Advent Bible Study 4

Week 4 – Gladness and Generosity in the Nativity

Read Luke 2:1-7

1. The birth of Jesus is God's greatest act of generosity to us. How does Jesus' birth portray the greatness of this act?

2. Does such a humble, quiet and unseen act of God's generosity have a bigger impact than an obvious, loud and bright act of God (such as plagues or burning bushes)?

Read Luke 2:8-20

3. Why do the angels take the Good News of God's generosity to shepherds in the field?

4. What do the angels say about God's generous act – why is it so great?

5. How do the shepherds react to God's generosity?

6. The shepherds told everyone they met what they had seen and heard. Do you always celebrate and share God's generosity with others?

Read Matthew 2:1-12

7. The Magi knew a little of the generous gift of God. What did they know that led them to make a long journey?

8. How did Herod, the chief priests and the teachers of the law react to the news of God's generosity?

9. How do different people react to the Good News of the birth of Jesus today?

10. Generosity benefits the receiver, but also the giver. What do the Magi get from being generous?

11. What does God get from being generous with us?

12. The Magi show generosity in response to God's generosity – they give their time, gifts and worship. How do we give these things for God this Advent?

Read some Epiphany hymns:
As with gladness, men of old (StF224)
Brightest and best (StF227)

Challenge
Find ways to share your time, gifts and worship this Christmastime.