Hope-Filled Expectations

Start Talking – Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

• Pastors Todd and Julie shared about a time they crammed so many activities and pressure-filled gift giving into their holiday that when they reached the end and looked back—it was all a blur. And they didn’t get any real pleasure from the experience. Have you ever been through this in your life? Can you identify with this narrative at all? 
  
• We were given a challenge. If you want something different than you’ve ever had before, you have to do something different than you’ve ever done before. What are some things you can do differently this year to create better memories and a more fulfilling outcome? 

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

Revisit the very beginning of the Christmas story. It sets the stage for what was going on in the life of Joseph, and in the world. Read these scriptures out loud:

Matthew 1:18-25

• Joseph had plans to marry a virgin and build a family with her. Everything he thought was going to happen was completely disrupted with one visit from an angel.
• Have you ever found yourself in a place of disruption? When your life took a detour from your planned path?

Luke 1:1-5

• These verses make reference to the days of Caesar Augustus. A little digging into history paints a stark picture of that time period. It was dark, and full of unrest and oppressiveness.
  
• Are these terms you would apply to the current climate of our world? Have you looked around in recent days and felt a bit (or a lot!) overwhelmed by it all? What can you take from God’s past actions in stories like this and apply to your life today?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

We are entering the season of Advent. We learned this week that Advent means the “arrival of something or someone of importance.” The theme of the first week of this celebration is hope. You may be like Joseph, experiencing a disruption. Or you may be like those living in the days of Caesar Augustus, experiencing darkness and disappointment. Wherever life finds you today—hope is real. Hope has a name. His name is Jesus.

1. God does GREAT THINGS in BAD TIMES. 

• We see this truth play out in the Christmas story. But it is not confined to the birth of Jesus. It’s something we see over and over again throughout Scripture. Looking at how God has moved in the past can stir up hope.
  
• Do you have a favorite Bible story where God did something amazing in the middle of a place of difficulty? Or an example from your own life? 

“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord…” Isaiah 45:3

2. Hope isn’t just something we get. It’s something we give. 

• Pastor Todd encouraged us this week with the idea that when we give hope away, it multiplies. So, if we’re feeling a little low on hope maybe we need to look for some ways to distribute it to those around us.
  
• What are some specific things you can do to spread confidence and comfort during this time of year? How can you share Jesus?

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in the land of deep darkness a light will shine.” Isaiah 9:2

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

We have three very specific action steps for this week as we enter this Christmas season.

• Determine how you’ll deliver hope.
  
• Pray about how you will participate in the Christ Birthday Offering this year. 
• Prepare spiritually to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Keep Praying

• Invite Jesus into your Christmas.
• Prayer requests from everyone at group.
• Pray.

Keep Praising

“Great Things” – Phil Wickham

“Believe For It” – CeCe Winans

“King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship

 Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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