Connect:
Baking is a common tradition during the Christmas season. What are some of your favorite homemade treats this time of year and what memories are associated with them? Are there any peculiar treats or family treats that you just find bizarre or do not like?

Summary:
Pastor Stan’s message this week challenges our typical reflections of Christmas by exploring the overlooked aspects of the Christmas story. Instead of focusing on the joyous aspects, he delves into the shame, stigma, and pain experienced by Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. He highlights the concept of the “mamzer”, which refers to the socially excluded and marginalized, and shows how Jesus’ birth aligns with this dynamic. The message concludes with a reminder that Christmas is for those who are hurting, and a call to pray for those in need.

Texts:
Deuteronomy 23:2, Luke 1:26-33, Luke 1:34, Luke 1:35-38, Luke 2:1-7, Mark 6 & John 8

Discuss:
1. Read the Christmas story in Luke 2 together. Luke describes Jesus’ humble beginning with a manger for a bed. Stan shared how the stable setting may be an indicator of Mary and Joseph’s social exclusion due to the “mamzer” dynamic. Mamzer is a term from Deuteronomy used to describe an illegitimate child born in disgrace.
How can we, as individuals and a community, use this understanding of the Christmas story to make our celebrations more inclusive and empathetic towards those who might be feeling marginalized?
2. Stan shared how Jesus lived with the stigma of being a mamzer, which allowed him to understand firsthand the experience of those who feel excluded and alone. In what ways does this understanding reveal the depth of Jesus’ compassion and empathy?
3. How does knowing that Jesus experienced such exclusion affect your relationship with Him and your confidence in His ability to empathize with your own struggles?
4. Stan acknowledges that Christmas can be a difficult time for some, amplifying feelings of loss and hardship. How can we, as a community, offer support and understanding to those who are experiencing difficulty during the Christmas season?
5. What is something practical you can personally do to make a positive impact on someone who may be struggling during this season?

Pray:
Close your time by sharing prayer requests and praying for one another.