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HOLLYWOOD HOLIDAYS: How the Grinch is Stealing Christmas


The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, November 24, 2013. To get the most from these questions, go to https://soundcloud.com/#graceplacehermitage and listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)
How do you feel about Christmas shopping?  Grinch or Who?
What percentage of your shopping is finished?  Wrapped?
What one thing gets you into the Christmas spirit?

Worship: (Optional for communities who have the time and talent)
“Christmas is all in the Heart” Steven Curtis Chapman (find on YouTube)
 
Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it)
Matthew 2:1-12

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)
Jerusalem could have been called “Grinchville.”  When King Herod heard about the birth of the King of the Jews, he was disturbed and ALL of Jerusalem with him.  The religious people who should have been excited about Jesus’ birth actually ratted Him out to Herod.  They were not very nice people. 

What reception did Jesus’ birth receive by the angels and shepherds?
Why didn’t the chief priests and teachers give Jesus a royal reception?
What causes people to be a Grinch at Christmas?
When have you encountered a Grinch?  Or been a Grinch?
In what ways do Christmas decorations help the season?  Hurt the season?
How do you prepare your heart for Christmas?
How do you make Christmas real for your family and friends?

Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)
Think about ways your group can share the real heart of Christmas with the community.  Ideas may be to serve food at the Salvation Army on Christmas, participate in Road to Grace at the church, buy gifts for an Angel Tree child or go caroling in your neighborhood.
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