Big Idea: The whole world would be blessed because the whole world needed blessing; it needed Christmas.
Fill-In Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-128172.html
Continuing the Conversation:
1. Is the Christmas season a positive or negative time for you?
a. How would you typically describe the holidays?
Stressful
Delightful
Joyful
Nostalgic
Lonely
Dreadful
Family-filled
Frustrating
Lighthearted
Sad
Other __________________
2. The message traced how the Christmas story unfolded over two thousand years until, as the apostle Paul said, “The set time had fully come”—until the conditions were exactly how God wanted them.
a. When has God’s timing been different than the timing you hoped or even prayed for?
i. How did you feel at the time?
ii. How does hindsight change your feelings?
3. Given their dire circumstances, the struggling nation of Israel had no reason to believe God’s promises. Could you describe a period of time when you’ve seen someone trust God despite challenging or seemingly hopeless circumstances?
4. The full Christmas story—from God’s promises to Abraham all the way to the birth of Jesus —is a reminder of God’s timing and his faithfulness. Which of those do you need to be reminded of this season?
