Brave New World: Part 3 – Good News
 

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available clicking here from 10am on Sunday ^26th December
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:
 
Readings:

Luke chapter 2 verses 1 to 20
 
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.



 
Prayer & Reflection
 
Father God, we thank you that you made us and that we are indeed your people, the sheep of your pasture. Father give us courage, born of faith in you, for the uncertainties and struggles that lie ahead for us. Bless us Father with times of joy and a sense of purpose and fulfilment as we go about your business. Lord God, You are Sovereign and you are the Good Shepherd. Protect and watch over us Lord – appoint angels, we pray, to guard us when we are fearful and in danger. In your mercy, grant us peace, and more than that grant us ‘shalom’ Father. Help us to be thankful for our manifold blessings, for each other and for your saving grace and mercy. And when we are afraid to do Your will Father, when we’re scared to death, give us the courage to saddle up anyway.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
 



Questions to Consider
1) What is your own take on what constitutes courage? Who do you think of as courageous?
2) Is there a situation when you have felt afraid, or are you feeling afraid at the moment?
3) Have you ever considered the idea that God really does have armies of angels at His command? Have you ever asked for ‘help from heaven’ and meant it, literally?
4) Do you have any stories to share about when God has intervened in your life in a supernatural way? With whom might you share those stories?
5) What can you pray about, where courage is needed to step out in faith?