Saving Christmas
The story of Christmas started centuries before a virgin gave birth in a stable in Bethlehem.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Had you ever considered the lives of Esther, Ruth, Moses, Joseph, and others to be a part of the Christmas story? What are some other Old Testament events that God used to prepare the way for Christ’s coming?
- Read the genealogy of Jesus and the story of His birth in Matthew 1. Discuss some of the unlikely ways and unlikely people (from a human perspective) that God used to save Christmas.
- How might this message renew your excitement about the miracle of Christmas?
- Read (or sing) the lyrics of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” How do the words of this song speak to Israel’s longing for God to bring His Messiah?
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel. - How can you share the truths of this message with unsaved friends and family this week? Spend some time praying for their salvation this Christmas.