December 31 – January 6

Weekly Reading for December 31 – January 6

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Who Am I?
Sermon Title: A Child of God and Not a Product of Family History

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on January 7, 2024:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: Vintage Christmas
Sermon Title: From Old Thinking to A New Vision of Life
Delivered On: December 31, 2023

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”


Prayer Direction

Ask God to help you be amazed and dazzled by the reality that He entered human history as one of us to save us. Thank God that He still saves people from their sins through His only Son Jesus. Pray for people you love and care about who do not yet know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. May God open their hearts to Jesus this Christmas season.


“Live It!” Challenge

Please Join Me – Many people will say “Yes” to a warm invitation to join you for Christmas services (online or on campus). You can also share the service with someone directly from our YouTube Channel. Pray about who you might invite and let them know that you would be delighted if they joined you for worship this Christmas.


Small Group Discussion

  1. What did God have in mind on that first Christmas when He entered human history in flesh and the cold of a manger? How has the world changed because Jesus came as God with us?

  2. Read: Matthew 1:18-19. What might have been going through Mary’s mind and heart as she received this news? What do you think was going through Joseph’s mind?

  3. How was God’s way of entering human history surprising and shocking? What are ways God still surprises us today when He shows up in our lives and world?

  4. Tell a story of a time God moved, showed up, or did something that surprised you. How did God end up bringing glory to Himself through this time in your life?

  5. Read: Matthew 1:18-20. How did the Holy Spirit of God intervene and redirect the lives of Mary and Joseph? How does the Holy Spirit work in the world and your life today to give direction (sometimes in a way that you would not have chosen)?

  6. Read: Matthew 1:20-21. The angel was clear that Jesus, the one who would come humbly in a manger, would be the Savior of the world (for all who would receive Him). Tell about when you received Jesus as Savior and how you heard the message of His salvation?

  7. Who is a person you love and care about who is still not yet a follower of Jesus? How can your group members pray for this person and for you as you seek to shine the light of Jesus into their life?

  8. Read: Matthew 1:22-23. When the people in Jesus day heard that the One born in the manger was “God with us” How might they have responded?

  9. Tell about a way you have experienced Jesus as “God with you” in a specific time or situation in your life.

  10. What is one way you need to experience God with you, near you, and watching over you as you enter into the New Year? How can your group members pray for you to experience the closeness and presence of Jesus?