Tidings of Comfort & Joy 3: Small Group Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores the profound meaning of Jesus' birth as Emmanuel - God with us - through the lens of Matthew 1 and Isaiah's prophecies. The pastor emphasizes that while we often focus on fixing our daily problems, God addressed the foundational crack in all creation by entering the world as an infant. The sermon examines how both Mary and Joseph responded in faith to God's incredible plan, recognizing that this birth fulfilled ancient promises given to their forefathers. Through Isaiah's prophecies, we see that this child would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace - titles that represent answers to humanity's deepest needs.
The doctrine of the Incarnation is presented as both cosmically significant and personally necessary. Jesus had to be both fully God and fully man to serve as our Savior and King, to sit on David's throne, and to provide a way through the darkness of this world. The sermon concludes with the encouraging truth that Jesus enters our darkness, loneliness, and brokenness, bringing divine wisdom, strength in battle, eternal fatherhood, and true peace that includes not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God's blessing and flourishing.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word and reflect on the incredible gift of Your Son Jesus Christ, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to see beyond our daily concerns and circumstances to grasp the magnificent truth of Emmanuel - God with us. We pray that You would speak to each person here according to their specific needs, and that we would be receptive to Your Spirit's leading in our discussion. May we leave this time with a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what His birth means for our lives today. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What is one Christmas tradition from your childhood that you still enjoy or remember fondly today?

Key Verses

• Matthew 1:18-23
• Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah 9:6-7

Questions

• How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they realized they were part of fulfilling prophecies that were given 700 years earlier? What does this teach us about God's faithfulness?
• The sermon mentions that we often want God to fix our day-to-day problems, but God addressed 'the crack in the foundation of all things.' What do you think this means, and how does it change our perspective on our current struggles?
• Joseph is described as 'a just man' who was devoted to God's Word. How did this devotion prepare him to believe and obey when the angel appeared to him? How can we cultivate this same kind of readiness?
• Isaiah told King Ahaz to ask for any sign, but Ahaz refused. Why do you think people sometimes resist asking God for help or signs of His presence? How can we avoid this mistake?
• The name 'Emmanuel' means 'God with us.' In what practical ways do you experience God's presence in your daily life? How might recognizing Jesus as Emmanuel change how you face difficulties?
• Of the four titles given in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace), which one resonates most with what you need in your life right now, and why?
• The sermon states that Jesus 'walks into our darkness, loneliness, and brokenness.' Can you share about a time when you experienced God's presence during a particularly dark or difficult season?
• Isaiah prophesied that 'of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end.' What do you think this means for believers both now and in eternity? How does this hope affect how you live today?

Life Application
This week, choose one of the four titles of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) that speaks to a current need in your life. Each day, spend time in prayer specifically relating to Jesus in that role - seeking His counsel, relying on His strength, resting in His fatherly care, or receiving His peace. Keep a journal of how you see Him working in that capacity throughout the week.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus' birth as Emmanuel (God with us) was the fulfillment of prophecies given 700 years earlier, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises
• The Incarnation was necessary because Jesus had to be both fully God and fully man to serve as our Savior and King
• God addresses not just our surface problems but the foundational brokenness in all creation through the birth of Jesus
• The titles Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace represent specific answers to humanity's deepest needs
• Jesus enters our darkness, loneliness, and brokenness, bringing hope and restoration where we need it most

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the incredible truth that You are Emmanuel - God with us. Thank You for not remaining distant from our struggles, but for entering our world as a baby, growing up among us, and experiencing all that we experience. We praise You for being our Wonderful Counselor who guides us with divine wisdom, our Mighty God who fights for us, our Everlasting Father who loves us eternally, and our Prince of Peace who brings true shalom into our lives. Help us to live this week with the confidence that comes from knowing You are with us in every circumstance. May the comfort and joy of Your presence be evident in our lives as we share this good news with others. We pray this in the precious name of Jesus, our Emmanuel. Amen.