Read: John 3:16, Mark 10:45, Luke 2:11, 1 John 4:19 / Advent: Psalm 16:11
In what way is Christmas the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for you and me? Be specific.
How did the angels highlight this truth in Luke 2:11? What was the emotion that followed?
How will loving others actually be spreading the message of Christmas? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 15:10-12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 / Advent: Psalm 5:11
What does Jesus present as being the secret to experiencing joy? Why is “as I have loved you” important?
How can this be misunderstood especially at Christmas time? Give an example.
In what way can you apply this truth to those around you during this holiday season? Be specific.
Read: John 15:10-12, Galatians 5:22-23 / Advent: Psalm 64:10
As Jesus describes what it means to stay close to Him (abide), what is required? (John 15:10)
What should it look like when abiding is taking place? How will Christians ultimately benefit?
In what way does this relate to a joy-filled Christmas? How can you step into this promise today?
Read: Philippians 4:10-13, 1 Timothy 6:6 / Advent: Luke 2:13-14, 20
Why was Paul able to rejoice when writing to the Philippian church from a prison? What was his secret?
In what way will discontentment rob someone of joy? How does this ultimately relate to expectations?
How are you at risk of being robbed of joy this Christmas? How can you reduce your expectations?
Read: Luke 2:10-11, 1:26-29 / Advent: Luke 1:46-48
Why would Mary have been troubled when she got the news of being pregnant with Jesus?
In what way did the Shepherds have a very different response? Why? How did Mary’s emotion change?
As you anticipate celebrating Christmas this year, how might you need to adjust your perspective?
Read: Luke 2:8-20 / Advent: Isaiah 12:6
As you read the account of the Shepherds and the birth of Jesus, what emotions do you notice?
Given this was the first Christmas, what expectations might the Shepherds have had about Jesus’ birth?
How did they ultimately respond? (c.f. v. 20) What does this reveal about Christmas expectations?
Read: Matthew 5:9, Ephesians 6:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 / Advent: Isaiah 9:6
How does Ephesians 6:14-15 describe a peacemaker? What does this highlight about spiritual peace?
Why will promoting Jesus this Christmas be promoting peace? (i.e., Prince of peace)
What are some ways you can be a spiritual peacemaker during the Christmas holidays? Be specific.
Read: Matthew 5:9, Ephesians 4:1-3 / Advent: Romans 12:18
In what way will being a “relational” peacemaker require promoting peace to those around you?
How is this often done? Be specific. What does this also highlight about the effort and work required?
This Christmas, what are some steps you can take to become a better relational peacemaker?
Read: Matthew 5:9, James 3:18 / Advent: Isaiah 26:3
Explain the difference between experiencing God’s peace and being a “peacemaker”. What is promised?
What does being a peacemaker reveal about your relationship with God? What does this reveal to you?
In what way does this encourage you to be more intentional about peacemaking this Christmas?
Read: Luke 1:30, Matthew 1:20, 10:27-28, John 14:27, 1 John 4:16-18 / Advent: John 16:33
Based on today’s Reading, how do you see a distinction between worldly fear and godly fear?
Why is this important for Christians to understand? How does this relate to God’s gift of peace?
How would you rate your peace factor this Christmas? How do you need to adjust your perspective?
Read: John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-9 / Advent: 1 Peter 3:8-11
What did Jesus promise His disciples in John 14:27? Why? How did He also hold them responsible?
How does this also relate to the Christmas story? Why is this important for Christians to recognize today?
In what way does this promise and challenge apply to you? Take time right now to pray about it.
Read: Luke 1:26-30, 2:8-10, Matthew 1:20-22, 2:13-15 / Advent: 2 Thessalonians 3:16
As you review the Christmas story, list the ways it would have been a scary experience for those involved.
How does the angel’s interaction with Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds highlight this truth?
What does this teach you about perspective in the midst of fearful times? How does this encourage you?
Read: Luke 1:51-55, 1 Kings 18:16-39 / ADVENT: Psalm 119:116-117
Describe what was at stake when King Ahab accused Elijah of being a troublemaker? What was the result?
In what way did Elijah have a Christmas perspective when dealing with the Prophets of Baal? (i.e., hope)
How can you be more confident in God’s ability to work today? How can you step into this truth today?
Read: Luke 1:51-55, Psalm 19:1, Ephesians 3:20 / ADVENT: Psalm 146:5-7
What was Mary highlighting when she remembered how God had worked in Israel’s past?
How did this bring Mary hope in her challenging situation? What can happen without this perspective?
In what way does this relate to God working during difficult times today? How does this encourage you?
Read: Luke 1:50, John 3:16-17, 1 Tim. 1:1, 4:10, Titus 2:13, 3:7, 1 Cor. 15:19 / ADVENT: 1 Tim. 6:17
In what way has Christmas changed what it means to have a biblical focus for hope? Be specific.
Why is this important to clearly understand? How does the cross and eternal life relate to New Testament hope?
How does this encourage you given the local and global challenges we are facing today?
Read: Luke 1:39-50, Matthew 1:18-25 / ADVENT: Jeremiah 14:22
Explain how Mary and Joseph would have felt their situation was hopeless. (i.e., virgin birth) Be specific.
In what way did Mary have a broader perspective on this challenging situation? (Hint: “generation to generation”)
How do you think this helped her find hope in spite of her challenges? How does this help you this Christmas?
Read: John 15:7-10
Given this week’s overall message is the importance of reading & applying God’s word, how does it encourage you?
What has been your experience in studying the Bible? What are some study tools you can get to help?
Why should the application of God’s word always be your endgame? What, in particular, spoke to you this week?
