It’s the holiday season, Christmas cheer is everywhere, and if we’re honest, it often feels like a giant conspiracy to bum us out. Impossible expectations, relentless schedules, and a shopping list that just won’t quit, to name a few. Yet in the midst of this chaos, God offers a different message: “Cheer up! I have come to bring you new hope.”
Process, journal or discuss the themes of this article - here's a few questions to get the ball rolling...
Welcome to the Chaser–a few questions after the weekend service to start conversations and push a little deeper. Go on. Dive in.
Let’s have the Best Season Ever. And let’s start by looking back. Describe your perfect Christmas morning growing up. Where were you? Who was there? What did Santa bring?
It was easier back then, wasn’t it? With long lines, traffic, and bills the holidays can be anything but magical. What are some things that you’re not looking forward to this Christmas and why? (If it’s a long list, no worries. Your group will be patient.)
Speaking of patience. Before John the Baptist came on the scene, we hadn’t heard from God in 400 years. (Yikes. We can get anxious when someone doesn’t text back in under 5 minutes.) Talk about that. What could four centuries of radio silence mean? What would that feel like? And how good is the Good News of Jesus afterwards?
It doesn’t matter what you know or believe about God. Just think what it says about who God is, how he works, or why he does what he does.
“It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you.” Those words aren’t just great lyrics, they are part of a story that has brought comfort for thousands of years. A lot of time, we’re like the young man–we can’t see God at work.
Each person in the group takes a turn in the spotlight. As a group, share where you see God working in each other’s lives.
If you want something more, you have to believe in something more. What’s the thing that you need more than any other this Christmas? Do you believe it’ll happen? Do you believe you’re worth it? Take a minute to think, and then declare it out loud to your group.
More from the Weekend
Every day this week, find a quiet place and think of the peace and promise of Christmas. Sit in that hope for as long as you can. When your mind wanders or breaks in, listen to this song.
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Dec 1, 2018 • 1 hr 9 mins 15 sec