Gifts – Part 2

Open with prayer.

Get to Know You (10 Minutes)

• What is the best gift you have received?
  

Observation & Discussion (30 Minutes)

Matthew 1:18-23
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

1. Joseph did as God commanded him in this passage. From this passage, list some characteristics you think Joseph had to respond the way he did.

2. God understands everything we experience in our lives. He is our gift in all things. Where in your life do you feel the most encouragement in knowing God understands and knows you.

Isaiah 53:3 – He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Hebrews 4:15-16 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

3. One of the ways God understands us that gives me the most comfort is He knows our pain. Is there an area you really need God to step into your pain or have you experienced God’s love in a difficult time?

4. God’s grace is for you! How does knowing God understands your life, work, pain, shortcomings, family, temptation help you?

Next Step (10 Minutes)

• For the month of December, think of one person you would like to share the hope of Jesus with. Please pray for them daily and consider inviting them to a Christmas service with you.

Prayer Requests (5 Minutes)

Pray with your group to close.