Getting Ready for Christmas Discussion Guide - Week 3

Welcome
“Are you ready for Christmas?” I have been asked that question at least three times this week.  And the answer is, “Getting there.” Both question and answer have referenced the cleaning and the decorating and the shopping for the physical celebration, but without any thought given to my spiritual preparation. It is good to have this time to focus on what we have done and still need to do as the celebration of the Incarnation draws near. Hopefully, you have taken some time to consider what God may want to clean up in your life or what special practice of holiness you may want to include in this season to make Christmas extra special this year. This week, we continue our series of Getting Ready for Christmas with a look at the guest list. A party or a dinner isn’t much of an event unless people show up. Christmas asks us to be intentional about inviting people around us to meet Jesus.  


Opening Prayer
God, it is good to be here today with you and with these people. Thank you for each one who has set aside this time. Remind us of the miracle of a God who became human as we move toward Christmas this year. Teach us new ways to be invitational in our lives. Amen.


Ice Breaker
Frequently an event is delineated by the guest list. Who will be invited – family, close friends, neighbors, business associates, acquaintances, friends of family, friends of friends – the list goes on. Tell about a guest list you either labored over, or were surprised to be included in.  


The Head
Sending invitations is a part of getting ready for an event. But receiving an invitation may also require preparation in order to participate fully in the celebration. Have you ever received an invitation that caused a bit of anxiety or apprehension – maybe a need for new clothes, or travel arrangements could be required?  Perhaps the invitation is to a life changing event. All of these were a part of the invitations to witness the incarnation of God as human.  

To Zechariah and Elizabeth
Luke 1.8,11-14,18

One day Zachariah was serving as a priest before God because his priestly division was on duty….An angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.  When Zecharaiah saw the angel, he was startled and overcome with fear. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your son and you must name him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many people will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the Lord’s eyes…Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this?  My wife and I are very old.”

As the parents of John the Baptist, Zechariah and Elizabeth are uniquely positioned to provide support and encouragement to Mary during her unique pregnancy.  Having experienced a remarkable gift of a child themselves, their comfort during a likely apprehensive time for Mary may be just what she needed as she prepared for her own child.  

• What is the specific focus of their invitation?  
• What was Zechariah’s response?
• What preparation is required?

To Mary
Luke 1.26-28,30-31,38

When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin's name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you… The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, God is honoring you.  Look, You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High…Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me as you have said.

Mary is an essential participant in the birth. Her response to the invitation is what we remember most. She said yes to an invitation that would profoundly affect her life from her deepest personal thoughts to her public life in community.  

• What is Mary’s invitation?
• What is her response?
• What anxieties or apprehensions do you imagine Mary had about the upcoming birth?
• What preparations did she need to make?

To the shepherds
Luke 2.8-11

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night.  The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them and they were terrified.  The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look ! I bring good news to you–wonderful joyous news for all people.” Your saviour is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.  

Israel was a nation of shepherds. Abraham’s wealth was measured by the size of his flocks.  Jacob’s flocks were increased through his scheming. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers who were out tending sheep. And David, Israel’s great king, honed his skills tending sheep. But by the time Jesus was born, most people of influence had relinquished the job of shepherding to the lower class working man.

• What was the invitation to the shepherds?
• Who delivered the invitation?  
• How was this invitation different from the message to the family?
• Why do you think the shepherds were invited?

To the Magi
Matthew 2.1-2  

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We've seen his star in the east and have come to honor him.”

What we know of the magi is that they came from far off. Likely they were astronomers or astrologers who were invited to the birth of a king through some natural phenomenon in the course of their studies.  

• What preparations would have been necessary for them to accept the invitation.
• What barriers did they face along the way?
• Why do you think it is important that they were included in the event?  

The Heart
Just as the invitations to the birth of Jesus were delivered in various ways, so the way in which we invite people will vary.  Some invitations are formal, requiring a specific RSVP, while others may be as casual as an aside to a conversation about a totally different subject i.e. “Oh that reminds me, coffee after church?”  Regardless of form, all invitations are intentional and have expectations. What is the event, where, when, details?

• What invitations will you extend this Christmas season?
• How do you determine the guest list when you host an event?
• What would it take for you to invite someone outside of your regular group?
• What invitation will be the most difficult for you to extend (or receive!) this season?

The Hands
The Christmas season offers us many opportunities for giving. There are community collections for toys or provisions for seniors in need. There are special giving opportunities at church such as our own designated Christmas offering for Mozambique. It is a bit harder to think of a way to invite others to share our space. Advance holiday planning seems essential to get people together. Here are a couple of suggestions.

• Invite someone along for an outing you already have on your calendar, i.e. another parent to ride along with you to your kid’s concert or sporting event. Or invite other parents for post-event ice cream or hot chocolate. 
• Use some of your meditation time to consider how you can invite God into your studies, relationships and activities.  

Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you are always with us. Thank you for your presence in this place. Be with us this week as we go about our preparations for Christmas. Remind us of the things we have said today and help us to invite others to hear the message of Jesus.  


From Pastor Charity
In the midst of a busy world, God speaks to us in still, small moments. Prayer helps us slow down and remain open to Holy moments within our souls. There are hundreds of ways to pray. You’re invited to try on a new way to pray at the Hope & Healing Service on Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the McCausland site.

This meaningful evening will include worship and guided experiences designed to help you center yourself and embrace the hope and healing of Jesus in the New Year. Workshop options include singing Lectio Divina (divine reading of scripture), art and prayer, listening and prayer, as well as yoga and prayer.

This is a unique time of worship and reflection you don’t want to miss! Sign up here and bring a friend!