There is a large amount of Christian literature and sermons constantly aimed at encouraging us to hope in God in the midst of our fears and our sorrows, and we need to be shaken up periodically to realize that God is with us in the hum-drum moments of life. But when things are good it can be actually be hard for us to remember to trust God, let alone experience his presence on a daily basis.

Discussion Questions:

As a group, spend time reading Luke 2:1-14 in two or three Bible translations and answer the following questions: What stood out to you from this passage? What does this passage teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
As you examine your heart, confess areas of your life where you struggle to accept the brokenness of the world, the brokenness of yourself and the holiness of God.
How does Jesus’ divine presence and the gift of the Holy Spirit provide joy that transcends the ups and downs of life?
Spend time praising and singing to God about his glory!

Prayer Points:

Pray that the Holy Spirit would help remind and reinforce Jesus being the source and companion of all our joys.
Pray and give thanks for the gift of joy in Jesus that transcends the ups and downs of life.
Pray for those who you love to come to a saving knowledge of God and to experience true joy in Jesus.