Community Question: How can you recapture wonder, even in the face of unexpected situations where there may appear to be none?
Read Luke 2:22-35 as a group and write down what you observe about the passage. Talk about initial observations/questions of the passage as a group and then transition into these questions.
Mary and Joseph were thrust into a life situation that was completely unplanned. There were to raise God as a child. However, Simeon’s blessing caused them to pause and “marvel” (aka “wonder”) at what was said because Simeon’s blessing was not what they expected. Jesus was coming to save Israel AND the Gentiles.
Have you ever been in a situation where the result was unexpected?
Did that result cause you to marvel, or wonder? If so, how?
We lose our wonder when we wonder why God has let certain things happen. You
may find yourself in situations where you think “It’s not going like I wish it would.” Mary and Joseph were thrust into such a situation and might have desired that things happen differently.
Have you ever had a situation that caused you to think this thought?
If you could have changed that situation, what would you have changed?
If you made those changes, would the situation have yielded the same
result?
Three ways to recapture the Wonder:
*Claim a promise: Salvation is promised. Approach each situation knowing that God has promised to be with you at every step. Hardships are a part of life, but we can’t let them take our wonder.
*Anticipate heaven (Read Revelation 21:3-4.): In heaven there will be no more pain, crying, death, or mourning. Take time to reflect on the wonder that God has presented to us in His creation, the joy that we share together today, and the joy that is yet to come.
*Center your life in Jesus: When you think of heaven, what does it look like? Read Revelation 21:1-3. Jesus will be at the center of heaven. Can you picture heaven without Christ? God sent His son for us. Focus on Christ’s impact in your life, and picture him at the center of your life.
