December 1-3

Reading for this week - chapters 1-3

“Despite his (God’s) people’s failures and trials, despite various cataclysmic events, the longest standing and most difficult to keep promise of God has come to fulfillment in Jesus.” (pp. 21-22)

Verse for the week: 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Discussion Question

None of us like to wait for the good things to come. But sometimes, delayed gratification can reveal the sweetest gifts. Where have you seen God's faithfulness in your life this past year? 

We hope you'll discuss this question with your family and friends. Look for an opportunity this week to hear an interview with a fellow church member and share your own thoughts.

December 4-10

Reading for this week - chapters 4-10

“Fearing God means, as our spiritual forefathers said, living coram Deo – in the presence of God – because you know that he wants to “bless you and keep you… Make his face to shine upon you and… Lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (pp. 47-48) 

Verse for the week: Lamentations 3:22-24

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"

Discussion Question

We don’t often stop and consider the mercies of the Lord in the midst of our daily lives. We can know, however, that they are always there. Where have you seen the Lord’s mercy in your life or in the lives of others this past year?

We hope you'll discuss this question with your family and friends. Look for an opportunity this week to hear an interview with a fellow church member and share your own thoughts.

December 11-17

Reading for this week - chapters 11-17

“The wise men were neither Christians nor Jewish believers. Yet God had led them through their interest in heavenly signs to make this momentous journey to seek out the new king. They certainly believed they were being led by whatever powers that be. What they did not yet know was that it was the God of the Hebrew Scriptures who was guiding them.” (p. 85)

Verse for the week: 2 Timothy 1:5-9

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not    be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”

Discussion Question

Just like Timothy, we all have a spiritual genealogy. The Lord used people in your life to show you Christ. Who are those people in your life? 

We hope you'll discuss this question with your family and friends. Look for an opportunity this week to hear an interview with a fellow church member and share your own thoughts.

December 18-24

Reading for this week - chapters 18-24

“A family goes down into Egypt; a child is rescued from a wicked ruler; he grows up and leads his people out of their bondage; they pass through the waters of the sea; they are tested in the wilderness; eventually they reach the borders of the promised land. These events are like a shadow cast backwards into history from the life of our Lord.” (p. 130)

Verse for the week: Acts 2:22-24

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

Discussion Question

At the end of his life, Joseph confidently said, “what you meant for evil, God meant for good.” We never like learning through hardship, but so often, that seems to be the instrument the Lord uses. How have you seen the Lord work through painful moments in life this year?  

We hope you'll discuss this question with your family and friends. Look for an opportunity this week to hear an interview with a fellow church member and share your own thoughts.