The coming of Christ is a call to be ready. Have we prepared Him room?
Outline: Three guests that will crowd Christ out of Christmas and our life.
I. Watch out for the Guest "Now! Now! Now!" (vv. 8-9a)
II. Watch out for the Guest "One More Thing" (vv. 10-13)
III. Watch out for the Guest "Blend In" (vv. 14-15)
Questions for Personal Reflection:
1. Icebreaker: What part of getting ready for Christmas do you like the most? The least?
2. What sort of distractions ensnare you most easily? How have you been successful in resisting distractions?
3. The pressure to blend into the culture around us is constant. Where do you feel this pressure regarding how you celebrate Christmas?
4. What are some ways we can make Christmas an idol, i.e. how can we make good things about the season greater than Jesus himself?
5. Read 2 Peter 3:4-10. Imagine someone is doubting that Christ is coming back because it has been so long, what are some things you might remind him from this passage to address his doubt?
6. As Christmas approaches do you feel more like Martha (busy getting everything ready) or more like Mary (enjoying the presence of Christ)? What are some things you’ve said “no” to in choosing the “good portion”?
7. What is one thing you plan on doing on Christmas day to make the day a celebration of Jesus?
