Christmas #2 – Worshipping the King - Impact Groups

Matthew 2:1-12

Ready for Impact (10 minutes)

Catch up on how things have been over the past week. Then ask group members to describe one of the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever received.

Pray that you’d be deeply impacted by God’s word and be equipped to impact others in Jesus’ name. Ask a group member to read Matthew 2:1-12. We’re not using videos for Christmas Impact groups, so you might like to read the passage twice.

Impacted by the Word (20 minutes)

Suggested questions to help your discussion.

The wise men were not kings, but they counselled kings as important members of royal courts. These dignitaries travelled hundreds of miles to honour the One born King of the Jews. If they had studied ancient religious texts from the region, they might have been familiar with various Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Jesus.

What do the wise men reveal about Jesus in their question to Herod?
Read Numbers 24:17 and Isaiah 9:6-7. What might the wise men have concluded about Jesus’ mission and purpose?
How did King Herod react to the visit of the wise men? Why?
Read verses 5-6. What do these words teach us about God? What do they teach us about Jesus?
How did God protect Jesus?
How is Jesus shown to be a different kind of king to Herod?
What was the wise men’s reaction when they find Jesus? Why were they so joyful?
What can we learn from the wise men?

Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)

Discuss together:

What contributed to the contrast between the wise men and Herod in their response to the birth of Jesus?
What does this teach us about how we might best respond to Christmas this year?
What are things you can pray for each other in response?

Impacting the University (20 minutes)

It’s not unusual for the birth of a baby to cause a stir. Jesus’ birth was no exception!

As those who know the rest of his story, we have an opportunity even at this time to herald his good news. After all, this baby came with a purpose. So how might we, as worshippers of Jesus, share something of his coming with those around us this year?

Here are some ideas.

The Christmas competition – Ask Impact Group members to take a photo of a house, flat or window they have decorated with friends. Then, over party food, host a Zoom gathering, awarding a prize to the team who’ve done the best decorations. As part of the event, someone could share the difference knowing Jesus makes at Christmas. (This could be one of you, or your staff or Relay Worker).
Christmas pick and mix – Where possible, Impact Group members could gather with friends for a Christmas party. Think buffet party food! Ask everyone who attends to bring something that symbolises what Christmas means to them. As you eat, share what makes Christmas special to you.
Christmas feast – Impact Group members could cook Christmas dinner. Between the main course and dessert, they could share a video to aid discussion on the message of Christmas.

What are you next steps?

What resources do you need?
When might you hold your event?
Who could you invite?
How can you support each other as you herald the good news this Christmas?

Take some time to plan and pray, and agree the time when your Impact Group will meet next.