Simply Christmas - Week 2 Discussion Guide

CoreGroup Guide | Simply Christmas - Week 2
Guide written by Denee Bowers and Jenny Huffman


Welcome

In this series we are trying to shift our focus from all of the material parts of Christmas to the spiritual and relational opportunities God presents us with. If we are able to simplify things like gift giving and party planning we can create space for things like connecting with God and caring for the people around us. Of course, we’ll never have these special moments with God and others without one thing. An invitation. 


Opening Prayer

[*Start by taking a few long, deep breaths together*]

God, thank you for the opportunity to pause in the midst of this busy season, to breathe, and to gather together with these friends and companions. Thank you for the invitation to be a part of this group, for the invitation to connect, grow, and learn. As we settle in today, we ask that you prepare our hearts and minds for this discussion. Guide us, lead us, challenge us, comfort us, and surround us with your presence. Amen.


Ice Breaker

Our scripture today is about a 1st century preacher and prophet known as John the Baptist. What would people call you if we used the same naming pattern today? For example, Josh the Pretender, Rosie the Questioner, Tyler the Fixer… Who would you be?


The Head

“The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah:
Look, I am sending my messenger before you.
He will prepare your way,
a voice shouting in the wilderness:
        ‘Prepare the way for the Lord;
        make his paths straight.’
John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. He announced, ‘One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’” [Mark 1:1-8]

• Why do you think God decided to send John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus?
• In scripture the wilderness was often a place where God was revealed to God’s people. What do you think it means that John the Baptist comes from the wilderness? 
• What invitation did John the Baptist extend to the people who heard him?
• How do you think the people responded to this invitation? How would you respond?

The Heart

The beauty (and challenge) of invitations is that we have the opportunity to both receive and offer them. There is some amount of risk involved in both, but God asks us to trust as we engage invitations. Use this time to consider what is holding you back and imagine how things could look different if you acted.

• Share a time when you received or extended an invitation that led to a meaningful experience. 
• What invitation has God presented you with that you haven’t accepted or acted on?
• What holds you back from joining God in the place God is calling you to?
• What holds you back from sharing your faith or inviting people to join you at church?    

The Hands

This week we’re getting practical. It can be easy to talk about how important invitations are, it can be a lot harder to follow through. 

• What about an invitation makes you more likely to accept? What details do you want to know before you commit? 
• What is one thing about your faith and church experience that is meaningful to you? Think about how you can share that with someone when you extend an invitation.
• Who in your life could you extend an invitation to this Christmas season? Make a plan for a specific person, day, and let your group hold you accountable. 

One simple invitation you could offer is for someone to join you at one of The Gathering’s Christmas Eve services. In the coming week, be mindful of the people in your life and the holy nudges you experience to extend an invitation.