SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. If you were seeing your town for the very first time like Buddy saw New York, what ordinary thing do you think would seem the most amazing or surprising?

2. Blake suggested that as we grow older, we often lose our sense of wonder. Where have you noticed cynicism replacing wonder in your own life?

3. Blake said we often rename cynicism as "being realistic," having "street smarts," or "protecting ourselves." Where have you caught yourself using one of those labels?

4. Read Genesis 3:1–10. After Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their first responses were shame, fear, and hiding. Why do you think the knowledge of evil had that effect? How do you see those same responses in yourself or in our culture?

5. Read Ecclesiastes 1:18, Romans 16:17–19, and Matthew 18:3. How can we acknowledge that the world is broken while still living with childlike trust in God instead of becoming cynical?

6. Blake asked, "Where has the knowledge of evil poisoned your joy?" Is there an area of your life—your marriage, parenting, friendships, work, or church—where you've begun expecting the worst instead of trusting God?

7. Blake challenged us with Kierkegaard's words: "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." What truth about God do you need to intentionally believe this week instead of allowing fear or cynicism to shape your thinking?

8. Blake gave us three ways to practice Advent hope this week:

- Fast from the "knowledge of evil" by stepping away from influences that feed fear or outrage.

- Practice assuming the best by choosing trust over suspicion.

- Celebrate the good loudly by intentionally encouraging someone or sharing evidence of God's goodness.

Which of these three practices is God inviting you to focus on this week? What is one specific step you'll take before we meet again?