Starter: In pairs share a time when you had to put on a brave face. Worship: Reflection: (As a whole group) 1. Christmas, the 'season to be jolly' can be for many a time of heightened misery.     The homeless; the scared; the betrayed; the bereaved may all find themselves in this situation.     Share together such groups of people or individuals that come to mind and for whom you     have concern this year. In four groups 2. Taking those categories - homeless, scared, betrayed, bereaved - as a starting point,     find examples of such people in the Nativity narratives. (see texts below) 3. Tell one another their stories of grief. (as a whole group) Back in four groups 4. But 'Merry Christmas' is what we say.     How might these nativity characters be able to celebrate 'merrily'?     What might have helped them rise above their difficulties? 5. What basic truths of the Christmas story enable you to celebrate     even when you are suffering difficulties? Life Focus Questions:(As a whole group) 1. What can our Church/ SCC do this Christmas to help the homeless, the scared,     the betrayed and the bereaved of our community? 2. How can we proclaim the message of Christmas in a way that might reach them? Prayers: Pray for the people you have been thinking about this evening and ask for God's guidance and strength to carry out any action you have been called to take. Review : This material for Advent is designed to help us begin with our experience and then to explore what the Bible might say to those experiences. How helpful have you found this different way of exploring the Bible? Major Nativity Biblical Texts: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2 Luke Chapters 1 & 2 John Chapter 1 verses 1-18 Isaiah Chapter 9 verses 2-7; Chapter 11 verses 1-10; Chapter 63 verses 7-9.