Often our Advent preparations have an inward focus as we prepare for the significance of God breaking into our world through the birth of the Christ child. But in a closer examination of the Advent story, we quickly learn that the focus of the coming of the newborn king is outward.
In this book and Advent study, Dr. Ed Robb explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with the Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Just as Jesus made room in God’s kingdom for a host of people who society wanted to leave on the margins, beginning with the appearance of the shepherds, we too should be asking ourselves who we can make room for this Christmas.
Perhaps it is to the people in your community, or the newly immigrated family in town that doesn’t speak your language. Or maybe it’s the next-door neighbor who just settled in from yet another corporate move? The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our borders and increase our sense of community—and make room for others.
Chapter topics include:
Making Room – “The neighbor next door”
Stranger in a Strange Land – “The people new to community”
Leave the Light On – “The oppressed and marginalized”
Walking Each Other Home – “The church and how we live out our call”
The kit includes the book and a comprehensive Leader Guide to guide participants through the study.
