Adventure. - End of Week 4

Introduction
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Share one of your favorite memories of this year’s Christmas season that you will “treasure in your heart.” And, if you make them, share one new year’s resolution or one thing you’re looking forward to about the new year.

HEAD

1. Read Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-21, 24-25,  together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts from the reading.
2. Why do you think Mary was “confused” at the greeting from Gabriel?
3. What’s the first thing Mary says after Gabriel tells her what’s going to happen? (verse 34)
4. Why are we so quick to look to our limitations instead of God’s power and faithfulness when He calls us to a task?
5. Do you think Mary knew what she was saying when she said, “May everything you have said about me come true.”?

HEART

1. Joseph was no doubt a good man.  He could have had Mary killed, but he chose to deal with her “situation” with integrity.  Between Mary’s response and Joseph’s response, what was it about them that made them the perfect choice to be the parents to the Savior?
2. Jesus means, he will save his people from their sins, Immanuel means, God with us.  Which aspect of God do you long for this Christmas and why?
3. How do you think Mary and Joseph were treated in their village, and among friends and family, after these events?

HANDS
Mary and Joseph may have been the earthly parents of Jesus, but Jesus comes to life in each of us (incarnation) through the power of the Holy Spirit.  This Christmas, how might you renew your vow to Him and surrender your life again to His love, His power, His grace, and His forgiveness?

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT