Psalm 50

For Further Discussion

Why does God have the right to speak against and rebuke

superficial, ingenuine worshipers?

How does a person’s life show or reflect a true, sincere

relationship with God?

Why might we be tempted to pare down our God

relationship to routine and rote rituals?

What are some ritualistic practices today that people

might do but may not reflect genuine God honoring

(relationship)?

Psalm 105: 5-7; Philippians 3: 10-14; Hebrews 12: 1-3

For Further Discussion

How have you seen God work over the past year?

What are some things you would like to see in the next year?

How can we encourage one another to keep focused on Jesus this year?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2: 1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King

Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the

one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and

have come to worship him."

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with

him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and

teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 "In

Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact

time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and

search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I

too may go and worship him."

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they

had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place

where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On

coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they

bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and

presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having

been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their

country by another route

Luke 2: 8-20

For Further Discussion

Is it really important to get all the details of Jesus' birth exactly (historically, culturally, etc.) right? Why or why not?

What stands out to you about the angel's announcement?

(vs. 10 – 12)

Why do you think the announcement of Jesus' birth was made to the shepherds? Who might the angels visit today with this announcement?

What can we take from the shepherds' response to the angel's visit? And their response to seeing the baby Jesus?

Luke 2: 8-20

For Further Discussion

Is it really important to get all the details of Jesus' birth exactly (historically, culturally, etc.) right? Why or why not?

What stands out to you about the angel's announcement?

(vs. 10 – 12)

Why do you think the announcement of Jesus' birth was made to the shepherds? Who might the angels visit today with this announcement?

What can we take from the shepherds' response to the angel's visit? And their response to seeing the baby Jesus?

Luke 1: 26-38

For Further Discussion

How would you react if an angel visited you? How did Mary react?

Is it important that Jesus was born of a virgin? Why or why not?

How do you react to (feel about) the statement: "Nothing is impossible to God"?

1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 7;

1 Chronicles 17; 2 Chronicles 6

For Further Discussion

Is it important that the Messiah (Jesus) come from the lineage of David? Why or why not?

What does the Davidic covenant reflect about God’s grace?

What other characteristics or attributes of God does His promise to David reflect?

How might this promise of God to David inspire hope for us – even in difficult times?

1 Samuel 16:1-13

For Further Discussion

Why are we often swayed by outward appearances?

What are examples of snap judgements or stereotypes we make from appearances that we should not? How can we help each other to avoid doing this?

How would you paraphrase or re-explain verse 7? What does this idea indicate about God?

Can we change our hearts or does God have to do it?

1 Samuel 16:1-13

For Further Discussion

Why are we often swayed by outward appearances?

What are examples of snap judgements or stereotypes we make from appearances that we should not? How can we help each other to avoid doing this?

How would you paraphrase or re-explain verse 7? What does this idea indicate about God?

Can we change our hearts or does God have to do it?