Christmas at the Movies Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

Start Off

• What is one of your favorite Christmas movies, and what memories do you have with that movie?
  
  
• The movie Home Alone was filled with a lot of assumptions. What’s a time you made or experienced a quick assumption that later turned out to be wrong, whether funny, shocking, or painful?
  
  

Reflect on God's Word

• Read Luke 2:41-48. Just like in Home Alone, Jesus’ parents assumed he was with them, and they leave him behind. What stands out to you about how normal and “human” this mistake feels?
  
  
• Read Luke 2:49-51. What does this passage reveal about who Jesus is?
  
  

Go Deeper

• Eric defined an assumption as “limited data + a leap to a conclusion.” As the movie illustrated, with his family mysteriously gone, Kevin assumes his family hates him and left him on purpose. Why do our brains tend to fill in gaps with the worst-case story?
  
  
• Brené Brown’s phrase “The story I’m telling myself…” can often include assumptions. How could using that phrase and acknowledging our internal assumptions change the way you approach conflict or misunderstanding?
  
  
• Based on scary rumors, Kevin made an assumption about Old Man Marley but that assumption ultimately changed once they had a conversation. How have you experienced a changed assumption through conversation and relationship?
  
  
• What is one small step of courage or curiosity you feel prompted to take this week? Is there a conversation, text, prayer, or moment of listening God may be inviting you into?
  
  
• Take turns reading the practices in the “Put it Into Practice” section. Which one or two things stand out to you to try this week?
  
  

Share and Pray

• Take some time to share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests. Go around in a circle and pray for the person on your left.
  

Verse to meditate on and memorize this week:

“Why are you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” – Luke 2:49

Put It into Practice (Between Meetings)

• Practice Naming the Story - This week, pause and ask: “What story am I telling myself right now?” When someone doesn’t respond, acts differently, or disappoints you, write down the first story your brain creates. Then ask: What facts do I have? What might be another possible explanation? This slows down assumptions and creates space for curiosity instead of reaction.
  
  
• Practice “Minding the Gap” - Identify one relationship where there may be a gap between what you assume and what is true. Ask yourself: Where might I be filling in missing information? What am I afraid might be true? Reach out and ask a clarifying question like: “Can I check an assumption I’ve been making?”
  
  
• Practice Quick Listening (James 1:19) - Choose one conversation this week where your primary goal is listening, not fixing or defending. Don’t interrupt. Don’t plan your response while they’re talking. Ask at least one follow-up question before offering your opinion. Prayer before the conversation: “God, help me be quick to listen and slow to conclude.”
  
  
• Practice Gospel Curiosity - Pick a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and read a short section each day between now and Christmas. As you read, notice: What surprises you about Jesus? What challenges your assumptions about God? What draws you into wonder? And before you read, pray, “Jesus, show me who you really are.”
  
  
• Practice Urgency Toward Connection - Think of one relationship that has experienced slow drift or quiet distance. Ask: What would it look like to treat this as urgent—not later, not someday? Take one small step: a text, call, apology, invitation, or prayer.
  
  
• Practice Reflection Before Christmas Day - Set aside 10 quiet minutes sometime this week. Reflect on: Where did I assume instead of listen? Where did curiosity change something? Where might God be inviting me to take another step?