Embracing Advent Discussion Questions

Advent means the arrival of something significant. The arrival of Jesus changed the course of history and answered the deepest longings and needs of our lost and broken souls. Over the next four weeks we will focus on the hope, joy, peace, and love found in the birth of Jesus. As we anticipate His birth this year we will fill our days with His attributes.

November 26, 2023 - The Light of Hope

  1. When was the last time you had a season of waiting in life? What defined that time of waiting?

  2. Israel had many seasons like this. Talk about the significance of the word for waiting being the same word for hope in the Hebrew language.

  3. The theme of light in the darkness runs throughout the Bible. The nativity story uses many prophecies about light to speak of Jesus' birth. How is light in the darkness an expression of hope?

  4. Hope is in the person of Jesus. This changes "hope" from being an uncertain outcome to an expected and assured outcome. Why is this important?

  5. Hope is filled with promises. How did these promises help Israel navigate the dark seasons of life?

  6. Hope carries the purpose of God's story. How does finding meaning in life become light that redefines life?

  7. Hope is in the person of Jesus who promises to be our light and lead us in His purpose. How can you hold onto hope this week?

December 3, 2023 - The Advent of Peace

  1. What are your Christmas season plans this year?

  2. Shalom means whole or complete - How is your Shalom? Do you feel complete or whole right now? Why or why not?

  3. Why is the book of Isaiah so key to understanding the story of Joseph and Mary?

  4. How can you be a person of Shalom in this season? (Proverbs 16v7)

  5. Are you lacking Jesus’ Peace in your life? What is it? How can the group encourage and bring peace to your situation? Share and pray with one another

December 10, 2023 - Joy to the World

  1. What is the difference between Joy and Happiness?

  2. How does Envy, entitlement, and A.D./C.D. define your happiness?

  3. Read John 15:1-11 together.

  4. How is Joy fixed in grace? How should your unchanging salvation and destination of being seated in heaven affect your attitude?

  5. Envision your mind as a whiteboard divided into two columns. Do you fill your whiteboard more with the Pursuit of Happiness Column or the Attitude of Joyful Gratitude column? Take some time to practice the filling of the Attitude of Gratitude. What can you be grateful for? How does this practice change your daily experience?

  6. How did James, Paul, and Peter practice this in every circumstance? How did Jesus model this for us?

  7. Talk through the four takeaways. What do you need to put into practice this week as you focus on the Joy of the Lord of Grace?

December 17, 2023 - The Shepherd’s Love

  1. What are the most accepted understandings of love in our culture today? How has it been muddled?

  2. "Love is an act of the will accompanied by emotion that leads to action on behalf of its object". How does this definition capture a more biblical understanding of love?

  3. How and why did the Shepherds demonstrate this kind of love when they saw the infant Jesus?

  4. How did God demonstrate love through the Old Testament?

  5. How was Jesus the greatest demonstration of Love?

  6. How does this kind of love change your life and how do you reflect the Love of Jesus?