SONG T0 THE WORLD
DECEMBER 18
Maybe you start playing Christmas music the first day of November or right after Thanksgiving dessert. No matter what or when, music is so essential to the Holiday season. It’s a reminder of the spiritual reality that all of Creation sings God’s praises. You and I can join in that chorus with our own “song” when we really encounter God.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?
2. What role has music played in your family around the holidays?
3. Read Luke 1:46-55.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
4. Read Genesis 3:15 in light of Luke 1:39-45.
◦ What connections do you see?
◦ Why do you think it’s significant that John leaps in his mother’s womb? What is your gut reaction to this miraculous story?
5. Read Hebrews 12:2. Take a moment to examine your heart. Are you living like we are still in Genesis 3, awaiting the promised rescuer or are you living like He has come and is coming again? How might you practice the joy that’s available to you, no matter what difficulties you are facing right now? How is this possible in Jesus?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Luke 1:39-45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
TAKE A NEXT STEP
- Spend time meditating on this song based on the painting, “Mary Consoles Eve”, by Sister Grace Remington- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srvP8ZbonN8. What emotions or thoughts does this stir up? Whatever struggles, pain or shame you are experiencing, how does this song remind you of the eternal joy and hope that is available in Jesus? How can you actively receive and live out this joy?
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids hear about how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him about who Mary’s baby was.
- THE BIBLE: Jesus makes everything new.
- THE BIG IDEA: Matthew 1:18-25
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- What is something new that God might want you to do that you’re unsure of?
- How does Jesus make things new?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
Luke 2:10 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: “I will bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10
Elem: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good new that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids hear about how angels appeared to the shepherds and told them the good news about Jesus’ birth!