1. Luke 2:11, 12 “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord— has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

2. Luke 2:17-18 (NLT) 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, Luke 2:20 (NLT) 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

3. Bethlehem—A Hillside Village

4. Shepherd’s Field Near Bethlehem

5. Typical Village home in Bethlehem

6. Village Home viewed from Above S FAMILY LIVING ROOM Manger Steps Stable Area

7. Village home with Guest Room Family Living RoomGuest Stable Area Room Manger Stairs

8. Are We Astonishing? Can people see a difference in our lives because we have been with Jesus Christ? Are we preparing our hearts for the Word so there can be a proper response when we study or assemble together? Do we get excited about Jesus Christ and what He has done in Christ and wants to do in us, or has it become old hat? Do we talk with one another about God, or is the majority or our conversation on other things? As we face this New Year (2015) how are we going to respond to the messages of Scripture?