Did you know that the month of July was named after Roman conqueror Julius Caesar? And it's no coincidence that the month of August is named after Julius Ceasar's successor, Caesar Augustus. In the message "Born under Augustus" let's explore the circumstances surrounding the 1st Christmas and the symbolism of Jesus Christ being born under the reign of the 1st Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus. It was nothing short of divine orchestration and it was no coincidence.

1. Who or what have you allowed on the throne of your heart?  (Pledging your allegiance to and counting on for security) What would it mean for you this season to allow Jesus on the throne of your heart?

2. Name a “list” that you are trying hard to get onto. What does being in the Book of Life mean to you comparatively?

3. Identify one thing that is disrupting the peace in your life. How is Jesus the greater peace in that situation?

Born and laid down in a manger, Jesus' birth was both at the same time extraordinary and yet ordinary. Both sets of conditions perfectly conveyed the nature of the Saviour that the world was about to receive - one that it did not expect but needed desperately. The circumstances and details to Jesus' birth were intentional and meaningful. Discover how the insights behind the birth of Christ can help us draw closer to the Saviour of our souls.

1. What does it tell us about God, who in Jesus, chose to condescend as a human to identify with us in all of our experiences and sufferings?

2. How do you understand Jesus’ humility on a personal level? How does it help you draw near to God?

3. The Gospel becomes even more amazing the deeper we dig into it. How can we truly embodied the love of Christ in our lives and share this light with our friends?