Study Guide December 1-29, 2013
Table of Contents Christmas Mash-up (Introduction)...5 A Tale of Two Christmas Stories (Lesson 1, December 1)...6 Philippians 2:5-11 It s a Wonderful Life Savings (Lesson 2, December 8)...8 Galatians 4:4-7 Santa Claus is Coming to the Little Town of Bethlehem (Lesson 3, December 15)... 10 Matthew 1:18-25 Joy to the World is Not Enough (Lesson 4, December 22)... 12 Luke 2:8-15 And a Happy New Hope (Lesson 5, December 29)... 14 Titus 2:11-14
Christmas Mash-up (Introduction) Recently my son Jack has become very interested in Star Wars. He enjoys watching the movies, he loves to play with Star Wars toys, he frequently asks for Star Wars coloring pages, and he loves to have lightsaber fights. Yoda and Darth Vader are as common in his conversations as his two brothers are. He is truly passionate about Star Wars. This newfound interest has coincided with another passion of his: Angry Birds. He loves to play Angry Birds games on our ipad. He has Angry Birds toys and Angry Birds are a frequent topic of conversation. So, with these two passions of his, you can imagine Jack s exuberance when a new game was released: Angry Birds Star Wars. Not a joke. For Jack, the only thing better than Angry Birds and Star Wars separately is Angry Birds and Star Wars together. This may seem like a leap, but this comical combination makes me think about Christmas. For those of us who are Christians, Christmas can feel like a mash-up of two separate passions. One that one hand we love Jesus, we love nativity sets, we love Hark! the Herald Angel Sing and O Holy Night, and we love reading the biblical Christmas story with our families. On the other hand we love presents, we love trees, we love songs like Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and we love to watch Elf and It s a Wonderful Life. And each Christmas allows us an opportunity to combine these two passions as we celebrate throughout December. Here is the question: Does this combination enhance these two celebrations or does it water them down? In other words, is this more like combining chocolate and peanut butter or is it more like watering down a soda? In an effort to get the best of everything, are we in danger of burying something beautiful? Now, I love presents and carols and Christmas decorations. This is not intended to convince anyone to shun these modern Christmas symbols. But there is a concern here. If we really believe that the biblical Christmas story is about God meeting our deepest needs through the gift of his Son Jesus, then it makes sense that we would do all that we could to emphasize that reality and guard against anything that would water it down. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, the apostle Paul describes the message of the biblical Christmas story: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. The Christmas story is not about gaining presents, outspending each other, and experiencing warm fuzzies through family traditions and shiny decorations. This is not because these things are evil, but because they only address short-term, surface needs. The story of Jesus birth, however, is a story about God meeting our deepest needs of forgiveness, hope, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. As much fun as our modern Christmas celebration is, none of us would think it wise to bury foods that meet our daily nutritional needs underneath a pile of cotton candy and pixie sticks. This series of lessons will invite us to celebrate the birth of Jesus not only with songs and Scripture, but by reflecting and mimicking his sacrificial and hope-giving life in our own Christmas celebrations. 5
A Tale of Two Christmas Stories (Lesson 1, December 1) Philippians 2:5-11 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Question for Family Discussion 1. If aliens visited the United States during the month of December, what do you think they would conclude about the meaning of Christmas? Getting Started 2. What role does the biblical Christmas story play in your annual Christmas traditions? Main Point While the modern Christmas story is about upward mobility, the original Christmas story is about God losing status in order to save us. 3. What areas of your life involve people finding ways to use others for their own personal gain? Introduction Recently I was at Disneyland and it was decorated for the holidays. As I walked around, I was struck with how elaborate the decorations were, and yet how utterly absent Christ was. There was a lot about peace and joy. There were a lot of ornaments and trees and snowflakes. The holiday mood was present everywhere I looked. It was a true Christmas celebration. It just happened to be one that didn t involve Jesus. I realize that this is not a new phenomenon. For years we have found ways to celebrate Christmas without Christ. But, absent the biblical Christmas story, what story are we telling? This lesson will explore how the biblical Christmas story serves as a contrast to the Christmas story that our culture tells today. As we explore these two stories, we will be invited to engage in the true Christmas story in a new way. Digging In Read Philippians 2:5-11. 4. Read verse 5. What do you think is involved with adopting someone else s mindset? 5. Focus on verse 6. How did Jesus actions reveal that He was not interested in using His equality with God for His own advantage? 6
6. How do people use the Christmas season to their own advantage? Taking it to Heart 12. What popular cultural elements of the Christmas story often distract you from the biblical Christmas story? 7. How does verse 7 relate to the Christmas story? What new significance does this verse bring? 13. This year, what are some practical ways that you can participate in the biblical Christmas story? 8. What does verse 8 say about the lengths to which Jesus was willing to go in order to benefit to others? 9. According to verses 9-11, what did Jesus receive after He humbled Himself? Notes Wrestling With Issues 10. After He humbled Himself, Jesus received glory. We are called to adopt Jesus same mindset. What kind of glory (if any) are we to expect in our future? 11. How does the biblical Christmas story (as told in this passage) contrast with the typical Christmas story told by our culture? 7
