Christmas is still happening, so the world still has hope.

Main Idea: Jesus bridged the gap so we would never have to be alone.John 1:10-14 (NLT)

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

What is the gap?10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.

Romans 3:10-13 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 22 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”

Ultimately, the gap is a RELATIONAL problem

How did Jesus bridge the gap?14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

How can we know we’re not alone?12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Discussion Questions:

• Describe a time you experienced a sense of isolation or loneliness. What was it like? How did you respond? What are some of the ways we try to cope with those kinds of feelings?
• Can you think of some common ways that Christians think and live as if we’re still waiting for God’s presence? In the sermon, Adam called this the “Advent Myth.” What examples of the “Advent Myth” have you seen in your Church experience?
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in conveying the Father’s presence to us? In your past church experience, would you say the person and presence of the Holy Spirit is something you’ve learned to experience? Why or why not? What impact has that had on your sense of God’s presence in your life?
• How can a real, living awareness that God is present to bless change a challenging circumstance in your life right now?
• As a group, spend some time in the Father’s presence. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister. If someone is willing to share a difficult situation, gather and pray for them. As you do, realize that the Holy Spirit is present within you. Allow Him to minister through you to that person. Give space and time for the Holy Spirit to bring revelation.