Christmas

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Christmas December 23 & 24

This is for Everyone

This sermon study is designed to be used the week after the sermon it supplements. Before using the study in your group, it might be helpful to work through the questions on your own. The purpose of this guide is merely to help facilitate discussion, so don’t feel pressure to visit every question.

SERIES OVERVIEW Christmas was never meant to be an event or a season, it was meant to be a gift. But what is the gift? Yes, it is Jesus, but what was God saying to His people through the gift of His only son? This Christmas, we’re exploring this question. We’ll find that through the gift of Jesus, God reminds us that we are not forgotten, we’re not alone, our situations can be redeemed, and He is with us.

TEXT Luke 2:8-11, Deuteronomy 14:2, Mark 2:17, John 1:17

GETTING STARTED What’s the best news you’ve ever received? How did it change your life?

DIGGING DEEPER 1. Part of what makes Christmas so great is that it’s for everyone. (Luke 2:10) Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Why? How have you kept it for yourself in the past? 2. What statement was God making by including the shepherds in the Christmas story? What place in society did shepherds have? How does that give you hope?

3. Everyone wants to be included, wanted, and accepted. What does it look and feel like to be an outsider in today’s world? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever made someone else feel that way? 4. People see and describe Jesus in many different ways. How do you picture Jesus? Who is He to you? What role does He play in your life? 5. Jesus described Himself over and over again as “the great Shepherd” or the “good Shepherd.” What does that tell you about who He is? What does it look like to have Jesus shepherd you? (Hebrews 13:20, John 10:11, 1 Peter 5:4, Psalm 23:1) 6. Following Jesus isn’t about modifying your behavior but allowing Him to change your character. Do you tend to focus more on sinning less or submitting yourself to Jesus daily? 7. Discipleship is allowing Jesus to make progress in your life over an extended length of time. Are you tempted to give up when you don’t see the progress you were hoping for in your life? How do you feel knowing God isn’t looking for perfection?

NEXT STEPS We have a God who sent us just what we need because Christmas is the gift that says this is for everyone and everyone is included. You are living in a world that naturally divides people into categories and makes them feel excluded and unwanted. This week, seek opportunities to include those society has rejected and neglected. Identify one or two people or families to whom you can show the love and grace of Jesus.