down and focus on the glory of God rather than the pressures of the season?

Application Prompts

  • Beholding the Good News
    • Spend five minutes in silence reflecting on the miracle of Jesus’ birth.
    • Write down one way Jesus has brought peace or light into your life recently.
  • Sharing the Good News
    • Consider one way you can share the hope of Jesus with someone this week.
  • Releasing Your Worries
    • Reflect on a current worry or burden. Pray and release it to God, trusting in His glory and goodness.

Prayer Prompts

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
    • Thank God for sending Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us.”
    • Praise Him for His faithfulness and the ways His glory has been evident in your life.
  • Confession and Refocus
    • Confess any ways you’ve been distracted by busyness or worry. Ask God to help you slow down and truly behold Him this Christmas.
  • Intercession
    • Pray for those who feel far from God this season, asking Him to draw near and reveal His peace and love.
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Reclaiming Hope in the Darkness






Study Guide for Isaiah 9


Study Guide for Isaiah 9: Reclaiming Hope in the Darkness

Opening Reflection

  • Reflect on a time when you experienced a major, unexpected change in your life. How did it shape your perspective?
  • Consider the illustration of Mia from The Princess Diaries. How does her transformation mirror the transformative promise in Isaiah 9?

Understanding the Context

Key Points:

  • Isaiah prophesied during a dark time for Israel when they faced destruction and exile.
  • Amid judgment, Isaiah brings hope: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (v. 2).

Discussion Questions:

  • What does the “deep darkness” symbolize in Isaiah’s context? What might it represent for us today?
  • How does Isaiah’s message of hope in the midst of despair resonate with you personally?

The Great Change

Key Sermon Highlights:

  • The promise of light breaking into darkness transforms everything:
    • Anxiety becomes joy.
    • Oppression turns to freedom.
    • War gives way to peace.
  • Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this change:
    • Wonderful Counselor: Offering wisdom.
    • Mighty God: Demonstrating power.
    • Everlasting Father: Providing love and protection.
    • Prince of Peace: Bringing reconciliation.

Discussion Questions:

  • How do the titles of Jesus in verses 6–7 reveal the nature of God’s promise to His people?
  • What does it mean for Jesus to be a “light” in our individual lives and the world today?
  • Which aspect of this transformation (e.g., joy, freedom, peace) do you long for most? Why?

Living in the Tension

Key Sermon Highlights:

  • Even as Christians, we often feel the tension between the promise of transformation and the ongoing struggles of life.
  • Moments of worship, gratitude, and prayer give us “tastes” of the full peace and joy to come.

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think Christians can still experience darkness despite knowing the “great light”?
  • Share a moment when you felt the peace or joy described in Isaiah 9. How did that sustain you?

Application Questions:

  • How can you actively seek the light of Jesus in your current struggles?
  • In what ways can you bring hope to others walking in darkness?

Prayer Prompts

  • Adoration: Praise God for His wisdom, power, love, and peace.
  • Confession: Acknowledge areas where you’ve walked in darkness or lost sight of His light.
  • Thanksgiving: Thank God for moments of joy, peace, and hope in your life.
  • Supplication: Ask for a deeper experience of His presence and transformation in your life and community.

Challenge for the Week

  • Reflect on one area of your life that feels dark or overwhelming. Commit it to God in prayer daily, asking Him to bring light and transformation.
  • Consider inviting someone to join you at church or a small group to share in the light of Christ.


Contact Info

Hope Church Lancaster

Psalm 119:114

'You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.'

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Hope Church is a part of the Free Methodist Church UK

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