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The Uncluttered Christmas:
Make Room for Jesus!
Uncluttered Hope: Clearing Space for God’s Promise!
Challenge:
- Choose one intentional moment each day to stop, notice, and respond to someone God places in front of you.
- Let someone experience Christ’s love through your presence.
- Choose today to offer what you have…no matter how small.
eKids Going Deeper
SAY:
The holidays can be super stressful! There is so much stuff to get
done, so many places to be, and so many gifts to wrap! During
Christmas, it can be hard to find even a moment’s peace. But God
doesn’t want us to live our lives stressed out! He wants to give
us peace!
READ: READ:
Luke 2:4-20
DISCUSS: DISCUSS:
- Where were the shepherds?
- While the shepherds were watching their sheep, who showed
up?
- What did the angels declare there would be on Earth?
- Where did the shepherds find the baby Jesus?
- What does “Immanuel” mean?
SAY: SAY:
The shepherds heard the angels announce, “Peace on Earth!”
That is one of the main reasons Jesus came to Earth. He wants to
give us peace. When things get stressful in life, if we ask God to
give us the gift of Peace, He will give it freely.
DISCUSS: DISCUSS:
- What does peace mean to you?
- How can you receive the gift of peace?
PRAY: PRAY:
Pray with your children who may be going through a rough time.
Pray that God will give them the GIFT of PEACE, knowing that
they are not alone but that “Immanuel” is with them.
Encounter Student Ministry
ESM JR High Going Deeper
- Why are Christmas traditions important to many people?
- What are some things people your age hold on to – that they struggle to let go of – that prevent them from receiving God’s best?
- What are some traditions/habits in your own life that may get in the way of God’s work in your life? Are there any traditions/habits that get in the way of God using you to help others?
- How can you set yourself up to trust God a little more today than yesterday?
ESM SR High Going Deeper
- Are there certain people in your life who you often find yourself making quick judgements about? Ask God to develop compassion in you for them.
- How often do you find yourself gossiping about others? Speaking about others without truly intending on helping them? Ask God to open your eyes when you find yourself tempted to gossip and to give you the strength to refrain.
- What are some effective ways you can support a friend who needs help working through a particular sin? Talk with a trusted Christian adult about your thoughts.
- Why do you think it’s important for you to focus on working through the sin in your life more than the sin in others’ lives? Do you think doing this can better help you help others? Why or why not?
