Christmas at Faith Promise: The Toymaker – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: No one is ever too broken to find purpose because there is a purpose for us all.
Introduction: This week Pastor Zac and Rachel are starting a new Christmas tradition by reading the nativity story. When we look deeper at the story, we find a young woman discovering her purpose, a man questioning the reality of it all, and the beautiful way God redeems our sins.
Discussion Starter: Have you ever felt lost, like you didn’t know where to begin? Maybe it was where to start picking up the pieces after the end of a relationship, a job, an illness, etc. Maybe this year, 2020, has you confused and looking for where and how to help, or even how to survive.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Luke 1:1-38
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Zac and Rachel point out how the “least of these,” is used when it comes to people and places. What does this tell us about God? Do you know anyone who is living out God’s calling in their lives? Where do you look for God?
- Compare the reactions of Zechariah and Mary to the news that Gabriel delivered. What is similar to their reaction to seeing Gabriel? What was different?
- What do the consequences of Mary and Zechariah’s reactions tell us how to respond to God in our lives? Have you known people who responded to the pull of the Holy Spirit like Mary and/or Zechariah?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Luke 1 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Discuss how the nativity story relates to 2020. Are you still concerned about not being right or good enough for your calling? Are you afraid and questioning? Are you saying yes and asking for clarification? Pray for each other to strengthen your wisdom and discernment; to fortify your faith. Devise a plan to keep in touch with each other through the week for encouragement.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise and in the Community: This time of the year and with all that is going on, there are lots of organizations that need help in fulfilling their purpose. We also have many families here at Faith Promise who have been impacted by COVID and during the holidays. How can your small group support our families? How can your small group encourage nonprofit workers and even people in the medical field right now?
Engaging in World: Philippians 1:6: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
As God is completing the work in each of the members of the Timothy Initiative, it can be hard for those brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe for Christmas, we can write them cards and as a small group pray for those to encourage these young men and women who are fulfilling their purpose.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Who in your life do you know that has not taken the steps to start a relationship with God? Start a daily pray for them and others. Ask God to give you a “BOB” (burden, opportunity, and boldness) this holiday. That may look like providing an answer for a need for those people.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
