Christmas: A Christmas Cracker!
Opening Reflections.
Where have you seen God at work in your life this week? (Share any brief examples and encouragements).
Was there anything from this Sunday’s service which you found particularly inspiring or challenging?
Was there anything you particularly noticed?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 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.’…
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:1-2,10-12 (NIV)
Bill Cahusac reminded us that a Christmas Cracker always contains three things: a Crown, a Joke and a Gift. A crown, because Jesus was born to be king. A joke, because he came with a message. And a gift, because Jesus is God’s gift – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
1. Crown. How have you seen the kingly rule of Jesus working in your life this year? Where have you seen him really take control?
2. Joke. What message has particularly resonated with you this year? What has brought you joy?
3. Gift. 2020 has been a year of unique challenges, but in the midst of the challenge, what has come to you as ‘gift’?
Closing Reflections.
What will you take away from this study and discussion?
What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.
