Introduce yourselves to new members of your LIFEGroup
Open your group with prayer
Select the points you want to discuss
This is only a guide.
Feel free to discuss other points that speak to your group.
You may have heard of the Three Wise Men of Christmas, but what about the Three Wise Women of Christmas?
In this discussion we will look at the three wise women of Christmas; a married woman named Elizabeth, a young virgin named Mary, and an elderly widow named Anna. The decisions they made are the same decisions we need to make in our lives: trust in God’s plan; believe in God’s word; focus on God’s presence.
· Ice Breaker: Share your favorite Christmas memory.
But the angel said to him, “don't be afraid, Zechariah. God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John - Luke 1:13 (GNT)
1. A delayed answer to a prayer is not a denial. God promises that our prayers are heard. How might 2022 be different in your life if you truly trust in God with prayer, and, what would that prayer be?
- Have you ever had a prayer answered after what felt like a long time, only to realize that God’s answer came at just the right time? Share your experience.
The angel said to her, “don't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you - Luke 1:30 (GNT)
2. Mary was young, but also wise, because she trusted God, even though she was afraid at first.
- Share a time when you were afraid and/or confused but you took a step of faith by trusting God.
And Mary said, ‘behold, I am the servant of The Lord; let it be to me according to your word - Luke 1:38 (ESV)
- How did Mary’s understanding of God’s character help her to not be afraid?
- Why is God’s character important to those that are afraid?
Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary
and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem - Luke 2:25-38 (TLB)
3. Anna was old, widowed, and alone, without any family. Yet, she redirected her life and her love, worshiped God day and night, and told many others about Jesus.
- Why do we feel uncomfortable sharing about God’s character and actions with others?
- What is the easiest part of Jesus’ story to share with others for you? What is the hardest?
Diving Deeper (optional)
For nothing will be impossible with God - Luke 1:37 (NASB)
1. Will you commit to believing that God will bless you with something that seems impossible today?
- What would that be?
2. Ask God to bring people into your life that you can share the salvation of Jesus Christ with.
- What are some ways we can open ourselves up to spiritual insight to find them?
Review any assignments or commitments made during your previous meeting
continue to pray with and for one another
Set your next meeting date and location
