The Gospel According To Peanuts
Christmas Feeling
This series uses the timeless lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas to explore the deeper biblical truths of the Christmas story. Each week ties a key moment from the movie to Scripture, offering fresh perspectives on Christ’s birth and its relevance in our lives today.
Links
Series
Speakers
Joël Malm
Teaching Pastor
SERMON NOTES
Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
- C.S. Lewis
TITLE:
Christmas Feeling
Week of 12-1-24
TEXT:
1 Timothy 6:6-9
CHECKING IN
If this is your first-time meeting as a group, or a new group member, introduce yourselves.
Share with the group what you hope to get out of this GROW Group series.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
MAIN POINT
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
- C.S. Lewis
INTRODUCTION
As your group time begins, use this section to introduce the topic of discussion. Last week we discussed gratitude, and how sometimes we have to rewire our perspective from the past and even in the present to allow us to be thankful and content with the future. This week we will discuss the Christmas holiday and how it can change how we feel because of the season.
QUESTION:
Would you say that the holidays make everything seem more hectic? Why do you think that is?
UNDERSTANDING/DIGGING DEEPER
How you approach ANYTHING is how you approach EVERYTHING.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Unpack 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
This world in some way is going to let you down.. Now that sounds a little blunt, but at the same time, we all have a God shaped hole inside of us that only He can fill. We all have a desire and it is different between everyone. But with the way the holidays make us, most of the time that desire is heightened but again, only God can satisfy that desire.
APPLICATION
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Luke 2:25-35 Explain what Luke is trying to communicate in this passage?
THINK ABOUT IT:
How you respond to Jesus reveals what is in your heart. Every year Jesus is presented to us during this season and it shows us what we are seeking. We all want something out of this holiday season, but remember this… Whatever we are looking for 99% of the time, it is going to be found in Jesus. So what are you wanting out of this Christmas season?
COMMENTARY
Whatever you are looking for at Christmas (and in life), it’s found in Jesus. Jesus is the answer! It is going to look different for everyone but as long as we seek Him, He will show us what we are looking for. He is the reason for the season and so we must stay focused on Him.
FOLLOW UP
Throughout this week, consider sending a follow-up email to your group. Some suggestions:
❏ Questions to consider as you continue to reflect on what you learned this week:
How can our group pray for you this week about the challenges you are facing, so that you can have victory?
When are you most prone to Satan’s attacks? List a couple of them, then prepare ahead of time for the potential attacks.
❏ A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering.
❏ Remember to memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and seek ways to apply it this week