1. Describe a memorable first-time face to face meeting with someone. It could be a friend, teacher, work associate, famous person, family member. What were your first impressions? What made it memorable?

2. Review the main points of “Face to Face.”

· Christmas (and Christianity) is all about the face-to-face encounter between Jesus and people.

· Our fellowship in Christ is grounded in the firsthand witnesses of the Word made flesh.

· We celebrate that “technology” is helpful in delivering that message.

· We will be transformed by a face-to-face encounter with Jesus at his glorious return.

· There’s an even greater joy when we connect face to face.

Which of these points was surprising, enlightening, encouraging, or stretching for you? Why?

3. Read John 1:1-18. Christmas is about the miracle of the Incarnation, that is, God took on human flesh and lived among us. What are the key (even startling) truths that are presented in this passage about who Jesus is and what Jesus did? Why do those truths matter so much?

4. Many people seek adventurous, thrilling, and even extreme experiences. All people seek satisfying and genuine experiences. What are some common examples of these experiences?

5. Why would seeing Jesus face-to-face be the most extreme and satisfying experience? And why does this idea often not capture people’s attention or excitement? Why are some people bored (or at least not excited) about that possibility?

6. How has technology helped you in your spiritual walk? Is there any way it has hampered you?

7. Share some of your most meaningful face-to-face encounters with other believers – whether in worship, Life Group, conversation, difficulty, or friendship. How can these face-to-face encounters bring such great joy?

8. Christmas is about face-to-face encounters with the God of love. How could you live out this kind of “God with skin on” love in your neighborhood, at the workplace, or with that One Life that God has brought your way? As a Life Group set a very specific goal (either as individuals or a group) to show kindness and hospitality face-to-face with at least one person (or family or group) no later than Christmas Day.