Life Group Resources: Making Room For Wonder

Opening Prayer
Begin your time together with this prayer or one of your own:

God of wonder and awe, as we gather together, open our hearts to hear your voice. Help us to slow down, to notice where you are at work in our lives and around us. May we be willing to follow where you lead, even when the path is uncertain. Guide our conversation and draw us closer to you and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Icebreaker
Share your Star Word (if applicable) or choose one word you hope will guide you this year. Why does this word resonate with you right now?

Key Themes from the Sermon
Wonder over Certainty - Faith often begins with curiosity rather than having all the answers
Following the Light - The Magi trusted God's guidance step by step without knowing every detail
Encountering Christ in Unexpected Places - God meets us in ordinary moments and surprising circumstances
Making Room - Creating space in our lives for God's presence and work
Transformation Through Encounter - Meeting Jesus changes our direction, priorities, and way of living

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text
What stands out to you most about the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12? What details do you notice that you may have overlooked before?

The sermon mentions that the Magi "didn't have a map or a guarantee. They simply followed a light." What does this tell us about the nature of faith?

Personal Reflection
The pastor asked: "Where and how will you encounter Christ this year?" Take a moment to reflect silently, then share if you're comfortable.

Think about Maya's story with Mr. Alvarez. When have you experienced a "holy nudge" to pause and pay attention to someone or something? What happened?

The sermon contrasts "productivity and perfection" with "openness and curiosity." Which posture more accurately describes how you typically approach life? How might God be inviting you to shift?

Going Deeper
The Magi's encounter with Jesus "changed the direction of their lives." They went home "by another road." In what ways has encountering Jesus changed your direction? Where might God be redirecting you now?

The sermon says, "Making room for Christ often happens in small acts of presence, in paying attention, in choosing openness instead of productivity." What small acts of presence might God be calling you to this year?

How does the emphasis on "wonder and awe" challenge our typical approach to New Year's resolutions and goal-setting?

Practical Applications
Choose one or more of these practices to try this week:

1. The Pause Practice
Set a reminder on your phone 2-3 times per day to simply pause
When it goes off, take three deep breaths and ask: "God, where are you present right now? What are you inviting me to notice?"
2. Star Word Reflection
Place your Star Word somewhere you'll see it daily (mirror, desk, phone background)
Each morning or evening, ask: "God, what are you teaching me through this word today?"
Journal about any insights that emerge
3. The Maya Challenge
This week, intentionally slow down and notice one person who might need connection or help
Follow the "holy nudge" and take action, even if it's inconvenient
Reflect afterward: Where did you encounter Christ in this interaction?
4. Wonder Walk
Take a 15-20 minute walk with the intention of noticing God's presence
Leave your phone behind or on silent
Look for signs of beauty, life, or divine creativity
Thank God for what you notice
5. Relationship Room-Making
Identify one relationship where you want to "make room" for deeper connection
Take one concrete step this week: send a message, make a call, schedule coffee, write a note

Group Activity Option
Mapping Our Journey

Materials needed: Paper, markers/colored pencils

Draw a simple path or road on your paper
Mark where you are right now at the beginning of 2025
Add symbols or words representing:
Places you sense God calling you toward
"Stars" or lights you're following
Areas where you need more wonder/less control
People or situations where you want to make room for Christ
Share your map with the group (or with one other person)
Pray for one another's journeys

Closing Reflection
The pastor said: "The Magi remind us that making room for wonder means allowing our worship...to shape us...to truly let that worship, that time, that listening shape us and lead us into generosity, into gratitude, into a deeper willingness to be changed by God's presence."

Reflect together:
How can we as a group support one another in making room for wonder this year?
What would it look like for our worship (both corporate and personal) to truly shape and change us?

Closing Prayer
Pray together, or have one person close:

God of the guiding star, thank you for meeting us in this time together. As we go from this place, help us to walk with openness and curiosity. Give us eyes to see where you are at work, courage to follow where you lead, and willingness to be changed by your presence. May we make room for wonder, for compassion, and for you. Lead us into this year with hope and faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.