Connect

Main Idea: Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and death, and it was for you.

Introduction: The gift of myrrh represented what Jesus would experience, it was crushed and cut, used for burial.

Discussion Starter: Whether the wise men knew it or not, the gift of myrrh was foreshadowing. How far in advance have you bought a gift for someone?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: Isaiah 53:1-6, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, John 3:16

Discussion Questions:

1. Take a few moments in silent reflection. Meditate on the reality that Christmas is for you. Not the presents, the lights, or the peppermint mochas, but that Jesus was born and died for your sins. Discuss what that means to you.
2. Read Romans 3:23 No one is left out of this verse, the ground at the foot of the cross is level. How does this resonate with you?
3. Why is it important that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners? Do you ever feel like you have to “work for it?” If so, how are you encouraged that you can’t do that?
4. Who in your life doesn’t really know what Christmas is about? How will you tell them this year? Or get them to a place where they can hear it?

Protect

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

John 3:16 famously says that God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. The Gospel of John goes on, read John 3:17-18. Discuss how these verses shine more light on why the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice was offered.

Discuss how you can pray for each other to not live in condemnation and how you can pray for and serve those who do not believe.