It s a Wonderful Life Savings (Lesson 2, December 8) Galatians 4:4-7 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Main Point While modern Christmas gifts are about short-term gratification, the original Christmas gift is about God meeting our deepest need. Introduction I love watching my kids open their Christmas gifts. They make gift lists in anticipation of the big day, and then they joyfully unwrap their gifts on Christmas morning. Whether it s Legos or DVDs or toys, they launch themselves into their new possessions. It is as if their greatest dreams have been fulfilled. That lasts for a week or two. Then those sought-after presents seem like old news. New wish lists begin to compile themselves. It quickly becomes clear that the presents, which were such a focal point of desire, reveal themselves to be inadequate. New gifts seem like the only solution for the longing inside their hearts. Those of us who are Christians typically say that Christmas is not about the gifts. However, the biblical Christmas story is about a gift. It is about a gift that is completely different than the gifts that we give and receive on Christmas mornings. And the more we embrace this Christmas gift from God, the more we will find a new way to think about the gifts that we give and receive every Christmas. Getting Started 2. What needs are normally met by Christmas presents? 3. What are some needs that cannot be met by Christmas presents? 4. How would your life change if this Christmas you were able to receive every present you wanted? Digging In Read Galatians 4:4-7. 5. According to verse 4, when it was time for God to give the world a gift, what did He give? 6. What is the significance of Jesus being born of a woman? Check out last week s lesson on Philippians 2:5-11 for help. Question for Family Discussion 1. What is the greatest Christmas gift you ever received, and what made it so great? 7. According to verse 5, what was the ultimate purpose of God s gift of His Son? 8
8. According to verse 6, what other gift has God given to His children? Notes 9. Paul says that the Holy Spirit, who was given to us, cries out to God as our Father. What does it say about a person s relationship to their father if they are able to cry out to Him in their time of need? 10. Read verse 7. What are some practical differences between being a slave and a child? Taking it to Heart 11. How are God s gifts of His Son and His Spirit substantively different from the gifts that we receive every Christmas? 12. How can you more fully receive God s gift of adoption through Jesus? 13. How can you more fully receive God s gift of power and assurance through His Spirit? 9
Santa Claus is Coming to the Little Town of Bethlehem (Lesson 3, December 15) Matthew 1:18-25 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us ). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Main Point While the savior of our modern Christmas who offers us short-term relief, the true Savior came at Christmas to save us for all eternity. Introduction For many years, Santa Claus has become the symbol for the Christmas season. From the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas to kids waiting in line to sit on Santa s lap, Santa Claus is truly the central figure of the American Christmas. He takes center stage on our Christmas cards, our Christmas ornaments, and our TV Christmas specials. Now, it seems like only the Grinch would take issue with Santa Claus. It s hard not to love the jolly old gift-giver. There is no reason to demonize him. But his centrality raises the question: If Santa Claus is the hero of the story, what is the message of this hero? The biblical Christmas story has a hero of its own. He is the prophesized Savior of the world, and He takes on humanity in the Christmas story. As the story s hero, He comes not simply to give people a quick reprieve from boredom or lack, but comes to save people from the eternal consequences of their sins. This lesson will explore the contrast between the two heroes of the two Christmas stories. Question for Family Discussion 1. When you think of Christmas, what person first comes to you mind, and why? Getting Started 2. Share about a time when someone saved you from something. 3. If you needed to be saved from something, what kinds of qualities would your savior need to have? Digging In Read Matthew 1:18-25. 4. After you read verses 18-19, describe the circumstances under which this Christmas story begins. 10
5. The Holy Spirit is mentioned in both verses 18 and 20 as the agent through whom Jesus was conceived. What does this say about God s involvement in these events, even before Jesus walked the earth? Taking it to Heart 12. What effects of sin are impacting you right now? How can you look to Jesus for deliverance from these? 6. According to verse 21, what is the specific way that Jesus will save His people? 13. What are some ways that you can reflect Jesus salvation to others during this Christmas season? 7. Think for a moment about the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of sin. What are some implications of Jesus saving us from our sins? Notes 8. What promise is given in the prophecy that is quoted in verses 22-23? 9. What is the connection between Jesus saving us from our sins and God being with us? 10. What do verses 24-25 say about how Joseph responded to the promises that were given about Jesus? Wrestling With Issues 11. This passage certainly demonstrates that God brings deliverance in unexpected ways. What are some unexpected ways that God has shown His kindness in your life? 11
