Every gift sends a message. What is the message God wanted to send through the gift of his Son? We can find joy in the presence of Jesus in our lives when we embrace the truth of the message behind God’s gift of Jesus. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read aloud, by yourself or with your family or group, Luke 2:1-20 (perhaps before that read Matthew 1:18-25). Take a few minutes and, like Mary, “treasure these words in your heart and consider them carefully.” What words, ideas, and themes resonate in the quiet of your thoughts? 2. Read Micah 5:2. What significance do you find that Micah predicted Jesus’ birthplace of Bethlehem more than 700 years prior to his coming? 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. How would you express the message you hear most clearly through God’s gift of his Son? If you haven’t already, try memorizing the words of John 3:16. 5. Is there a part of God’s Christmas message that you need to hold onto most right now: “You are not alone. Don’t be afraid. You are loved.” What makes that part of the Christmas message from God so important to you? 6. Who are you praying for to receive this message? Is there a way you could help them hear what God is saying to them?