Series Resources

sermon-based study guide

This guide is designed to guide a group discussion around the weekend sermon. You can also use this as an individual, but we highly recommend finding a friend and inviting them to discuss with you. Menlo Church has Life Groups meeting in-person and online using these guides. We’d love to help you find a group.

What you will find in this guide: A discussion guide for groups and individuals. If you are using this as an individual be sure to engage with each question in a journal or simply in your mind as you prayerfully consider what you heard in the sermon and seek to discover what God is inviting you to know and do.

Hope Is Born: Hope for the Shepherds

Date - December 15th, 2024

Series - Hope is Born

Title - Hope for the Shepherds - The Humble Witnesses

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CONNECT

Think of your favorite Christmas tradition. How has it stayed the same or evolved over the years?

Have you ever had a surprising or memorable experience in the midst of an everyday situation? What made it unforgettable?

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ENGAGE

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Imagine yourself as one of the shepherds in the field that night. What emotions would you have experienced as the angel appeared?

The shepherds were considered ordinary and even outcasts by society. Why do you think God chose them to be the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth?

How does the contrast between the grandeur of the angelic message and the humility of the manger reflect God’s character and priorities?

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APPLY

Identify a routine in your life that feels mundane. How might you shift your perspective to see God’s presence or purpose in it?

The shepherds shared their experience and glorified God after visiting Jesus. Who in your life might need to hear about the hope and joy you’ve found in Christ?

Consider this week’s challenge to spend less, scroll less, read more, and give more. Which one could help you realign your focus on Christ this Christmas?

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PRAYER

Thank God for His ability to work through the routines and mundane moments of our lives.

Pray for eyes to see and hearts to respond to His invitations in your daily life.

Ask for opportunities to glorify God by sharing His love with others this season.

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Going Deeper

Menlo Midweek Podcast
Listen to further insights and practical applications from this week’s sermon.

Outreach Opportunities
Explore ways to serve and bring joy to others in your community this Christmas.

Join Us For Christmas

Join us at Menlo Church this Christmas Eve for a special celebration of hope, joy, and community—bring a friend and make this season unforgettable together!

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