Home Team Discussion Guide

Rejoice in the Lord

BIG IDEA:
The Savior brings great joy in our lives.
TEACHING POINTS:

• Joy comes in the person of Jesus Christ.
• Joy is a choice, not an occurrence.
• Joy is a by-product of prayer when you have a problem.
• Joy focuses on God’s goodness over the glitches in life.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-21 NIV; Philippians 4:1-9 NIV
OPENING QUESTIONS:
  1. How did you specifically experience peace or live out peace this past week?
  2. What is one thing that you are thankful for as we approach Christmas?
  3. What is something that was stressful or difficult this week and how can we help?

IN THE WORD:
  1. Read Luke 2:1-21 in two different translations and then have someone re-tell it in their own words.
  2. List out in two columns what brought joy and what didn’t bring joy for Mary and Joseph. What is the difference between what brought them joy and what didn’t? Luke 2:1-21 NIV
  3. What are some of the things that Paul is joyful about? Philippians 4:1-8 NIV
  4. What does Paul say leads to peace and why should that bring joy? Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
  1. List out in two columns what in your life is not bringing you joy and what is bringing you joy this Christmas. Share with your group.
  2. How can you obey God this week and focus more on joy than on your circumstances?
  3. How can you share the joy of knowing Jesus in the life of someone else this week?

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