Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Four Key Plans for Peace
1)
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. Luke 3:15
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21
2)
THIS WEEK’S POWER VERSE
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:22
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
3)
If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)
Keep Christ in the Center of your Christmas!
He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. Colossians 1:17
4)
We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. 1 Corinthians 16:15
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Prayer Request
- 1830 Light Fight
1830 Ministry is excited about their annual Christmas Light Fight on Sunday, December 8th at 6:30pm. If you are between the ages of 18 to 30, you are going to have so much fun on a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt all across Hays County. You can register HERE and we’ll help you get connected. Let the games begin!
- Home for Christmas
We’re excited about our Home for Christmas Offering, which starts now and goes through January 31, 2025. Our BIG ONE-DAY Offering will happen in all our Celebration Services on Sunday, December 15, 2024. That’s the day we’ll all bring our BEST GIFT to JESUS for Christmas!
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Offering is a call to sacrificial giving to further three major ministry initiatives:
- To pay for our 11.5 acres of land in Buda
- To install a parking lot for our San Marcos campus
To support our missionaries around the world
- Connection Christmas is here!
You’re Invited to Experience Christmas with us at The Connection Church! Make the most of your Christmas so you will remember it for years to come. Bring your family and friends for this fun, unforgettable celebration! Everyone is welcome!
Buda Campus: December 23rd @ 5:30pm & 7:30pm & December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
San Marcos Campus: December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
Online Campus: December 24th @ 3:30pm & 5:30pm
Reserve Your FREE Tickets HERE.
Connection Group Discussion Questions
Opening Reflection
- Share a Christmas tradition or moment that has brought you joy or stress in the past.
1) Release the Pressure
Read Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
What unrealistic expectations do you need to let go of this Christmas?
How can simplifying your plans help you focus more on connection with your family?
What is one new tradition you could start this year to bring peace to your family?
2) Repair Your Relationships
Read Romans 12:18: “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Are there any strained relationships in your family that you could work on strengthening this season?
What steps can you take to practice forgiveness and grace with your family?
Share a time when finding common ground with someone helped resolve a conflict.
3) Realign Your Priorities
Read Colossians 1:17: “He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.”
What are some ways you can keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration?
What are some ways you can manage your time and money to reduce holiday stress?
What does a Christ-centered Christmas look like in practical terms for your family?
4) Rekindle Your Legacy
Read Joshua 4:6-7: “We will use these stones to build a memorial… They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.”
What legacy do you want to leave for your family during this season?
What steps can you take to serve and bless your family or others this Christmas?
5) Application and Prayer
Who in your family or community needs to experience Christ’s love this season, and how can you reach out to them?
Close in prayer, asking God to guide each person in building peace and focusing on Christ during this busy season.