Message: Worship Fully
Speaker: Tim Bounds
"That first Christmas changed the world. Christmas can still change the world."
As we enter this Advent season, what are you hoping for?
- What have been some of your favorite Christmas traditions? Why were they memorable?
As Greg shared the history of "Advent Conspiracy" what, if anything surprised you?
Advent Conspiracy centers around 4 basic tenets:
- Worship Fully
- Spend Less
- Give More
- Love All
As a group, discuss each tenet- how would you explain it to someone who has never heard of A/C?
The last 3 tenets spring out of the first- Worship. Ben reminded us that worship is not just what goes on during a weekend service. Paul urges us to present our whole selves in worship-
- The central characters in the Christmas narrative each expressed worship in different ways-
- Mary, sang in gratitude to her redeeming God
- Joseph- obeyed without question
- Shepherds-paused their busyness to worship the Christ-child.
- Magi-confronted anything that stood in the way of worshiping the one true God
- Elizabeth- opened her home to someone in need.
Which of these responses resonates with you?
What might a worship-filled life look like today?
"Our hearts are formed by what we worship."
Read
Romans 12:1-2
Reflect
What does relational gift-giving look like?
How can one live in such a way as to proclaim Jesus as Lord in our everyday lives?
Do
As a group, discuss 2-3 tangible ways one could live out the 4 tenets of Advent Conspiracy.
Before dismissing, decide on one new thing you will adopt to your Christmas/Advent celebration this year.