Opening Question

• What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

Read and Discuss

Jeremiah 10:1-5 CSB

1 Hear the word that the Lord has spoken to you, house of Israel. 2 This is what the Lord says: Do not learn the way of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them, 3 for the customs of the peoples are worthless. Someone cuts down a tree from the forest; it is worked by the hands of a craftsman with a chisel. 4 He decorates it with silver and gold. It is fastened with hammer and nails, so it won’t totter. 5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them for they can do no harm— and they cannot do any good.

• Why is the Lord warning the Israelites about the practices of the nations who do not follow Him?
• What were the practices the Lord didn’t want them to follow? Why?
• Why might some people associate this with Christmas trees?
• What’s the difference between what the Lord is saying here, and putting up a Christmas tree?

1 Corinthians 8:4-6

4 About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.

• Why would this passage have been a big deal to the early followers of Jesus?
• If some practices of followers of Jesus came from pagan traditions, but are now directed towards worshiping God, what does this passage say about that?
• Why is it important to remember that all things exist through Jesus?

Challenge Question

• If someone tells you that it is wrong for followers of Jesus to celebrate Christmas, how could you respond?

Memorize it!

1 Corinthians 8:6 –yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.

Pray

Ask the Lord to help you to keep Him at the center of your celebration this Christmas season.