In this second week of our Advent series, Like A Child, Pastor Landon invites us to rediscover the kind of love that doesn’t measure, calculate, or protect itself—a love that gives freely. Advent reminds us that God goes to great lengths to love all people, and that true love is always costly.
Pastor Landon explores Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18, where a shepherd willingly leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one who is lost. It isn’t careless; it’s attentive, intentional, and deeply sacrificial. This is the kind of love God has shown each of us.
As we look at the story of Jesus’ birth—Mary’s courageous “yes,” Joseph’s obedience despite uncertainty, the Magi’s long and risky journey—we see a picture of love that exceeds limits and expectations. God’s love comes to us generously, purposefully, and relentlessly, hoping that we might be found.
Join us as we continue to embrace Advent with childlike wonder and discover again that God’s love is a love that gives.
Lifegroup Questions:
- When you think back to your childhood or past Christmases, what shaped your view of giving vs. getting? How has that perspective changed as you’ve grown?
- Read Matthew 18:10–14. Jesus describes a shepherd who will not rest until the lost sheep is found. What does this picture teach us about the costliness and persistence of love? Where have you experienced that kind of love personally?
- Read Matthew 2:1–12. The Magi traveled far, spent much, and risked greatly to honor Jesus. What part of their example stands out to you the most—and why?
- The sermon mentions “mutual voluntary submission.” Where have you seen this kind of self-giving love strengthen a relationship? How can this be hard to put into practice?
- In what ways does our culture—especially during the holidays—pull us toward getting rather than giving? What helps you resist that pull?
- The sermon highlighted three areas where we can practice generosity with others: words, time, and finances. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which are most challenging? Why? How can you grow in all three?
- Imagine rooting your life more fully in God’s generous, self-giving love. How might that shift the way you live, make decisions, or relate to others in the coming weeks?
