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How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from December 11, 2022, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.

1. Share with the group some of your family Christmas traditions. Where did they originate from?

2. Does it matter if Jesus was born on December 25? Read Luke 2:1-21 and make note of all the details Luke provides regarding the birth of Jesus. From this, what can we infer were the main points he wanted us to know about Jesus’ birth?

3. How do you feel about using the word “Xmas?” Even though this word’s origin has nothing to do with the “war on Christmas,” do you agree or disagree that a word or custom’s meaning emerges from current use? Aside from using the word “Christmas,” how can we keep Christ in Christmas?

4. How have you taught/ been taught about the inclusion of Santa Claus in your Christmas traditions? What positive aspects of this could be used with children, and what aspects should be avoided?

5. Read John 1:14; John 3:16-17 and 1 John 4:9-12. Based upon these passages, what is the true meaning of Christmas? Pause to reflect upon your answer and then close your time in prayer.