Luke 2:1-12 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 nearby, 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 Savior 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.” What are some of your fears? How do you typically try to manage them? “What we fear is what we obey” Do you see that playing out in your own life? Where? Big Idea: Fear of God prepares us to and good news. Proverbs 1:7 Psalm 19:9 Psalm 128:1 How do you understand Fear of the Lord? Mark 4:35-41 Jonah 1:1-16 Exodus 3:6 Exodus 34:29-30 Judges 6:22-23 Chronicles of Narnia Susan: Is he quite safe? Mr. Beaver: Safe? WHo said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. Luke 5:1-11 Luke 2:15-16 Luke 2:17-18 Luke 2:19 Luke 2:20 Questions to ponder: What does it mean for me to fear the Lord? What would that look like? Do I have a sense of reverence for God? Do I have a healthy respect for God’s definition of good and evil? Do I feel a sense of urgency to obey God? What do you sense the Lord saying to you? What are you going to do about it? Who will you tell to hold you accountable? LINKS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: On Fear of God https://bibleproject.com/podcast/wisdom-qr/ (listen to the first Q&R around Fear of the Lord). If you prefer to read, here is the transcript: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/wisdom-qr/transcript/ https://www.ligonier.org/learn/qas/throughout-bible-we-are-told-fear-god-what-does-me/ https://www.rethinknow.org/2020/05/18/what-does-it-mean-to-fear-god/ Luther on Fear during a time of Plague: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/martin-luther-plague-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-flee-letter.html