LifeGroups

Christmas: Bethlehem Style // The Shepherds and Angels

1. The shepherds didn’t just hear the message; they believed it and acted on it. How does obedience reflect genuine belief in God’s word? Are there areas in your life where you hear God’s message but hesitate to act on it? Why or why not?
2. In what ways can we show our faith in Jesus the way the shepherds did—by believing and acting on the good news of His birth?
3. The shepherds didn’t keep the message to themselves but shared it with others. Why is it important for us to share the good news of Jesus with those around us? Who is God calling you to share your story with this Christmas season?
4. What is the difference between just telling people about Jesus and sharing your personal story of how God has impacted your life? How can our personal stories make the message of Jesus more relatable to others?
5. The shepherds celebrated after encountering Jesus. How does celebrating the birth of Jesus impact our daily lives? In what ways can we celebrate Jesus not just at Christmas, but throughout the year?
6. The shepherds were often considered “the least of these” in their society. What does it say about God’s character that He chose them as the first to hear about Jesus’ birth? How does this impact our understanding of God’s love for all people, no matter their status or background?
7. How do you personally respond to the message of Christmas each year? Is it just a celebration, or do you also take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christ’s birth? If you were to respond like the shepherds, what might you need to change in your own life to receive, believe, and share the good news of Jesus this Christmas?

Christmas: Bethlehem Style // the Birth of Christ

1. How can we understand the idea that being “chosen” by God is not about favoritism, but about responsibility? What responsibility do we have as believers in sharing God’s blessings with others, as Israel was meant to do?
2. Read Isaiah 49:6. What does it mean for us today that Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations? In what ways are we called to reflect God’s character and holiness to the world around us?
3. The sermon challenges us by saying, “YOU have been chosen by God.” How does this impact how you live your life? Do you see yourself as part of God’s plan to be a light to others? What does that look like in your daily life?
4. Pastor Bob emphasized Jesus’ humility by His birth in a manger. What does the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth reveal about His nature? Read Philippians 2:7. We read that Jesus “emptied Himself” to become human. Why is it important that Jesus came in such a humble way? How can we model humility in our own lives?
5. Pastor Bob said, “You can’t have the cross without the cradle.” How does Jesus’ birth in the manger point us toward His ultimate purpose of sacrifice on the cross? What does it mean for you personally that Jesus’ birth was tied directly to His mission of salvation?
6. In light of the manger and the cross, how do you respond to the sacrificial love of Jesus? What is one way you can show that love to others this week?

Christmas: Bethlehem Style // Journey to Bethlehem

1. What does Christmas mean to you? How does the commercialized side of Christmas (retail, “Happy Holidays,” etc.) impact your experience of the season?
2. Read Luke 1:37. How does this verse encourage you in moments when God asks you to do something without knowing all the details?
3. Pastor Bob mentioned that Mary’s “yes” to God was not easy. What are some of the challenges that Mary might have faced by accepting God’s call to be the mother of Jesus? How does her response of faith inspire you in your own life?
4. Can you think of a time when God asked you to step out in faith, even without knowing the full picture? How did you respond?
5. Making room for Jesus requires removing things from our lives. Is there something in your life that you feel God is asking you to remove in order to make more room for Him? How can you take practical steps to do that?
6. The journey to Bethlehem wasn’t easy for Mary and Joseph, and their faith required trust in God’s plan. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s plan even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain?
7. The sermon highlights Mary’s willingness to say, “May it be to me just as you have said.” What would it look like for you to live with that same heart of surrender to God’s will this Christmas season and beyond?

Christmas: Bethlehem Style // And He Shall Be Called

1. Read Isaiah 9:1-7. In verse 6, Isaiah lists several names for the coming Child: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” What do each of these Names reveal about the character of the Messiah?
2. Which of these names, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, resonates most with you, and why?
3. How have you personally experienced the Messiah as Wonderful Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace? Share your stories with your LifeGroup.
4. As we prepare for the birth of Christ, how can you intentionally focus on the meaning of Advent this week to deepen your relationship with God?
5. As we reflect on Isaiah 9:1-7, how can we pray for a deeper understanding of the Messiah’s role in our lives and in the world? Also, take some time with your LifeGroup to pray for each other this Advent season.