Discussion questions December 2007

Adults

Both men in this month’s parable were described as having “generous natures.” Do you think one man’s generosity was “better” than the other’s? In what ways and to whom are you generous?

To whom do you give gifts at Christmas? Why?

Have you ever received an “alternative” Christmas gift – a share of a goat, perhaps, or a gift to a charity in your name? How did you feel about receiving it? Have you ever given gifts of that kind? Why?

Teens

Do you know people like the two men described in the parable this month? What is Christmas like in your family? In what ways are you or members of your family “generous” at Christmas time?

Sometimes groups plan to be “Christmas angels” for one another during the days before Christmas, anonymously doing small acts of kindness or giving small gifts to someone else. Who needs a Christmas angel this year? How might being one make Christmas more meaningful for you?

“It is more blessed to give and to receive,” Scripture tells us. Do you believe that? When or how have you experienced that?

Children

The men in the story this month were very generous. What does it mean to be “generous”? What do you have that you could share “generously” with someone else?

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday – but who gets the presents at this birthday party? Why is that?

If you could – if you had the money or a way to do it – what one special gift would you like to give to someone this Christmas? Why did you choose that particular gift or that particular person?