We were far from God; and so, God chose to come close to us. The Christmas story might feel so familiar or we may become so curious about the details we forget the implications and meaning behind the story. Together, let’s explore how the straightforward story of Jesus’ birth removes the barriers between us and God and dramatically changes everything about our life experience. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read the story of Jesus’ birth from Matthew 1:18-25. What do you observe or what do you see emphasized in this simple account of the conception and birth of Jesus? 2. What do you observe God doing and what do you observe Joseph doing in these verses? What emotions might you have felt if you were Joseph or Mary in this story? How do you think Jesus’ unusual conception and birth might have affected relationships within Jesus’ family, perceptions of Jesus and his parents within their community, and Jesus’ experience of growing up? 3. Do you think Jesus would have been born (God would have taken on humanity) if Adam and Eve had never sinned or if humanity had never rebelled against God? Why or why not? 4. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 5. Why do you think God chose to become human and experience all that is part of being human? a. What are some realities that Jesus understands better only because he became a human? b. How does God becoming man affect the way you approach God, talk to him, or develop a relationship with him? 6. In this holiday season, how might God be calling you to wait on him, hold onto confident hope, or continue believing in him? Are there any ways you could influence someone else to move in that same direction?