Joy to the World is Not Enough (Lesson 4, December 22) Luke 2:8-15 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. Question for Family Discussion 1. What part of your Christmas celebration brings you the most joy, and why? Getting Started 2. Share about a time when you had great anticipation for something, and it ended up letting you down. Main Point While the modern Christmas celebrates fleeting joy, the biblical Christmas celebrates divine joy. 3. Why do you think joy often seems to be so fleeting? Introduction Joy is present when there is something to be celebrated. Athletes celebrate after they win championships. Graduates celebrate after they get their diplomas. Couples celebrate after taking their wedding vows. Everyone loves a good celebration because a celebration means that something wonderful has happened. Almost all of us will celebrate Christmas. The only question is what exactly we will be celebrating. If we join in with the celebration of our culture, then we will be briefly filled with short-term joy. But if we join the celebration of the angels, and embrace the good news of Jesus birth, we will have access to a long-term, abiding joy. This lesson will offer two contrasting Christmas celebrations and will invite us to join the chorus in celebrating Jesus birth. Digging In Read Luke 2:8-15. 4. As you read and reflect on verses 8-9, write down all the unexpected things that happen in these verses. 5. The angel s message begins with a call away from fear and a call to joy. What do you see as the relationship between fear and joy? 12
6. According to verse 11, what is the reason for great joy? 13. With whom do you think God wants you to share His message of great joy? 7. What do you think went through the shepherds minds when they heard the description of their Savior in verse 12? 8. The birth of Christ was such an occasion for joy that a whole host of angels appear to celebrate it. What does this tell you about God s attitude toward people receiving His Christmas gift? 9. In verse 14 the angels proclaim peace. How do you think this peace relates to the joy that was proclaimed back in verse 10? 10. What do you take away from the shepherds response in verse 15? Taking it to Heart 11. What kinds of things rob you of the divine joy brought by Jesus? 12. How can your Christmas celebration this year reflect eternal joy instead of simply focusing on fleeting joy? Notes 13
And a Happy New Hope (Lesson 5, December 29) Titus 2:11-14 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Main Point While each new year we hope for better things based on our will power and circumstances, God offers us true hope in the return of Christ. Question for Family Discussion 1. What are you hoping happens during this next year? Getting Started 2. When our culture assesses our greatest problems, what are some common solutions that are offered? Introduction A few years ago my family got to spend Christmas day with some Somali refugees. A friend of ours had befriended them, and we joined them for Christmas dinner. After dinner I took some time to tell the Christmas story to the children. They were culturally Muslim, so they were not terribly familiar with the story. I told them about Jesus birth, and the announcement seemed to fall flat. They were not deeply impacted. So I continued on and told them briefly about Jesus life and His miracles and His teachings. Still nothing. So I continued on and told them about Jesus sacrificial death and resurrection. This elicited a small reaction, but nothing profound. Finally I added in the fact that Jesus will one day come back to rule the world. At this point their eyes got wide and they looked amazed. This suddenly was a story that captured their imagination. No good story is complete without a conclusion that wraps everything up. And the best case scenario is if the story finds a happy ending. The story of Jesus does not end with a manger. It doesn t end with a cross. It doesn t even end with an empty tomb. It ends with a second appearance. This lesson will put a cap on the Christmas story by exploring the hope that the second coming of Jesus brings to our lives today. 3. Write out your understanding of the basics of the Christian message. Where does the return of Jesus fit into that message? Digging In Read Titus 2:11-14. 4. In verse 11, Paul speaks of the grace of God having appeared. When did this grace appear? 5. What is the significance of Christ offering salvation to all people? 14
6. In verse 12 Paul writes about the way that believers live in this present age. What does self-control have to do with the salvation that is mentioned in verse 11? 13. What are some practical ways that your hope in Jesus (and His return) can empower you to practice self-control? 7. According to verse 13, what are we doing while we exercise the self-control mentioned in verse 12? 14. With whom do you think God wants you to share your hope in Jesus? How can you prayerfully approach that person? 8. In the past, Christ saved us (verse 11). In the future, this salvation will be fully realized (verse 13). What does verse 14 say about the goal of the salvation that Christ offers us? Notes 9. Read Revelation 21:1-4. What does this passage tell you about why Jesus return is our blessed hope? 10. Both verses 12 and 14 speak of Christian behavior in light of the salvation offered by Christ. Wrestling With Issues 11. In verse 13 Paul refers to Jesus as our great God and Savior. How do these titles impact your confidence in the return of Christ? Taking it to Heart 12. This passage calls Jesus return our blessed hope. What are some other things that offer you short-term hope, and how can you respond to these things? 15