Breaking Ground
What were some of the biggest Christmas gifts that you hoped for as a kid? What was it like when you finally got it (or didn’t get it)?
The Dig
This Sunday, we began Advent, the four weeks preceding Christmas where the Church anticipates Christ’s arrival. This week, we reflected upon how Jesus’ birth transforms our understanding of hope.
Begin by reflecting on the word hope.
How do you define hope? What is necessary for you to have it? How does it generally impact you & your behavior?
What’s the difference between hope & expectations? How does confusing hope with our expectations negatively impact us spiritually, mentally, & emotionally?
Next, read Luke 1:5-25 & 1:57-80. Here, we’re introduced to Zechariah & Elizabeth, the future parents of John the Baptist. Critically, we read that they were unable to have children, which would’ve been viewed as, at best, a hindrance (children were essential to a family’s prospects economically & socially) &, at worse, as a spiritual curse upon the family (which would’ve have been extra shameful given Zechariah’s place in the priesthood). With this in mind, consider the role that hope plays in this story.
What expectations might Zechariah & Elizabeth have had in their life before this story? How were these expectations shaped by their cultural & social contexts? How would these expectations going unfulfilled for years have impacted them?
How does God replace their unmet expectations with a better, newfound hope? Consider how the hope that God provides is grounded in a larger story & focused on blessing others rather than just themselves.
Close by reflecting on how Advent should change your definition of hope.
Where do you need hope in this season? Why?
Where have you confused hope with expectations in this season? How has this impacted you & your choices?
How can Jesus’ arrival redefine what hope means? How would this new definition change your internal postures & external actions in the areas where you need hope? How would this new definition help you be more like Jesus in this season?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time each week to reflect upon the Sunday sermon.
- Read Luke 1. Make note of key characters, decisions, & attitudes throughout the story.
- What hopes do you think the characters in these stories held before God acted in their lives? Why did they hope for these things?
- How did God’s actions change the direction of their hopes? How did it give them a bigger story & reorient their focus beyond themselves? How did this new perspective transform what they hoped for & why?
- Where do you need God to reorient your understanding of hope in this season? How might the reminder that Jesus is with us help you do so?
Journal about how this prayer practice makes you feel this week. Share your experience with your group next week.
Additional Resources*
Centered Set Church by Mark D. Baker
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent & Christmas
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
December 7th: Join us next Sunday as we continue Advent!* Please see mye3.org for details.