Advent Conspiracy: Give More (Nov 13-19)

Advent Conspiracy Practice: Week 3 Give More | Nov. 13 - 19

Communities @ Grace

Goal for Week: Discuss what is meant by “Give More” during the advent season.

45 minutes:  Welcome, Pray, Eat + Mingle

• Tell us about a memorable gift you received and why it left a lasting impression.

• Have you ever received a gift that was odd or do you have a tradition of unusual gift giving?

15 Minutes : Review of last week’s practice experience  

Review:

• Make a budget for holiday spending.

• Begin prayerfully considering who you would like to give gifts to, consider
  your relationship and what would truly bless them.

• Begin a conversation with your family about the value of being intentional with your spending.

How did this practice go for you? What is the Holy Spirit doing in your heart as a result of practicing this last week?

If nobody in your group has completed the practice from the previous week talk through these questions:

• What is hindering you from practicing during the week?

• How can we support each other?

• How was your connection with Jesus this week?

45 Minutes : Introduction of Practice + Discussion Questions

Our culture says that Christmas is the Season of Giving.  This week’s topic is “Give More” which seems the opposite of what Advent is supposed to be about.  

• Do you remember what gifts you received last year?  Do you remember what you gave to others?

Let’s read John 1:1-14

• How does this passage describe Jesus? (He’s the light in the darkness)

• The gift of Jesus is described as Light to the world. Why do you think that term is used? 

• How can our gift giving also bring light to others?

Read Luke 2:1-12

• What did you notice about how God enacted his plan for our salvation?

(He sent Jesus in a humble way, someone who would not be a ruler but would be with us and connect with everyone.)

• What does that say to you about how God views gifts?  

Read Isaiah 7:14 

• What does Emmanuel mean? (God with us)

• How would you like to experience God with you this season?

For this reason, Give More means to create relationships and bring light into dark places.  God sent a very personal gift to us for our salvation.  It could have been less personal, but he sent his son to live among us, to share life and create connections.  It came at a cost, just like the best gifts we give to each other.

Relational giving is a way to show someone we notice and care for them.  It takes some thought, paying attention and more of your time.  It shows you know them and what they care about.

• Share a time when you have received a personal, light giving gift.

Group Practice:

In groups of 2-3 people talk about how this Giving More idea feels to you. Talk about the barriers that might have to be overcome to try this idea.  Has anything come to mind that you may do differently this year?

10 Minutes : Pray for One Another + Close  

• Consider praying as a whole group or in triads for personal prayer requests. 

• End on time in order to honor everyone’s time. 

5 Minutes : Practices for Week Ahead 

• Pick one person you’d like to give a gift to that will strengthen your relationship. Think about and decide what you’ll do this year for their gift. 

• Think of what you could do to help create the experience of “Emmanuel, God with us” this season.  

• Decide if you could pare down your gift giving list.  Consider eliminating the giving that is by habit and has become meaningless.

Get creative and here are a few suggestions to get the juices flowing.  What other ideas do you have that encourage relationships?

1. Buy a gift card to a coffee shop they can only use WITH  you.

2. Gather the supplies needed to learn a new skill that they want to learn that you can teach them.

3. A cookbook and gift card for the ingredients you’ll cook together.

4. Buy a copy of the movie you enjoyed together and watch it together.

5. Write a list of the things you noticed about them that make you proud.

6. Tickets to an event you can attend together or give them an opportunity to attend with others.

7. Donate to their favorite charity or cause and give them a small edible gift.

8. A new game with a standing date to get together and play.

9. Take a son, daughter, grandkid, niece or nephew out to do something one on one that they will enjoy.