Discussion Notes (for use in a small group or individual study)
Sermon: The Near Redeemer

Questions:
1. Opening question: Think of a time when someone showed up for you at just the right moment—maybe you didn’t even ask, but their presence changed everything. What made their presence meaningful rather than just helpful?
2. The sermon focused on Jesus’ desire to be present in our lives. What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you?
3. I Am Known
a. Read: Matthew 1:18–25 (focus on the name Immanuel)
b. Why do you think Matthew emphasizes the name Immanuel—“God with us”—right at the beginning of Jesus’ story? What does this say about how God sees and understands our lives? (See also: Psalm 139:1–6; John 1:14)
c. How is being known by God different from simply being noticed by God?
4. I Am Supported
a. Read: Luke 2:8–12 (the shepherds)
b. Why do you think God chose shepherds—ordinary, overlooked people—to be the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth? What does that reveal about the kind of support God offers? (See also: Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5–6)
c. How does Jesus’ nearness change the way we face fear, weakness, or uncertainty?
5. I Am Forgiven
a. Read: Matthew 1:21
b. The angel says Jesus will “save his people from their sins.” Why is forgiveness such an essential part of what it means for God to come near? (See also: Isaiah 53:5–6; Colossians 2:13–14)
c. How does knowing you are forgiven shape the way you approach God—not just at Christmas, but daily?
6. I Am Loved
a. Read: Romans 5:6–8
b. What does it tell us about God’s love that Christ came while we were still sinners? How does this challenge the idea that we must “clean ourselves up” before God draws near? (See also: 1 John 4:9–10; John 3:16–17)
c. In what ways does believing you are deeply loved change how you see yourself—or others?
7. I Am Home
a. Read: John 14:1–3
b. Jesus speaks of preparing a place for us. How does His coming at Christmas begin God’s work of bringing us home—not just someday, but even now? (See also: Ephesians 2:12–19; Revelation 21:3)
c. What does it mean for you to think of your life as lived from a place of belonging, rather than striving to earn it?
8. Looking back at the five truths—I am known, supported, forgiven, loved, and home— which one do you most need to receive or rediscover this Christmas season, and why?
9. Take some time to pray in response. (Sample prayer: "Jesus, our Near Redeemer, thank You for drawing close to us. Help us to live in the reality of Your presence—to rest in being known, supported, forgiven, loved, and at home in You. Make these truths real in our hearts this Christmas and beyond. Amen.”