12-18-22 Christmas Love

ICEBREAKER
Have you ever had to be rescued from something or someone? A car breakdown? Stranded somewhere? An awful situation?

This is the fourth week of Advent, a time of anticipation that includes the four Sundays before Christmas anticipating the birth of Jesus. Each week during this series, we're discussing a different theme. This week we are exploring the Christmas Love that we find in God's presence with us through Jesus to save us from our sins.

REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. Read Matthew 1:21-23. Many people tend to think of being "saved" as being "saved from hell" which is really the ultimate consequence of sin. But the angel says that Jesus will "save his people from their sins" not just the consequences of their sins. What's the difference? What's the significance of this difference?
2. Read Ezekiel 36:24-32 and Ezekiel 37:23. This is the prophecy to which the angel is referring when he says Jesus will save his people from their sins. In this passage we find the following aspects of God saving. 
   1. Rescuing. God promised he would rescue his people from captivity to the Bablyonians and return them to the promised land where they would find safety and security again as the people of God.
      1. In what ways has God rescued you or anyone close to you and brought you back to safety and security?
      2. In what ways can we as the church, the people of God, assist in rescuing people?
   2. Cleansing. 
      1. How is it that God cleanses us from our sins?
      2. What is the significance of blood in cleansing?
   3. Renewing. 
      1. ​How is it that God renews our hearts?
      2. What role does this renewing play in saving us from our sins?
   4. Teaching. 
      1. What role does the teachings of Jesus play in saving us from our sins?
      2. In what ways can we as the church, the people of God, assist in teaching people?
3. Read Matthew 1:23. In what way do we see God's "presence" and "love" (the themes of the fourth week of Advent) in the process of saving us from our sins?

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can thank God for your salvation. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.