Read: Ephesians 4:17-32, Galatians 5:13-26
These passages talk about the “old self” and “flesh.” What are these? How do they still plague believers/you?
How do you grieve the Holy Spirit in your life? In what ways do you grow in the Spirit?
Do you see the fruit of the Spirit in your life? If not, focus on one or two, and ask God to grow them in you.
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-23
What are some ways that our faith can be tested (v 7)? What’s the desired outcome of that testing?
Verse 13 reminds us to be sober-minded and prepared for action. What are some things that dull you?
Why does verse 17 instruct us to conduct our lives with fear? Is there good fear and bad? What drives you?
Read: 2 Peter 1:3-11
What does it mean that we’ve become partakers in the divine nature? How can reflecting on that truth help?
Read the list of qualities. Pick one or two that you need to grow in and ask God to help you develop those.
How does lacking those qualities make one unfruitful? Is your spiritual life fruitful? Why or why not?
Read: Titus 2:11-15, Matthew 16:24-27
From the passage in Titus, what are our lives supposed to look like? How does yours look similar/dissimilar?
What did Jesus mean by “take up your cross?” Can that happen partially? What did it mean for Jesus?
When we become disciples, we commit to a journey towards godliness. How can you be faithful in that journey?
Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-10, 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Why did Paul tell Timothy that godliness would hold promise for this life, then tell him he’d be persecuted for it?
Do you feel you have pursued godliness in your life? If not, why not? Have you ever been persecuted for it?
What does persecution for godliness look like in our culture? Would you be willing to endure it?
Read: Matthew 2
How would the visitation of the Magi have been an encouragement to both Mary and Joseph?
In what way was this immediately replaced by a crisis? Be specific.
How does this post-Christmas truth provide prospective in the Christian’s life? How does it help you?
Read: Matthew 1:24-25
What did the angel tell Joseph to do? How was this different than his plans? What did Joseph do?
What does this highlight about “next steps” when facing a crisis or challenging time?
Describe a current challenge you are facing. What does God want you to do? What will you do?
Advent Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Read: Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:13-14
How was the birth of Jesus a rescue mission? How does this help adjust your Christmas perspective?
In what way would this perspective have helped Joseph during his crisis? Be specific.
What does this imply about trusting your own perspective during a crisis? How does this help you?
Advent Reading: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25
Read: Matthew 1:18-20
What specific emotion did the angel address in Joseph’s response? Why would he have felt this emotion?
In what way would the angel’s counsel have been counterintuitive? Why is this important to understand?
How does this Christmas truth help and encourage you during a current challenge you are facing?
Advent Reading: Luke 1:57-80
Read: Matthew 1:18-19, Luke 3:23-24
How would the pregnancy of Mary have been troubling to a young Jewish couple? (i.e., Mary and Joseph)
In what way would this have been a crisis? Be specific. What was Joseph’s response?
How would Joseph’s response have impacted Jesus’ reputation? What does this highlight about a crisis?
Advent Reading: Luke 1:39-56
Read: Luke 1:46-55, Acts 26:1-29
List the ways that Mary was actually bragging about God in her Christmas song of praise.
How did her testimony play into it? What does this imply about the primary message of Christmas?
How does this model a way for every Christian to celebrate Christmas? How will you do the same?
Advent Reading: Luke 1:5-25, 1:26-3
Read: Luke 1:51-55, Philippians 1:12-18, 2:17-18, 28, 4:4
In what way was Paul’s attitude similar to Mary’s when writing to the Philippians from prison?
What does this teach about a Christian’s source of joy? How can Christmas either help or hinder?
How can this truth also help those who find Christmas emotionally difficult? How can it help you?
Advent Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Read: Luke 1:51-55, 1 Samuel 2:1-9, Psalm 22:3-6, 44:3, 98:3, 103:1-5, Ephesians 5:19
What do you find similar or different between Mary’s song and other songs in the Old Testament?
What does this imply about Mary’s understanding of God’s word and having a joyful attitude?
How do you think God’s word can help you celebrate Christmas this week? Be specific.
Advent Reading: Revelation 21:22-22:5, Matthew 5:14-16
Read: Luke 1:48-52, Exodus 3:11-12, 1 Samuel 18:18, 2 Samuel 7:14-17, Isaiah 6:5-7
What attributes of God was Mary highlighting in her Christmas song? Be specific.
How did this relate to Moses, David, Isaiah, and Mary? How does this relate to every Christian today?
In what way can this impact every Christian’s Christmas celebration? How does this impact you?
Advent Reading: Revelation 21:1-4
Read Luke: 1:46-50, Matthew 1:18-21, John 3:16-18, 1 Tim. 1:15, Titus 3:4-7, 1 John 4:9
Why was Mary excited when visiting her cousin Elizabeth? (i.e., her primary source of joy)
What does this highlight about “why” we even celebrate Christmas? How can this get easily overlooked?
In what way can COVID make it worse? How does this adjust your perspective this Christmas?
Advent Reading: Revelation 1:4-8, 22:7-21, 2 Peter 3:8-9
Read: Luke 1:39-50, 2:8-14
What was the common response by those personally experiencing the birth of Christ? Why?
What does this imply about the “true” Christmas spirit? How do you see this taking place today?
What emotions do you typically feel at Christmas? Why? In what way does Mary’s song encourage you?
Advent Reading: Romans 13:11-14
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
