Lee Strobel - The Case for Christmas Bible Study Guide: Evidence for the Identity of Jesus

D o you have questions about the first Christmas? Then you are in the right place. During the next four weeks, you and your group will look at the story surrounding the birth of Jesusand how you can know that the events recorded in the Bible are true.

The Case for Christmas video study is designed to be experienced in a group setting such as a Bible study, Sunday school class, or any small group gathering. Each session begins with a brief introduction and opening questions to get you and your group thinking about the topic. You will then watch a video with Lee Strobel and jump into some directed small-group discussion. You will close each session with a time of prayer.

Each person in the group should have his or her own study guide, which includes video teaching notes, group discussion questions, and between-sessions personal studies to help you reflect on the material during the week. You are also encouraged to have a copy of The Case for Christmas book, as reading it alongside the curriculum will provide you with deeper insights and make the journey more meaningful.

To get the most out of your group experience, keep the following points in mind. First, the real growth in this study will happen during your small-group time. This is where you will process the content of Lees message, ask questions, and learn from others as you hear what God is doing in their lives. For this reason, it is important for you to be fully committed to the group and attend each session so you can build trust and rapport with the other members. If you choose to only go through the motions, or if you refrain from participating, there is a lesser chance you will find what youre looking for during this study.

Second, the goal of your small group is to serve as a place where you can share, learn about God, and build intimacy and friendship with others. For this reason, seek to make your group a safe place. This means being honest about your thoughts and feelings and listening carefully to everyone elses opinion. Resist the temptation to fix someones problem or correct his or her theology, as thats not the purpose of your small-group time. Also, keep everything your group shares confidential. This will foster a rewarding sense of community in your group and create a place where people can heal, be challenged, and grow spiritually.

In between your group times, you can maximize the impact of the curriculum by completing the personal study activities. This individual study will help you reflect and actively respond to the lesson. You may wish to complete the personal study in one sitting or spread it over a few days (for example, working on it a half hour per day on four different days that week). Note that if you are unable to finish (or even start!) your between-sessions personal study, you should still attend the group study video session. You are still wanted and welcome at the group even if you dont have your homework done.

Keep in mind that the videos, discussions, and activities are simply meant to kick-start your imagination, so you will be open to what God wants you to hear through this study. The goal is for you to see the Christmas story in a whole new light and know with

confidence that the Gospel accounts of Jesus birth are accurate and true. This will hopefully prove to be a journey that will stimulate your mind, warm your heart, and satisfy your soul.

Sound good? Then lets get started.

Note: If you are a group leader, there are additional resources provided in the back of this guide to help you lead your group members through the study.

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.

C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity