4. BLUE
Start with an Icebreaker Question To start off your small group, briefly share your response to the following question: What is your favorite Christmas song? Share with your group. Please Read What To Expect Let s get a big picture of what we ll be learning today For many people, the holiday season is a very somber time. Whether coping with the loss of a loved one, struggling through depression, or holding on to bitterness, the most wonderful time of the year isn t always so wonderful. In this session, we ll learn how God longs to give us His comfort and peace in times of despair. 32
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS At this time, please break into smaller groups of 2-4 for the discussion question section. Have a great discussion! 1.) If you had to describe Christmas time using ONE word, what word would you use? Share with your group. 2.) While the Christmas carols proclaim that it s the most wonderful time of year, for many people, the holidays have turned into nothing but a gloomy reminder of their depression, bitterness, hurt, and other negative emotions. One of the ways that the devil attempts to grab ahold of our minds and hearts is by tricking us into comparing ourselves and our accomplishments to others. This unhealthy habit will inevitably provoke thoughts and feelings of inadequacy and discontentment in who we are, what we do, and why we even exist. To successfully overcome this, we must replace these lies with God s truth. What is something God says is true about you? Share ONE thing with your group. (i.e. I am loved by God, I am valued by God, He has a plan for my future, I ll be okay, etc.) 3.) Another common habit that often leads to negative emotions is feeling the need to live in isolation. While we may be tempted to push our loved ones away so we can wallow in our sorrow alone, God makes it clear that He s designed us to be in relationship with others, especially in times like these. Read the scripture below: Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Can you think of a time when you had a friend or loved one who played a key role in helping you get through a difficult time? Share with your group. 33
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (continued) 4.) Faulty thinking is another tactic that the devil uses to get us down. This is another unhealthy habit of blaming ourselves for all the things that go wrong and have gone wrong in the past. The devil will do this by whispering things in our ear like, it s all your fault or this never would have happened if In our moments of depression and sorrow, our flaws and mistakes will appear to be magnified. This often results in increased guilt and regret. However, God says that the moment we begin a relationship with His Son, Jesus, every single one of our sins are forgiven. Read the scripture below: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God s grace (Ephesians 1:7) If God can forgive all of our sins and short-comings, it s important that we learn to let go of our guilt/regret and begin forgiving ourselves. Have you ever struggled with forgiving yourself for something? How did you deal with it? Share with your group. 5.) There s no doubt that we each have struggled through these and other negative emotions at one point or another. For many people, the holidays are still a struggle to get through. However, the greatest encouragement of all is to remember that God is always by our side and He will never leave us. He promises us this in His Word. Read the scripture below: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) How does this promise from God encourage you? Share with your group. 34
As this series comes to a close and Christmas draws nearer, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our savior and the light of the world, Jesus! Invite your family and friends and join us at our New Hope Windward Christmas service as we celebrate the true reason for the holiday season! CLOSE IN PRAYER Take a few minutes to close your time together with prayer and to pray for each other s prayer requests. Below is a sample prayer to read if you choose to. You can also choose to write down each other s prayer requests to remember throughout the week. Sample Prayer: God, thank You for the discussion we ve had in this small group session. We know that for some people, the holiday season can stir up many emotions. We are grateful that in hard times we can cling to You because You are our ever present help. We know that with You, we can weather any storm. Lord as we prepare to celebrate Your birth we pray that You would fill each of us with Your supernatural joy that only You can grant us. We love You and we celebrate You! In Jesus name, Amen. 35
DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 1 S C R I P T U R E 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. (Isaiah 9:6) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 2 S C R I P T U R E Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R 36
DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 3 S C R I P T U R E God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 4 S C R I P T U R E The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R 37