Dec. 4 - Watching and Waiting Pt 1

Matthew 2:1-11

First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea

What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received? What about the worst?

Talk it over

• What was one thing from this week’s sermon that impacted/challenged me?

• Treasuring God: How do I see God’s hand at work in this passage? What kind of response does that stir up within me?

• Being Transformed: What can we learn from the example of the Magi? In what ways can I become more like them?

• Loving Others: Have I ever considered the influence that my celebration of Christmas has on others? How am I currently impacting those around me, in this way?

• Pursuing Unity: Like the magi, what can we practically do, over the next few weeks, to help one another anticipate Christ’s birth, seek Him in faith, and worship Him well?

A way to pray

Thank the Lord for His “coming to be with us” as we approach and anticipate Christmas. Ask him for a right perspective and ability to watch and wait well this advent season. Pray for a heart of worship and protection from getting caught up in all of the things that go along with Christmas and can take our focus away from Him. Pray that we would be a people who set the example of what truly matters most this Holiday season.