Introduction // 5 minutes
What are some of the greatest “misses” in history?
Leader Note: Here are a few “epic fail” moments to help get your discussion going.
Culture Epic Fails
- In 1962, Decca Records rejected The Beatles, saying that “guitar groups are on the way out.”
- In 1985, the board of the Coca-Cola company decided it was a good idea to drastically change the formula of the iconic fizzy beverage known around the world as “The Real Thing” and introduce “New Coke.” The decision was meet with protest and public outcry. Within three months, Coca-Cola announced they would be reintroducing the original formula, and that people could stop boycotting Coke and/or pouring out Coke bottles in the streets as a form of protest.
Movie Epic Fails
- The Lone Ranger (2013): Budget $225 Million, Est Loss $120 Million
- John Carter (2012): Budget $250 Million, Est Loss $108 Million
- Green Lantern (2011): Budget $200 Million, Est Lost $90 Million
Sports Epic Fails
- The 1986 Boston Red Sox World Series: Leading 5-3 in the bottom of 10th and one out away from their first World Series in 68 years the Red Sox collapse was highlighted Mookie Wilson’s ground ball escaping through the legs of first baseman, Bill Buckner allowing the winning run to score.
- NCAA Basketball National Championship: In 1993, Michigan played North Carolina for the championship. Michigan was down 2 points with 15 seconds to play. Michigan has no timeouts. Chris Webber gets the ball and calls timeout. A technical foul later, Carolina has the ball and another championship.
Observation // 20 minutes
Read Luke 2:21-38
Who experiences Christmas in the story, who misses it… and why?
Leader Note: You may want to first challenge your group to first list out all the characters in the passage as a way to ensure that they are reading and fully engaging the text. Another thing to consider is to ask the question before reading the text so that your group knows what to look for as the passage is read.
Everyone should be able to identify the “got it” group. You may need to prompt your group to engage their imagination in order to see the “missed it” group. Listed are the characters in the story with brief commentary on how the “got it” or “missed it.”
- Joseph and Mary (Got it) – Mary and Joseph came to the temple 40 days after Jesus’ birth to engage the ceremonies of circumcision, redemption and purification required by the Law of Moses. Remind your group that they had been living under the hint of scandal, shamed and isolation. Despite this they come to the temple out of faithful duty and obedience to offer what was required of them. Simeon’s proclamation over them and Jesus was given as a blessing and helped them see power of the story they were in the middle of.
- Simeon (Got It) – He had previously been promised that he would see the Lord’s Messiah in his lifetime. After years of patient waiting the Holy Spirit rests on Simeon and prompts him that the time has come… today is the day! Simeon, prompted by the Holy Spirit, seeks out Jesus to see what God had promised. Simenon’s ability to wait on and follow the Holy Spirit in faith is key in this story.
- Anna (Got It) – A widow of 60 years plus, somewhere between 85 and 100 years old, Anna was also a prophet (one who spoke for God and His truth). Anna had devoted her life to sitting in God’s presence (the temple) and prayer and fasting. She see’s Jesus and immediately spoke of the redemption that His life would bring.
- The Crowds (Missed it) – The temple was a very large area full of hundreds of people engaged in religious and commercial activity. Imagine the scene as Simeon grabs Jesus from Mary and pronounces him as the Lord’s Messiah. Surely there would have been people around to see this unusual scene. Their reaction is unrecorded but it is safe to assume that they did not recognize this baby as the Lord’s Messiah. They lacked faith to see beyond a “weak baby” and ended up missing the impact of the moment.
- The Priest (Missed it) – Joseph and Mary had three ceremonies to go through, circumcision, redemption and purification. They would have encountered no less than three Priests during this time. The irony here is that the Priest would have come face to face with the very one who was sent to bring total redemption and purification for all of humanity. They were too busy going through the mechanical work of being Priests to see what was in front of them.
Understanding // 15 minutes
What causes people to miss Christmas Today?
Commentary: Those that missed it in the story were not necessarily involved in “evil” or “wicked” activities. They were simply going about their business in such a way that they were unable to pause and see God’s blessing in front of them. It’s just as easy to fall in to the trap of duty and business as it is to fall into materialism, pride and envy during this season.
Application // 20 minutes
Who do you most connect with in the story and why?
Leader Note: Remind your group of these identifiers. Most of us are going to be a blend of these characters at times. Allow space for your group to work through this question and be sure to ask follow up questions, i.e. “What has that looked like for you” and “What would it take for you to experience Christmas this year.”
Joseph and Mary: Operating out of duty, tired and run down yet remained obedient and faithful.
Simeon: Patiently waiting with expectation for God to show up. Eager to proclaim God’s redemption to others.
Anna: Living in brokenness while staying connected to God’s voice. Ready to speak comfort to others living in pain.
The Priests and Crowds: Busy in the routine of life, unable to pause to see God at work.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
How can you help others to not miss Christmas this year?
Leader Note: Another way to ask this question could be… “How can you be like Simeon or Anna this season” or “Who has God placed in your life that you can speak comfort and joy into this Christmas.”