This Sunday marks the beginning of the church season of Advent. “Advent” simply means “arrival,” and observing Advent prepares us for the Christmas celebration of God coming to us in Christ. This season is all about expectation and fulfillment, which is a theme I’m sure you can relate to if you have children or grandchildren or nephews or nieces who have begun to sense the nearness of Christmas (and its accompanying gifts).

But is it possible that, in some ways, our expectations about the meaning of Jesus’ birth are actually smaller than the actual fulfillment that God worked in the Bethlehem manger? In our times, Christmas has become a larger-than-life holiday. But as we read about the birth of Jesus this December, we might be surprised to discover that in Jesus life is larger than we thought.

This week, we’ll be reading from two texts–1 Samuel 17 and John 1–if you want to prepare.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: Advent – Champion // Scripture: I Samuel 17; John 1

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes

Is it possible that, in some ways, our expectations about the meaning of Jesus’ birth are smaller than the actual
fulfillment that God worked in the Bethlehem manger? In our times, Christmas has become a larger-than-life
holiday. But as we read about the birth of Jesus this Advent season, we might be surprised to discover that in
Jesus, life is larger than we thought.

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
From His fullness we have received grace upon grace.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes

Picture (What is the story saying?): In I Samuel 17, what is the enemy’s objective? What was the perspective of the people as they saw Goliath? What was David’s response when he realized what was happening? How was David like Jesus?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): What is the spiritual significance for you that “Champion” means “one who stands between”? Why didn’t the world receive Jesus (John 1)? What blocks you from seeing Jesus?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): Where do you see someone around you who cannot see Jesus? How is God prompting you to step in to help them see Him?

BE IT – Practice

At Grace each week we use the ideas of Worship, Word, and Wonder to guide our Sunday morning experiences. This week we want you to use these ideas to guide you in your community experience.

Change UP // Exercise 5 minutes

Take one minute to sit in silence before God. Invite Him to help you recognize where the enemy is trying to block you from receiving God’s redemption and restoration. We can rely on the victory of Jesus over every enemy/giant! What are the words God whispered to you during that minute?

Change IN // Group Activity 15 minutes

Life with Jesus continues with grace to walk in the life He has called us to. As a group, discuss places where you’re each trying to win battles on your own. Admonish each other to look to Jesus for those victories!

Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes

Revisit last week’s OUT. How is it going? [ Encourage your group to identify one place each one of you could give sacrificially this Christmas season to make their possessions count. Name these places and gifts out loud as a group.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes

Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.