Encounter, Week 1: Silent Disruption

Luke 1:5-7 (NIV)
Luke 1:8–10 (NIV)
Luke 1:11–13 (NIV)
Luke 1:14-16 (NIV)
Luke 1:17 (NIV)
Luke 1:18 (NIV)
Luke 1:19–20 (NIV)
Luke 1:21–22 (NIV)
Luke 1:64–66 (NIV)

Preparing to encounter His presence this Christmas: 

ᐳᐳᐳ God does some of His best work in our . 

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

ᐳᐳᐳ Being will eventually lead to fulfillment.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) 

ᐳᐳᐳ Expect disruption but anticipate .

This Week’s Encounter Christmas Practice:

Be Present in Prayer.

Title: The Waiting Game

Share Together:

Where do you have the hardest time waiting?

Reflect together:

What impacted you the most from Sunday gathering and what are the next steps you feel God is leading you this holiday season?

Read Together:

Luke 1:5-25 & 64-66

Discuss Together

• Based on the characteristics Luke describes in verses 5-7, why were Zechariah and Elizabeth a good fit for God’s plan to bring about the Christmas story? 

• What feelings must the couple have had in light of their barrenness? 

• In what ways have you felt spiritually barren? In other words, how have you felt emptiness or longing that wasn’t or hasn’t been fulfilled? 

• What was God’s purpose in making Zechariah mute until after John was born?

• How do you relate with Zechariah as he struggled with doubt in trusting God’s truth and purpose? 

• How does Elizabeth’s response in verse 25 model and inspire you to trust in God’s promises when there is a delay of fulfillment in your life?

• How is God’s timing so important as it relates to His will? What does he teach us in our waiting?

• How would the birth of this son affect Zechariah and Elizabeth?

• How would you describe John’s mission in your own words? 

• What do you imagine were the thoughts and feelings of people about Zechariah’s condition after leaving the temple, and then when John was born? 

• How is John’s mission a model for your mission today? How might you “prepare” people for the Lord? In what practical ways could you “be present” in the coming week or throughout the Christmas season?

Pray Together: 

Share your needs and also ways God has answered prayer in your group.