What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What part of the Christmas season is the most peaceful for you? Is there an area that gives you some anxiety?
2. Read Philippians 2:1 in two versions. If we belong to Christ, there should be some other evidence of that, as listed in this verse. What are they? Is this evidence reflected in your life? If you experience these things, what will be the outcome? Read Philippians 2:2. What will the world see from the Body of Christ?
3. Step One to be encouraging and bring about peace this Christmas can be found in these verses. Read Ephesians 4:29 and 2 Timothy 2:23. What practical steps do you find here? Where do you need to apply them? Share without getting into an argument with your Life Group!
4. Step Two, another important part of bringing about peace, is found in the phrase “if any tenderness and compassion” (Philippians 2:1, NIV). Read 2 Corinthians 1:4 , John 14:16, and Psalms 34:18. Discuss how they encourage you. List practical ways for you to apply them.
5. Final Thought: Read Philippians 2:2 again. How does our church do, if we are using this standard? Evaluate your life and attitudes. If you are a believer, apply this test to your own actions. What next step has God shown you for this week and entire holiday season?
Deeper
6. The Prophet Isaiah had much to say about the coming Messiah. Read Isaiah 7:14. What do you think about this prophecy? Is it specific? Is it unique among other world religions? How so? How not?
7. Read Isaiah 9:6. What is significant about a “child is born” and a “son is given”? List the names foretold that Jesus would be called and would embody. Which is most marvelous to you? What do you make of the Messiah being both “a son” and “Everlasting Father”? Read Ephesians 2:14-18. How does this fulfill prophecy?
8. Read Isaiah 9:7. What do these prophecies tell you? What comfort do they give? Who will accomplish this? Compare these verses and questions to Luke 1:30-35.