Discussion Questions – Choose the right questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them. Pick between these two ice-breaker questions for everyone to answer: What is your favorite scene from the movie Elf? What is your favorite Christmas movie and why? Pick between these two deeper questions: Eric described two possible camps or postures this Christmas season: pressured or rebellious. Which one better describes you? What is disorienting you this Christmas? Read Romans 8:15-16 and Psalm 16:11. What jumps out about the relationship that God wants to have with us? Read Romans 15:13 and Galatians 5:22–23. God wants to fill us with joy, and his Spirit wants to produce the fruit of joy in our lives. Tell us about a time that you tried to manufacture joy. How was that different from a time when the Spirit gave you joy? Read the following passages about how God and his goodness give us joy: Psalm 34:8, 1 John 3:1, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 8:31-32. What other Scriptures or songs help you remember the goodness of God? Eric mentioned that there are counterfeit substitutes like consumerism, perfectionism, legalism, or cynicism that can close us off from real joy. Whether these or others, which counterfeit substitutes have affected your life and closed you off from real joy? Why are they counterfeit? Read Luke 2:10. Eric’s main point was that “The people who will experience the most joy this season are the ones who are most open to it.” What step can you take today to be more open to the joy that God wants to give you this season? Close by praying a benediction prayer like the one in Romans 15:13. Verse to meditate on and memorizeRestore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. – Psalm 51:12 Put It into Practice (Between Meetings) Consider an Advent devotional to help you intentionally focus on Christ this season. Check out this one from Biola University or another from John Piper. Or, buy an Advent book and read it together as a family. Set aside a time to read the Christmas story and ask God to pour his joy into your life. Do this with friends and/or family. Consider reading one or all of these Advent articles on the Chase Oaks website.Consider praying Romans 15:13 for someone else this season.