Read Luke 2:8-18. It’s interesting that God went to the shepherds first to announce the birth of Jesus and not to the religious leaders or to those in power. In fact, shepherds were some of the lowest class of people in Jesus day. But we see throughout Scripture that God doesn’t necessarily appear to each person in the same way but it is none the less a very personal encounter for each of us.

• Describe your first personal encounter with God? How did that change you?
• Have you ever felt chosen by God for a specific task? Explain.

Read John 1:38-39. Just as faith in Christ is not a passive cognitive belief but a commitment to seek after and follow, the shepherds went and sought after Jesus to see for themselves this miracle of God. True faith becomes active when you move from religion-something I should do, to relationship-Christ who I actively pursue. When we become active in seeking Christ we begin to see and experience the mighty works of God.

• Name something that you currently spend time pursuing? How does this pursuit make you more committed to it?
• Name the time or place you moved from just doing your religious duties to actively seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Is Jesus a daily priority in your life? How do you show it?

Not all of us experience Jesus in same way, but all our roads do lead to the same savior. Some of us have a dramatic encounter with Christ like the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. Some of us find Christ on the Jericho road while serving others as a Good Samaritan. Still others find Christ on the Emmaus road after Jesus walks and talks with us for awhile.

• Which road were you on when you were first awakened by Jesus: The Damascus Road, The Jericho Road, The Emmaus Road or The Unknown Road?
• Which road are you traveling on today in your walk with Christ?

Just as the Shepherds went and spread the word about Jesus, we are also called to show and tell the world around us. Faith is personal but never private. We have encountered Jesus not out of privilege but out of responsibility. Jesus has been made real to us so that we will make him visible to others in this world.

• Since our faith should never be private, how have you shown Jesus in public this year?
• Have you ever been amazed by the faith of another person? Explain.
• What has been the biggest surprise for you this year in hearing about what others are doing for the Sudan?

Just as God prepared you for meeting Christ, God is also preparing others around you to hear the message of “Come and See” Jesus.

• How will you take more responsibility in making Jesus visible this season/year?
• Who/Where is God calling you to show Christ this year?