Christmas Eve 2017 - Here With Us

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The Waiting - Our Joy is In Jesus

Conversation Starter:
On a scale of 1-10, what is your joy level today?

Read Matthew 3:1-12
What do you notice about John?
What is John’s attitude about Jesus?
What does he say that Jesus will do?

Read John 3:26-29
What is the situation? What’s going on?
What is John’s attitude? What does John say about joy?

Read Also: Matthew 10:39; 16:25, Mark 8:35 & Luke 9:24
How does John experience this promise of Jesus?

Applying God’s Word:
Where does our culture tell us joy comes from?
When you are looking for joy, where do you most often turn?

What do you imagine it would look like for you to have a Christ-first Christmas this year?
What changes are you asking God to help you make?

The Waiting - Get Your Hopes Up

With hope, we watch and pray.

Biblical Resources:
Q: When is Jesus returning? A: No one knows.
Matthew 24:36-44; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 17:26-37; Acts 1:7

Q: How will Jesus return? A: In a highly visible, globally known event.
Acts 1:9-11; Matthew 24:27; Revelation 1:7

Q: Why is it taking so long? A: God wants all people to have a chance to know Him.
2 Peter 3:8-9; Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10

Q: Why is Jesus returning? A: To fully establish the promised kingdom of God (Heaven), where the earth is restored to its original sinless state. Justice will be fully established and evil punished and banished.
Isaiah 11:1-10, Revelation 21 & 22

Areas of Honest Biblical Uncertainty/ Disagreement:
1) If the rapture of the faithful will happen before, during or after a time of significant tribulation.
Key Passages: Matthew 24:15-51; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 7:14; Daniel 9:24-27

2) If the promised 1000 year reign of Jesus is 1) happening now 2) will happen before he returns or 3) will happen after he returns.
Key Passages: Revelation 20:1-10

Applying God's Word
When you think of Jesus' promised return, what emotions does it evoke in you? Apathy? Confusion? Fear? Longing? Trust?
What holds you back from greater longing and trust?

Your Advent Prayer:
What is something you are longing for Jesus to set right in the world?
What is something you are longing for Jesus to set right in you?

Lord Jesus come quickly.