MORE THAN Christmas Day DECEMBER 25, 2016
Merry Christmas Christmas is here, and we are so excited that you are joining us for a special experience for you and your family. As you spend time with friends and family today, please take some time to use the resources contained in the bag as well as engage with the online experience at e91christmas.org. Christmas is so much more than meets the eye. We hope that by participating, you will create some new traditions and rediscover the real joy of Christmas. Worship With Us Go to e91christmas.org to join us in the worship experience. More details and online resources will be available there. 2
Scripture Read the following Scripture together LUKE 2:41-52 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress. And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (ESV) 3
Discussion Questions Watch the message and discuss together 1. How is looking back helpful for you and your family? 2. How is looking back at your past hindering you from moving forward? 3. What is your starting point in looking forward (Luke 2:49)? What is your focus (Luke 2:46)? What is your (and your family s) level of commitment (Luke 2:51)? 4. What is your (and your family s) next step in growth (Luke 2:52)? 4
Communion as a Family 1. EXAMINE & PRAY Take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to show you any sin in your life and ask Jesus for forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 11:28 - Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (ESV) 2. TAKE & EAT Eat the cracker that represents the body of Christ and remember how it was broken for our sins. Matthew 26:26 - Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (ESV) 3. TAKE & DRINK Drink the juice that represents the blood of Christ and remember the new covenant, God s promise: we can be free from sin through His shed blood. Matthew 26:27-28 - And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (ESV) Read more about the Last Supper and Jesus sacrifice in Matthew chapter 26. 5
Giving Remember as you have received communion and this tangible reminder of your identity in Christ, it is also your privilege to give back to the Lord with joy. As Christ-followers we find our identity and purpose in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are able to give those around us what they need when we find our identity in him. We can also take a step of faith in giving a portion of our finances back to God. There are many great opportunities to get involved with our church financially. To find out how you and your family can impact lives in our community and around the world through the ministries of E91, check out e91christmas.org for more details. 6
Family Activity This is an excellent opportunity for parents/grandparents to tell your children a story of the most memorable Christmas to you and why. Allow the children to video a family member s comments and ask these questions: 1. What is your name? 2. What is the most memorable Christmas you have ever experienced? 3. Why was that Christmas so memorable? 4. What did you learn about God during that time? 5. What is God teaching you this Christmas? When you are done filming, ask an adult to help you edit the video. Upload your video to social media using #E91christmas. 7
E91CHRISTMAS.ORG