For Further Consideration :: Life Group Questions
Week 2 :: The Stories of Christmas | Shawn Cossin
What’s the weirdest Christmas present you’ve ever given or received?
What were you like as a kid when it came to anticipating Christmas?
The definition of “anticipation”:
A prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
The act of looking forward, especially to a pleasurable outcome
Read Matthew 6:7-8
Why is it important to note that Jesus said, “When…”?
What does he suggest about our praying? Why would that matter?
What do these scriptures have to do with anticipation?
Read Matthew 7:7-12
What did Shawn say about “asking, seeking, and knocking”?
What do we know of God’s desire to help his children?
How has God been faithful to you?
Read this out loud to the group:
In “A Christmas Story,” the main character Ralphie wanted a Red Rider BB Gun. But his desire was tempered by his inability to trust his parents would get him what he asked for.
That’s just a fictional movie, but how does our inability to trust God and his provision affect our relationship with Him? (If it’s helpful, review Shawn’s illustration about the gift of a musket he wanted from his grandfather, too.)
In “A Christmas Story,” everyone told Ralphie that he’d “shoot his eye out.” In our relationship with God, we get impatient about timing and safety about a lot of things. Sometimes the best thing God can do is say “no” or “not yet” or “in a little while.” Can you think of any moments from your own life where you got impatient with God?
Shawn asked, “What are you asking God for this Christmas,” then asked if we would be willing to wait on God’s answer/response, even if it’s not coming right away.
Read Psalm 5:3 – How does that tie in with your group discussion/study so far?
In the end of “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie finally gets the BB gun. In life, we don’t always have the storybook ending. Sometimes we do, but sometimes we continue to wait in expectation. Take a moment to share the “storybook ending” moments you’ve experienced, and also take a moment to share the things you’re still waiting and praying about.
IN CLOSING :: Take time to reflect as a group – what are you asking God for this Christmas, and what are you anticipating? How can you be patient as God works His plans out in your life? Pray for each other and for our church, too!
(Don’t forget – please drop me a line with a Life Group update – THANKS!)
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