Connect How might you help others on your frontline check out the claim that Jesus is God’s King, and the Saviour of all?

Warm-Up

1. Are there any examples of seemingly ‘ordinary’ Christians that have had a big influence in your life?
2. How do you think the combination of God’s Spirit plus our obedience can be powerful? 

Read Luke 2:22-32

3. What has previously happened in verse 21? Why were Joseph and Mary now taking Jesus to the Temple?
4. What does their offering tell us about their economic status? What was this offering all about?
5. Have you ever been really hungry or longing for something? What did it feel like when it was fulfilled?
6. What do we know about Simeon? What was he waiting for? What does this ‘consolation’ mean?
7. According to Simeon’s song, who is this salvation for? In what way does Jesus become the ultimate lamb?
8. Did Simeon know the plan of how God would achieve salvation? How was his focus on the person of salvation? How can this give us confidence as we await Jesus’ return?
9. What do you think this scene looked like as Simeon embraced Jesus? How can we embrace Jesus today?
10. How does Simeon’s example show us what it looks like to wait patiently for Jesus’ return?

Read Luke 2:33-35

11. How do Jesus’ parents respond to Simeon’s song? What do you think it looks like to marvel in the good news of Jesus? How could you delight more in this good news over Christmas?
12. What warning does Simeon issue to Mary? How would her ‘soul’ be pierced?
13. In what way would Jesus be—and continue to—be divisive? How do we rise or fall with Jesus?
14. Do you ever feel grieved when you witness Jesus being rejected? What consolation do we have?

Read Luke 2:36-40

15. Who was Anna? What do we know about her? What is significant about her being described as a prophet?
16. How steadfast in faithfulness must Anna have been? What is Anna’s threefold response to spotting Jesus? 
17. How do you think Anna must have felt when she recognised Jesus? What helps you to see Jesus?
18. How do we have a role in recognising Jesus, giving thanks for Jesus, and declaring the Good News of Jesus?
19. What is one way that helps you patiently and faithfully await Jesus’ return? How can you nurture this and encourage other people in this more?

Apply What is one aspect of ‘ordinary faithfulness’ that you can nurture and grow as you wait for Jesus’ return with patient confidence?

On Your Front Line this Week

How can what you write and say point to the news of Jesus' birth this week?

For Families

• Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org

Listen, Watch, and Read

• Listen (sermon): “Jesus the Revolutionary: Mary’s Song” by Tobias Brown:
  https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=239728&show_file=254860 
• Listen (sermon): “Christmas is Threatening” by Mark Meynell:
  https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=51063&show_file=59613 
• Listen (sermon): “The Long Promised Victor” by William Taylor:
  https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/57507/ 
• Listen (sermon): “Mary’s Song” by Tim Keller:
  https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/marys-song/ 
• Listen (song): “Song of Mary (Magnificat)” by Liturgical Folk:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_bdjQRPTbI 
• Watch (devotional): “Mary’s Voice in Advent” by Amy Orr Ewing:
  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_gTA_rjswB-rmXRvkiIqo1yV_JpuqJlD 
• Read: “Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate” by Amy Orr Ewing:
  https://www.amazon.com.au/Marys-Voice-Advent-Reflections-Contemplate-ebook/dp/B0BV26Y7HP  

Series Resources

• Devotional: “Sing in Exultation!” by Jonathan Landry Cruse. 📚
• Read: “Advent (Fullness of Time Series)” by Tish Harrison Warren. 📚
• Read: “Rejoice: Advent in all the Scriptures” by Chris Wright & John Stott.
• Read: “Advent for Everyone” by Tom Wright. 📚
• Watch: “The Word Becomes Human” by the Bible Project. https://bit.ly/3UEL8HB  

📚 Available to borrow in the Church library

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