Week before 21 December 2025
Welcome (10 minutes)
Snack idea: Heart-shaped biscuits or cookies, maybe in a box with a large gift tag. Talk about how food lovingly prepared or shared is its own kind of gift.
One person reads this prayer aloud:
Gift-giving God,
as Advent draws to a close, and Christmas draws near,
help us receive your love with open hearts.
May this time together remind us that we are made with love and called to share love.
Amen.
Story sharing (10 minutes)
Last week people chose a cookie with a word on it. Invite them to share how that word has been a reality in their life in the previous week.
Bible (10 minutes)
Read Matthew 1:18–25 and this summary:
Joseph finds out that Mary is expecting a baby before they live together. He’s confused and hurt but wants to be kind. An angel visits him in a dream and tells him the baby is from God’s Spirit and that he should still marry Mary. The baby is to be called Jesus (which means “God saves”) and also known as Emmanuel (“God is with us”). Joseph listens and obeys. It’s a quiet but powerful moment of courage and trust.
Discussion (30 minutes)
Use these questions to help everyone join in, even if they’re not used to Bible study. Keep things informal and open. Rephrase or skip questions as needed for the group.
1. Joseph’s response
- Joseph shows kindness, even when he’s confused.
- Can you think of someone who showed you care or love in a hard time? What did it mean to you?
2. Made with love
- What helps you believe that your life – and the lives of others – are a gift from God?
3. Names of Jesus
- Jesus is called “God saves” and “God with us”.
- Which of those names means more to you right now, and why?
Craft activity (30 minutes)
“Let Your Face Shine” suncatchers
You’ll need:
- Plastic wallet sleeves or laminating pouches
- Tissue paper in bright colours
- Scissors, glue sticks, string
Instructions:
1. Cut out circle/sun shapes in the plastic.
2. Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces and glue them in patterns to fill the shape. 3. Add a ribbon or string to hang them up.
Reflection while working:
Ask the group to reflect silently or share:
- Where do you need God’s light to shine?
- Where can you be a light to others this week?
Group prayer (10 minutes)
Set out tea lights in holders or a sand tray. Invite each person to light a candle (or switch on an LED light) and name quietly or silently someone they’d like to know God’s presence.
Optional background: gentle instrumental music.
Closing prayer of blessing for each other
You are loved.
You are made with love.
You are held in God’s care. Amen.