Tale of 3 Christmases

1. A CALENDARED CHRISTMAS: JOY ISN’T LIMITED TO A DAY, IT’S LIVED OUT BY A CHOICE!

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

Matthew 2:9-10 NKJV

2. A COMMERCIALIZED CHRISTMAS: THE WORLD WANTS TO ENSLAVE YOU, WHILE JESUS CAME TO SAVE YOU!

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have...” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11 NKJV

3. A CHRIST CENTERED CHRISTMAS: REMEMBER, CHRIST COMES FIRST IN CHRISTMAS!

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

Matthew 2:12 NKJV

VICTORY GROUP QUESTIONS

1) Is your “Joy” anchored in the holiday season? (I.e. festivities, lights, music, etc.) Do you struggle to have the same “Joy” all throughout the year? Share.

2) Have you been a victim of a “Commercialized Christmas”? Do you get suckered into spending more than you should? Why do we do that and how can we prevent it from happening next year? Share.

3) What is something you took away from this message that wasn’t already discussed? Share.

4) What was the most memorable gift you received for Christmas growing up? (Fun discussion).