Christmas Stories: The Three Responses - Matthew 2:1-12
Christmas Stories: The Three Responses
Matthew 2:1-12
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
Opposition & Hostility
Indifference & Apathy
Worship & Sacrifice
HOME CHURCH QUESTIONS
1. What are some of your family’s Christmas traditions? What are your favorite Christmas stories or movies?
2. What are some ways we see Herod’s opposition and hostility toward Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12 & 16? Why do you think Herod is furious about the birth of Jesus? What are some modern examples of opposition and
hostility toward Jesus?
3. While we might not be opposed to Jesus the same way Herod was, we can still have “the spirit of Herod” in our lives. What are some characteristics of a life that is marked by the spirit of Herod? How would this contrast with the spirit of Jesus? What is an area of your life that could look more like the spirit of Jesus and less like the spirit of Herod?
4. What are some examples from Matthew 2 that demonstrate how the Old Testament was anticipating the coming of Jesus? Why do you think the religious leaders are not more excited about the idea of Christ being born?
5. Have you ever talked with someone who was indifferent or apathetic toward Jesus? How would you respond to someone who said they are neutral or indifferent toward Him?
6. According to Matthew 2:10-11, how do the wise men respond to Jesus? What are some ways we should follow their example?
7. What area of your life are you most hesitant to have Jesus “rearrange?” What would it look like for you to live like He is the King over that area of your life?
Mission Highlight - The Adi Dravida in India
The Adi Dravida in South India, have long faced social discrimination and poverty. Many work as farmers, laborers, or leather workers, though some are gaining access to education and professional jobs. Most follow Hinduism, with only a tiny Christian presence despite having Scripture available in Tamil. Pray that God would open doors for the gospel among the Adi Dravida, raise up Indian believers to build genuine friendships, and strengthen the few existing Christians to boldly share Christ within their communities.
Finances
Weekly Budget 34,615
Giving For 11/23 29,630
Giving For 11/30 25,532
YTD Budget 761,538
Giving 698,433
OVER/(UNDER) (63,105)
Fellowship 101
New to Fellowship? We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 11th, at 9 AM in the conference room (first floor) to hear about our mission, values, and ministries. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. This is an important step in getting connected at Fellowship.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Christmas Offering
This December, we are taking up a special offering for the Operation Christmas Child Special Pack (held in October 2026). The gifts received will determine the number of boxes we can send. To send each gospel opportunity (box), it costs $20 for items, transportation, and the tools needed to share the hope found in Christ with a child. Please consider giving above and beyond your regular giving to the worthy cause of getting the gospel to sensitive areas that are difficult to reach. You can give online by going to fellowshipconway.org/give and selecting “Christmas Offering” from the options. To give an idea of what we are trying to raise, we packed 2,800 boxes last year, which is equal to $56,000. We would love to do even more next year!
Fellowship Women’s Hebrews Bible Study
This February, join us for Jesus Is Greater—an eight-week Bible study through the book of Hebrews created to deepen your faith, renew your hope, and connect you with other women pursuing Jesus. Led by Rebecca Carter and Heather Harrison, we’ll meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., beginning February 3rd at Fellowship. Free childcare by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332 by January 28th. Register at fellowshipconway.org/women.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
Join us on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Atrium for a great morning of food, fellowship, and encouragement. No sign-up is required—just bring your Bible and come ready to enjoy breakfast, connect with other men, and start your day with prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.
OCC Celebration | December 14
Join us next Sunday as we put a bow on National Collection Week and celebrate what God has done! We’ll reveal the total number of shoeboxes packed at Fellowship and across the entire River Valley Area. You won’t want to miss this moment of gratitude and praise — and please keep praying for every child who will receive a shoebox!
Join a Home Church
Home Church small groups are about building a deep community where we are transformed into the image of Christ and serve a broken world for the sake of the gospel. If you are not in a Home Church, we encourage you go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch or stop by the Connection table in the Atrium.