Light Has Found Us, “Receiving the Gift of Christmas”
The following content can be used as a guide for TFH Groups.
The heart of a TFH Group is to care for people and carry the culture of The Father’s House.
You don’t have to follow the guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion. If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What’s your “I shouldn’t eat this but I will” snack?
SERIES: Light Has Found Us
TITLE: Part 4 - Receiving the Gift of Christmas
SPEAKER: Pastor CJ Cody
Scriptures—
John 1:1-14
Summary—
Pastor CJ calls us to move beyond celebrating Jesus’ arrival to truly receiving what He came to give. Using the image of an unopened delivery, he explains how many acknowledge Christ’s coming without embracing His life, light, and freedom. Drawing from John 1, Pastor CJ shows that missed expectations, mental strongholds, and disobedience can block what God has already provided, while Jesus offers His life as light to all who believe and receive Him.
Key Takeaways—
Celebrating that Jesus came is not enough; we must receive why He came and what He offers
God’s provision often arrives outside our preferences and expectations
The enemy uses lies to build mental strongholds that blind us to what God has already given
God has been present from the beginning and remains present even when unseen
Freedom, peace, and joy are already available to believers, but unbelief can block access
Obedience to God’s instructions is often the key to experiencing the life and identity Jesus offers as children of God
Discussion Questions—
In what ways might we celebrate the arrival of Jesus at Christmas while missing the deeper purpose of why He came?
What strongholds or lies have set themselves up in your mind that prevent you from receiving what God has already given you?
John 1:10-11 says the world did not recognize Jesus and His own did not receive Him—what causes people today to fail to recognize or receive Jesus despite hearing about Him?
How does understanding that God has been present from the beginning change the way you view your current struggles or seasons of darkness?
In what areas of your life might God be asking you to obey His instructions before you see the fulfillment of what He's promised?
How can grief, distraction, or disappointment cause us to miss God's presence and provision even when He is right in front of us? When has that happened to you?
Practical Application—
Write down one area where your expectations may be blocking you from seeing God's provision
Identify one way God was present in your circumstances, even if you didn't initially recognize it
Identify one instruction from God (through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel) that you've been hesitant to follow
Closing Prayer—
Close your session by praying as a group. Pray for eyes to see and hearts to receive what God has already given. Ask God to tear down any strongholds preventing group members from experiencing His life, light, joy, and peace. Thank God for His relentless pursuit and for making Himself visible through Jesus.
