MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

Dig Deeper:
1. Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t know what it was or how to use it?
2. Have you ever received a gift that had much value to you at one time but no longer holds that same value?
3. Read Matthew 2:1-2. What do you know of the wise men from previous Christmas stories you have heard?
4. Read Isaiah 60:6. What significance does the foretelling of the wise men’s journey have on the role they play in the birth of Jesus?
5. What is the greatest distance you’ve ever traveled? Did traveling that distance require you to sacrifice time, money…and even your own safety?
6. Read Matthew 2:3. Why do you think Jesus was born during Herod’s rule…a ruthless king who was referred to as “King of the Jews”?
7. Read Matthew 2:4-5. How is the religious leader’s reaction to Jesus different than the wise men’s reaction?
8. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and having a saving relationship with Jesus?
9. Read Matthew 2:10. Why do you think the wise men were “overwhelmed with joy”?
10. Read Matthew 2:11. Describe a time when you have been “overwhelmed with joy.” What response did you have when feeling this joy?
11. What does the gift of gold represent? Describe how Jesus is our King.
12. What does the gift of frankincense represent? Describe how Jesus is our High Priest.
13. What does the gift of myrrh represent? Describe how Jesus is our Sacrifice.
14. How does Jesus’s birth story point to his life, death, and resurrection?
15. Why is worship such a valuable component of this story, considering that the wise men were worshipping Jesus as a toddler?
16. Read Matthew 2:12. Is it possible to experience Jesus and not be transformed and have a new way of living? Discuss how your relationship with Jesus has allowed you to “go another way.”

Live It Out:

What is your response to Jesus this Christmas?

1. Jesus our King: How do you worship Jesus our King on a regular basis? This week, spend time worshipping Jesus through prayer, song, writing, reading His Word, and reflecting on how He has blessed you in 2022.
2. Jesus our High Priest: Jesus is our High Priest, our bridge builder. Spend time this week transparently laying down all of your sins at His feet. Share your burdens and your heartache with Him. No one knows suffering more than Jesus.
3. Jesus our Sacrifice: The purpose of the birth of Jesus is that it points us to the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus took our sin and, in exchange, He gives us His righteousness and a home in Heaven. If you have not yet done so, receive the gift of Jesus Christ today. Pray to Him and share that you acknowledge your own sin, that you believe He died for your sins and was resurrected, and confess that Jesus is Lord.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Matthew 2:18-24
Tuesday: Matthew 2:1-12
Wednesday: Matthew 2:16-23
Thursday: Isaiah 60:1-6
Friday: John 18:37, Revelation 19:16
Saturday: Hebrews 4:14-16, Isaiah 53:5