BIG IDEA

Christmas is for giving.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT:

Have you ever wondered what it is about Christmas that makes us love to give gifts?

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

SO WHAT:

To us a child is born... to us a son is given...

We live in a 3 dimensional world and there are certain 4th dimensional truths that we can’t understand.

“No one’s experienced the decision / temptation / frustration that I’m facing. ” But because Jesus was fully human... HE DOES UNDERSTAND.

He can identify with you in: Deepest desires. Hopes – Dreams – Fears. He Isn’t put off by your biggest temptation.

NOW WHAT:

Jesus wasn’t just any child being born... Jesus was God’s Son given as a gift to this world...

Jesus came to identify with us in our humanity... Save us from the pain and brokenness caused by our sin...Bring us back to God.

So that we could live under God’s: Leadership. Partnership. Protection.

Today could be the day that you receive the best gift in the world... God’s forgiveness.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: Why can giving a gift be so joyful or exciting?

Q2: What does it feel like when you give a gift and someone doesn’t receive it well?

Q3: In your own words, what gifts could we prepare to receive from God during this season?

Q4: Jesus was the gift of understanding. He can identify with you in: Deepest desires. Hopes – Dreams – Fears, how does that make you feel about Him?

Q5: Have you ever seen the gift of Jesus change someone's life or did it change your own? Tell us about it.

Q6: Is there someone you can think of who you would like to see receive the gift of Jesus this season? Without naming names what do you think or hope that would change for them?