I can remember on Sunday about a decade or so ago when my wife and I were quite surprised. For us it had been a typical Sunday in the burbs of Chicago…church, Sunday School/Bible Class, home for pancakes, and then settling in while the kids played and for me to watch my beloved Chicago Bears. Then the doorbell rang. Friends from college “just happened to be in the area” and stopped by to visit. The house was a mess… kid's toys were all over the place, kids running around, couch pillows were on the floor, the dog barking, and the TV was too loud. We were unprepared for visitors. We were caught by surprise. How prepared are you? Oh, not for Christmas but for the second coming of Christ. Just how prepared are you? When the doorbell rings…have your house in order.

Matthew 25: 1-13 (ESV)

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

For Adult Homes, Groups, and Families with Kids

1. Describe a time when you were caught unprepared.

2. Can you think of anyone in the Bible who was unprepared?

3. As you prepare for Christmas what are some of the traditions that are “musts” in your family?

4. As a family, talk about what it means to “have your house in order.”

5. When you prepare Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner you follow a recipe…what is your recipe for Christ’s second coming?

6. Family is the most important unit in forming faith. Take the time to share your faith with your family.

Family Activity - start a countdown together until Christmas Day when we celebrate Jesus’ birth here on earth. Think of one small act of kindness you can do each day to help others prepare for Christmas.