December 29, 2012

Read:  Philippians 2:8-11, 1 John 3:16-20, James 2:14-17

What does Phil. 2:8 teach about Phil. 2:5? Why is this both a Christmas attitude and a Christian attitude?

How will stepping into this truth produce a truly “Merry” Christmas?

What practical steps can you take to embrace this Christmas spirit throughout 2013? Be specific.

December 28, 2012

Read:  Philippians 2:8-11, Romans 5:6-8, Hebrews 12:2-3

Explain, from Christ’s example, how Christmas relates to caring for others. (Hint: the cross)

What can happen when the focus stays only on Bethlehem? How do you see this taking place today?

In what way does God want your Christmas attitude to be adjusted? Take time to pray about it.

December 27, 2012

Read:  Philippians 2:5-7, John 1:1-14

What name was used to describe Jesus before the incarnation (i.e. birth)? How does this relate to Phil. 2?

Who was responsible for Jesus’ humbling experience? Why is this important?

What does this teach you about selfish motives, emotions, and expectations at Christmas?

December 26, 2012

Read:  Philippians 2:5-7, Luke 2:1-7, Matthew 1:18-21

Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. Why would this have been humbling?

How did Joseph and Mary respond? How would you have been tempted to respond? Why?

What does this say about your Christmas spirit? How is God challenging you?

December 25, 2012

Advent Reading:   Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, John 1:1-14

December 24, 2012

Advent Reading: Psalm 89:2, 19-27, Luke 1:67-79

December 15, 2102

Read:  Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:5-2:20, Matthew 2:1-12

List symbols which are found in the accounts of the first Christmas.

Think about the symbols of the Christmas season. Compare them to the biblical account of the 1st Christmas.

How can you utilize them to celebrate Christ’s birth?

Advent Reading: 2 Kings 2:9-12, Matthew 17:10-13

December 14, 2012

Read:  Galatians 4:6-7, John 15:26, 16:5-15, Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Peter 1:3-6

What is the spiritual gift we receive when we can truly celebrate Christmas?

Elaborate on the two practical applications of this truth found in the text (Gal. 4:6-7).

Advent Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19

December 13, 2012

Read:  Galatians 4:4-7, John 3:16-18

Why did God send his son according to the Galatians passage? According to the John passage?

Take time to praise God and celebrate these truths.

Advent Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15

December 12, 2012

Read:  Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 1:26-38, Philippians 2:5-8

How was Jesus’ birth inconspicuous? What does his humble birth say about God?

Why is the virgin birth of Christ so important?

How does understanding the “Incarnation of Christ” cause you to praise God?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30

December 11, 2012

Read:  Galatians 4:4-7

Why did God send his son when he did?

What does God’s timing tell us about God?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11, Matthew 18:12-14

December 10, 2012

Read:  Luke 2:1-20

What was the good news that the Angels delivered to the shepherds?

How did the shepherds celebrate God’s incredible plan?

Specifically, how can you follow their example this Christmas?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 35, Luke 5:17-26

December 8, 2012

Read:  James 5:12, Matthew 26:69-75, John 21:15-19

How did Peter violate James 5:12? Why? How did he respond? How did Jesus respond in John 21?

What does this teach you about lying, temptation, and forgiveness? Take time to pray and confess.

Advent Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27

December 7, 2012

Read:  James 5:12, John 8:12-47

Why is lying so important to God? Explain the spiritual significance of lying or telling the truth.

How does this elevate your view of lying? How can you be more intentional about telling the truth?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31

December 6, 2012

Read:  James 5:12, Acts 5:1-11, Revelation 21:7-8

What does James 5:12 mean by “you will be condemned”? How does this relate to Rev. 21 & Acts 5?

What is God teaching you about the importance of telling the truth? How can you avoid “condemnation”?

Advent Reading: Psalm 23, Matthew 15:29-37

December 5, 2012

Read:  James 5:12, Matthew 5:34-37, 23:16-20

In what way were the Pharisees camouflaging lies? How do you see this taking place today?

How are you tempted to do the same thing? How will letting your “Yes” be yes and “No”, no, help?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24

December 4, 2012

Read: Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:12, Deuteronomy 23:21, Numbers 30:1-2

What were the Old Testament ramifications for breaking an oath? Why? How was God implicated?

What is a modern equivalent? Why should it be unnecessary for you to swear an oath?

Advent Reading: Psalm 122, Matthew 8:5-11

December 3, 2012

Read:  James 5:12, 1 Samuel 20:1-16, Numbers 6:1-8, Matthew 14:6-12, Hebrews 6:13-18

Explain how swearing an oath was used in the Old Testament. How did God view this topic?

How does this relate to James 5:12? Are you a person of your word? What is God teaching you?

Advent Reading: Psalm 25:1-9, Luke 21:25-36

December 1, 2012

Read: James 5:11, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Hebrews 4:14-16

Why did James encourage his audience with God’s mercy and compassion? (i.e. feelings vs. truth)

Why is their fellowship with Jesus when being treated unfairly? How does this relate to his mercy?

What is important to remember when it comes to trusting God with the “short end of the stick”?