Weekly Reading for December 24 – 30
Preparing for Next Week’s Message
Sermon Series: Vintage ChristmasSermon Title: From Paralyzing Fear to Bold Faith
This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on December 31, 2023:
- SUNDAY: Genesis 3,
- MONDAY: 1 John 4,
- TUESDAY: 1 Peter 5,
- WEDNESDAY: Colossians 2,
- THURSDAY: Revelation 12,
- FRIDAY: Romans 8,
- SATURDAY: Ephesians 6,
Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon
Sermon Series: Vintage ChristmasSermon Title: From Old Thinking to a New Vision of Life
Delivered On: December 24, 2023
VIEW SERMON NOTES
Memorize and Reflect
Matthew 1:21She 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
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?
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?
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?
Tell a story of a time God moved, showed up, or did something that surprised you. How did God end up bring glory to Himself through this time in your life?
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)?
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?
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?
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?
Tell about a way you have experienced Jesus as “God with you” in a specific time or situation in your life.
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?