For our annual Christmas message, join Patrick Morley for a brainstorm about how Jesus might have described coming to earth as a baby, the details of how it happened, and how he made sure his story was preserved for us. Merry Christmas!

How Jesus Might Describe His Birth

Luke 2:1-16, 3:23-38; Matthew 1:1-218

QUESTIONS:

1. What is most interesting, perplexing, or troubling to you about the way in which Jesus came into the world?

2. Why was it important for Jesus to have Joseph as his human father?

3. What events have made Jesus more important, intriguing, or special to you during this past year?

4. As a group, close by praising and thanking Jesus for his love, grace, mercy, and provision to save the world and you.

If you are a father, you know how much you pray, hope, and even ache for the wellbeing of your children in every area—their faith, relationships, emotions, career, finances, health, sense of identity and purpose, ability to overcome destructive behaviors or conquer loneliness, and so much more.

That’s what our heavenly Father wants for His children too. We are made in His image.

So why, then, is life so hard so much of the time? And what should our stance be when our circumstances are good? Join Pat Morley tomorrow for satisfying answers that will put your mind at ease, as well as practical ideas to help you interpret your circumstances.

There is a comfort to driving by a little, creaky, still-standing country church on a Sunday morning, wouldn’t you agree?

In a way it's like us. For reasons we can only imagine, the body of Christ—His church—though deeply flawed and far from perfect, is and always has been God’s primary and most effective voice to share the hope of the gospel to a wary but watching world.

Join Pat Morley as we spend some time thinking more deeply about how God speaks through the church:

• Across the ages.
• In the body.
• To the world.
• For your family.

It’s going to be a great day!

Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you have a high or low view of the church, and why? (If you have a low view of the church right now, can you agree, “The church has many critics, but no rivals”?)

2. How has the church effectively shared God’s voice:

• Through the ages? (e.h. Julian, “impious Christians!”)
• In the body?
• To the world?
• For your family?

3. What are the Founder’s wishes for you, and why, according to Matthew 16:18 and Hebrews 10:25? How do you want to respond?