God Is a Giver | Why Christmas Still Gives Us Hope (A Christmas Story)

Welcome to the Weekend-Follow Up! This is content that reflects on the Weekend message and how it can apply to your life. Each week, your group will discover what God might be saying to you, and how you can respond through a group discussion.

1. If you were to build the ultimate gingerbread house in a contest, what would you base your design off of? (Hogwarts, Bengals stadium, Big Ben clock tower, etc.)

2. What stood out to you most from the message?

3. Have you ever been given a Christmas gift that you really didn’t want? What was it?

4. What are some things that God has blessed you with throughout your life?

5. Have you ever felt yourself trying to get something out of God or take control to get an answered prayer? What did that look like?

6. Read Matthew 7:9-11. Why is it sometimes tempting to think that God doesn’t want to give us good gifts?

7. Looking back, have there been moments you are thankful God didn’t answer your exact prayer or wishes, but gave you something else instead? Why are you thankful?

8. Ralphie desperately wanted a Red Ryder BB gun, and finally got one on Christmas morning. If God were to give you a gift this year, what would it be?

9. What’s one step you can take this week to 1) see God as a giver and 2) praise Him for it?

10. Let’s end our time praying together. You can say something like;

    “God, thank you for wanting to bless us and give us good things. Sometimes it’s hard to be patient and see you working in our lives. Help us to not lose hope and trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

More from the Weekend

__Bonus Questions __

Check these out if you’re on a roll and want to go a little deeper.

• Read Isaiah 9:6. How has Jesus been a gift in your life?
• What are some ways you could make time this week to have a conversation with God and ask Him for what you want?

That’s it for this week - see you next time!