1. Read Luke 2:1-7
2. Can you think of a time when you had to go on an unexpected journey?
3. Share one Christmas story that had an unexpected turn of events or outcome.
4. The word “Advent” stems from the Latin word adventus, which literally means “coming” or “arrival.” In context, this commonly refers to the coming of Jesus on Christmas day. Jerome, when composing the Latin Vulgate, also used adventus when translating the Greek word parousia (see https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g3952 ). This word has a similar meaning, but in a broader context refers to Jesus’ second coming at the end of time. Definition of “advent.” (Google) – the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
   with “the advent of television” entertainment changed forever; synonyms:arrival, appearance, emergence, materialization, occurrence, dawn, birth, rise, development.
5. Discussion

We glorify God when we meet the unexpected with faith (Luke 2:1-7)

(1) Human events are used by God (1-2)

What were the human events that happened in this passage?

Share a human event (new job, moving as a child, a world event) that you now see as something God used in your life.

(2) God’s sovereignty includes human responsibility  (3-4)

Where is God’s sovereignty in this passage? What fulfillment of scripture do you see? Where do you see human responsibility?

Trains run on two rails or tracks. For the believer, the two tracks of life are God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. What happens when we only emphasize one track over the other? How is Grace the engine of the train, faith the passenger compartment and our works the caboose?

(3) God is often glorified most when we are stretched  (5-7)

How many ways can you see how Joseph and Mary were stretched?

Take 2-3 minutes each to share how you are being stretched.