Baby's First Christmas - The Perks of Waiting

Introduction:

What Happens to Me When I Wait on the Lord (Luke 2:36-38)

1. My Woes become Small . (Luke 2:36-37)
2. My Worship becomes Authentic . (Luke 2:37)

3. My Witnessing becomes Natural . (Luke 2:38)
4. My Waiting becomes Worth it. (Luke 2:38)

Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 2:36-38

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Baby's First Christmas - Great Expectations

Introduction:

(Luke 2:22-36)

1. Mary and Joseph were expected to Follow the law, which They did. (Luke 2:22-24)

   See: Lev 12:4, 6, 8

2. Simeon expected to See the Messiah, which He Did! (Luke 2:25-32)

See Isaiah 42:1,6-7 | Isaiah 49:5-6

3. I am expected to Believe in Jesus, which I Do. (Luke 2:33-35)

   Acts 17:30 - The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent...

   1 John 3:23 - And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 2:22-35

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever felt so unclean or so unworthy that you thought God could not possibly have anything to do with you? Does the knowledge that Jesus makes everyone He touches clean and holy change your perspective?
   

3. Share an example of a time you waited on or cried out to God – did you focus on your circumstances, or on His promises and His Holy Spirit? If you are going through trying circumstances now, how can knowing His Word and listening for the Holy Spirit’s counsel give you hope?
   

4. Have you repented and believed in Jesus for salvation?
   

5. Consider this statement: “Salvation requires obedience” (See Acts 17:30 and 1 John 3:23). Discuss.

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Baby's First Christmas - Who is Jesus For?

Introduction:

Who is Jesus For? (Luke 2:1-21)

1. Jesus is for people who make Him Priority . (Luke 2:7)

   Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent...

2. Jesus is for who are actively Seeking Him. (Luke 2:8-16)

Proverbs 2:3-5 - ...if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

3. Jesus is for people who need a Savior . (Luke 2:11)

   Matthew 1:21 - She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

   If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
   If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
   If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
   If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
   But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

   Mark 2:17 - "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 2:1-21

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. In what ways have you made Jesus a priority in your life? Have you been guilty of giving Him leftovers? If so, what changes do you need to make?
   

3. Why do you think God chose the shepherds to give the big birth announcement to?
   

4. How would you explain to a non-believer what it means to “seek the Lord”?

Breakout
Pray for one another.