Group Discussion Guide
Scripture focus: Luke 2:1-7

We all want a feeling of "Home for Christmas." Traditions involve all of our senses, and those senses are tied to our memories. It’s the most wonderful time of the year because we are able to recreate and re-member all the people and moments that make the Christmas season. This year will be no different it just may look different.

Last week we visited the details of the Magi and their journey to see this baby Jesus. They would soon find out that their lives would be changed forever as God instructed them to take a different way home.

*Share an example of a time when you were on your way to an expected destination and experienced an unexpected detour. Explain how difficult the journey was. (on your way to work, family vacation, wedding, party, interview)

*What was the most difficult trip you remember taking? Share some of the details that made the trip so challenging. (weather, traffic, kid sick in the back seat, got halfway to your destination and forgot your luggage, flight canceled, accident)

Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. Nearly 20 centuries ago, the miracle of miracles took place. A baby was born. The Gospels tell of his birth, but Luke, as though he were the acting physician, provides the greatest detail related to this most special occasion. As you will see in this account, Joseph and Mary are about to set out on quite a difficult journey to a town far away.

*Take a moment to discuss, from today’s message, the hardships they had to endure.

Read together Luke 2:1-7 Jesus Is born in Bethlehem

Scripture Support:
v. 1; Luke is the only Gospel writer who related the events he recorded to world history.

v. 2; a decree was ordered by Caesar Augustus for a census to take place. Mary and Joseph would have to make a trip to Bethlehem. This ended up being perfect timing for God’s perfect plan to bring His son, Savior, into the world.

v. 4-5; Have you ever said to yourself, “if I’m being obedient to God, then why aren’t things going better in my life?” Perhaps too often when we experience unwanted difficulties, bad news, or are inconvenienced we think that we have done something wrong or misunderstood God. Consider the experience of Joseph and Mary… God did not pave an even path. The road they traveled was rough, yet He strengthened them along the way. God didn’t provide the most luxurious accommodations, just humble housing. This serves as a reminder to us that just because we are obedient to God does not guarantee comfort and convenience. Both discomfort and inconvenience have a purpose in God’s plan.

v. 7; everyone thought that their promised Messiah would be born in a palace. This King, born in a manger, lived an incredible life, died a most horrific death, ascended into heaven, will one day return and rule the world.

*Read John 14:23, Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

*Why do you go to the trouble of going home for Christmas?
*How does this year impact what your “going home” experience will look like?

“We are home, because our souls are at rest with the person of Jesus. No matter what traditions are canceled, who we are around; our home is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Draw near to him and go HOME in CHRIST-mas.”