Cousins
12/4/2022
Cousins are often our first and most enduring friends. The family ties may not be as strong as those of siblings, but a bond between cousins can hold an extended family together. Before the shepherds and angels, before the inn and wise men, Jesus’ story begins with a story about His cousins. Join us for part two of The Family Christmas Tree where we will learn that families should be patient in doubt, hopeful in adversity, and constant in prayer.
Passage
Luke 1:5-25
Principles
God’s ________________ comes in the form of ______ ________.
Faithful ____________________________ lays a foundation for the __________ of the next generation.
Family should be patient in __________, hopeful in __________________, and constant in ____________.
Practice
Give your family the gift of ________ this Christmas.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is your favorite Christmas song? What is your least favorite? How important is music to your celebration of Christmas?
Today we will look at the first songs of Christmas as recorded in Luke 1.
HEAR
Read Luke 1:46-56
- What stands out to you about Mary’s song? Why?
- Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10. What did Mary and Hannah have in common?
- This passage is often referred to as the “Magnificat,” a reference to the first line in which Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” What does it mean to magnify the Lord? How should we magnify the Lord this Christmas season?
Read Luke 1:57-80
- Zechariah had been silent for nine months before bursting into this song of praise. Do you think his silence had any influence on this song of praise? If so, what?
- Ecclesiastes 3:7 says that there is “a time to keep silence and a time to speak.” How does this apply to your relationship with God? How does it apply to your relationship with your family?
- There were 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. What did God’s silence accomplish? How was His silence broken?
- Have you experienced God’s prolonged silence in your life? Can you explain it?
- Zechariah’s song is referred to as the “Benedictus.” Again, a reference to the first words spoken by Zechariah: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” The word “Benedictus” comes from a Latin word meaning “A good word.” What was the “good word” being proclaimed by Zechariah?
- What “good word” does your family need you to speak over them this Christmas?
HUDDLE
What practical steps will you take this Christmas to speak good words to your family? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
This week’s Scripture readings focus on various times when God announced the birth of a baby as a sign of His blessing, provision, or deliverance. As you read each passage, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus’ birth as the ultimate expression of God’s love for you.
- Day 1: Genesis 15
- Day 2: Judges 13
- Day 3: 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:11
- Day 4: Isaiah 9
- Day 5: Luke 1
- Day 6: John 1
- Day 7: Psalm 139
Think Deeper
- Describe your relationship with your extended family. Have any of them had an impact on your relationship with Jesus? If so, how?
- Pastor Gary said that families should be patient in doubt, hopeful in adversity, and constant in prayer. What can you do this month to make that true in your own family?
- Does your family have any Christmas traditions that help teach younger generations about Jesus? If so, what are they?
Suggested Resources
The Music of Christmas by Gary and Sheri Webber
God Came Near by Max Lucado
Advent Conspiracy by Rick McKinley
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB