This Bible study can be used as an individual reflection or in a group. If it is used in an intergenerational group (e.g. families), split the study over two or three shorter sessions. The study may be especially useful to help people think creatively about the sorts of gifts they will give this Christmas.
"Advent in Australia could well be the busiest in the world, combining as it does the end of the school year with all its farewells and celebrations, and the beginning of the long summer vacation. Christmas is sandwiched in the middle. Added to that, the competition put up by Santa and the commercial interests – and where does God find a place? Life becomes over-burdened and strained, and the peace that God wants for us at Christmas is just not there."
(From Still Waters, Deep Waters, Rowland Croucher (ed), Albatross Books, 1987, pp. 301-2)
Brainstorm in your group
What are the positive and negative effects that the events surrounding the birth of Jesus had on the various characters:
(NB: you may not have both positive and negative features for all the characters). (Some historical background might help members appreciate these events in their context, e.g., the social status of the shepherds, the powerlessness of people against the military. So, you may find it useful to have some good commentaries available.)
In pairs: Choose one or two of the characters from the list, and think together about the attitudes they held, which were most likely being challenged. Report back to the whole group.
Reflect on these questions
1. Imagine that you were able to give each of the characters above a special “gift” (not necessarily tangible/physical).
In light of the discoveries summarised on the completed chart, what would each character most benefit from receiving? Do you think the person would appreciate it?
It seems that there was both a "bright side" and a "dark side" to the events of the first Christmas. In our contemporary world, it is probably much the same, as our attitudes and practices at Christmas often accentuate some of the major pressure points and inequalities facing many people.
2. Are there people in our society or around the world who resemble the characters in the Christmas story in some way?
Who are they? What is the impact of Christmas on them? (Think laterally: the impact may be direct, or it may be indirect, resulting from the way others celebrate Christmas. Use Tearfund’s website, news sites, newspapers and magazines for ideas, e.g., the leaders of wealthy countries; people in Pacific nations who are being impacted by climate change; people for whom access to something as essential as water is a daily challenge; and garment workers who are not being paid a living wage..)
What gift(s) might these people appreciate this Christmas?
3. Let’s change direction for a moment. Because Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, a good question is: “What gifts can I/we give him?”
That’s an important question for Christians to try to answer. "Of course, we can offer ourselves again to him as living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1-2). Yes, this need not be merely a predictable and glib answer – but what does it actually mean in our practice?
4. Follow carefully through this line of reasoning:
In light of these three points, suggest ways to complete this sentence:
"Gifts Christians can give Jesus are ..."
5. Think of the means by which these gifts can be linked to the people identified above, and identify the names of people/organisations involved in this – in your neighbourhood, community, and further afield.
(Jot down ideas on a large sheet of butcher's paper if in a group. Consider looking at Tearfund’s Useful Gifts Catalogue).
Take time for quiet reflection, to respond to insights from this study.
Complete this sentence:
"One specific thing I plan to offer as a gift to Jesus this Christmas, by serving him through serving others, is ...".
If appropriate, share your commitment with another person. Groups (e.g., families) may consider making a joint commitment, e.g., relating to the cost of presents, how and with whom to spend Christmas, etc.
Pray
Celebrate (spoken and/or in song) the relevance of the birth of Jesus Christ!
Pray for one another – for the attitude of service modelled by Jesus; for the joyous will to act on the commitment made as a gift for Jesus on his birthday; for changed attitudes to continue into coming years.
Pray for those people identified above – and for people who represent Christ Jesus to them.
(If in a group: create a prayer that expresses the thoughts and feelings of the group members. Say or sing it together.)
