Connect:
- Open in prayer.
- What is one of your favourite Christmas shows to watch at this time of the year?
Discuss:
- Read Luke 2:1-14. The angel’s announcement describes peace as God’s gift, not our achievement. How does placing God’s glory at the center (as opposed to our comfort, control, or need to be right) change how we approach conflict or anxiety? Where are you tempted to look for peace apart from Christ? How might centering your life more fully on the glory of God reshape your sense of identity, security, or purpose?
- If peace is the by-product of God’s presence, then anxiety is often the overflow of self-reliance. What anxieties have you been carrying on your own strength lately? What practical step could you take this week to “cast” those anxieties onto Jesus and stop managing them on your own?
- Read Ephesians 4:31-32. The phrase “as far as it depends on you” puts responsibility on us to reflect the peace we’ve received. Is there a relationship where you’ve allowed bitterness, impatience, or avoidance to take root? What small but intentional step could you take to pursue peace, forgiveness, or kindness, even if reconciliation is unavailable?
- Peace doesn’t come from ideal circumstances but from practiced surrender. What daily practices (such as worship, prayer, Scripture, confession, thanksgiving, etc.) personally help you re-center on God’s glory? Which one could you commit to more intentionally this season?
Pray:
- Share prayer requests with one another. Based on what was shared, have each person pray for the person on their left.