Preparing For Silent Night
Campus Pastor Weekend
Review this week's message.
Key Thought: Do not be silent about the Silent Night.
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
· What is on your list of important things to do this time of year?
· Have you ever lost your voice? What was it like when you couldn’t talk to others?
· Share your favorite Christmas story from your childhood.
Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
· What does it look like to point people towards Jesus?
· What can we do to prepare the way so people can begin a relationship with Jesus?
· Why does it seem easier to tell people about our favorite restaurant/movie/event but hard to tell them about Jesus?
Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
· How did someone prepare the way for Jesus to enter your life?
· What is the call of God on your life? If you’re not sure, ask other members of the group what they think it is for you.
· Share a time when you were disobedient to God and what that looked like
· What does “being made new every year” mean to you?
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding us that Christmas is not about the presents we can buy for each other. Christmas is not about the lights, the sales, nor the gift wrapping. This is a time for us to celebrate the miracle of your birth. This is a time for us to obediently use the voice You have given to us so that others may know who You are. Ultimately, this is a time to create new relationships with You, Lord. People must know they are loved by You. They have been forgiven by You in spite of all our shortcomings. We are a new creation in the Salvation that has been freely given to us. It is in Your precious and holy name we pray. Amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
· Share with one another how the voices of others in your group have positively impacted you and/or the great purpose you see in them.
· Your stories, your past, etc., can make a difference in someone’s life. Commit to sharing your story so that other people can have an encounter with Jesus.
· As a group, create a list of ways you can SHOW (not tell) those around you that Christmas is all about Jesus. Let the world know that you have been redeemed!
Scriptures
“And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:16-17 NLT
“Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.’ Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.’” Luke 1: 18-20 NLT
“So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, ‘His name is John.’ Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.” Luke 1:62-64 NLT
“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.” Luke 1:76-77 NLT
“John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: ‘I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’’” John 1:23 NLT
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 ESV