Life Group Leaders,
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and continue to live with overflowing and joyful thankfulness as you move into the Christmas season.
You heard a message from Colossians this weekend and we would like for you to try something a little different in your group time. You will take a simple and purposeful verse and discuss how you can apply it to your lives this season. We hope you will share your thoughts and stories with us, and of course each other, as you continue to celebrate all that Christmas means.
Discussion for group:
Read Colossians 3:17. Here are two different translations of the verse:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (NIV)
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (NLT)
What does this look like as you prepare for Christmas?
Leader note: This is a good commentary as to what this verse means and how it can be lived out: Whatever you do – Whether preaching the word of Christ, in hearing the Gospel, in singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and in conference and conversation with each other; or in whatever action, civil or religious throughout the whole life and conversation, in the performance of things natural, moral and evangelical, relating to God or man, or one another, in the world or church
do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ – both in the strength of Christ, without whom nothing can be well said or done; and according to the mind and will of Christ, calling upon his name for assistance in the administration of his ordinances, and in the performance of every duty, directing all to, and having solely in view his honor and glory.
Leader note: Consider the following as you discuss this question:
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What does this mean when you are buying gifts?
Spend several minutes at the end of your time together to encourage one another in their actions this Christmas season, plan how to share stories and struggles, and come together one more time before Christmas to celebrate Christmas “different”.