Welcome to Advent. This is the time in the church year where we prepare for Christmas. It’s not Christmas just yet. We wait. This is a part of our history as God’s people. For hundreds of years God’s people waited for the Messiah; and He finally came 2,000 years ago, with skin and bones and a name: Jesus.

But even while they waited for a Messiah, they had hope. They had faith that God would send a Savior. As bleak as life seemed, they trusted God; they had faith. Even as they experienced a dark existence, they knew that a Light was coming. Isaiah spoke of it as though it had already happened when he prophesied:

Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has Light shone.

Our world today is not that different. It feels dark. We need light. We need hope. And that is what God does for us: He brings light to a dark world. He brings hope. He has promised us a bright future, and we can expect Him to be true to His promises. But there’s one other thing we can expect from God: We can expect God to fulfill His promises, but in unexpected ways.

Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has Light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Disciple-Making Questions:

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read Isaiah 9 together; draw specific focus on verses 2-7.

2. What “dark” situations have you found yourself in where God’s presence or a breakthrough felt surprising or contrary to expectations?

3. How does this picture of unexpected joy (v3) challenge the idea that being “mature” in our faith is to be more subdued in our emotions?

4. The promised ruler is a child (v6) - an image of fragility and dependence - which is unexpected. How does God’s tendency to work through weakness/unexpected means challenge our assumptions where true strength and power lie?

5. Pray together as a group. Ask the Holy Spirit to help each of you to be open, awake, and receptive to how He will unexpectedly show up for you this Advent season.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Isaiah 9:2-7 together.

2. Verse 2 says that people who were “walking in darkness” have “seen a great light.” Share a time when something sad or hard happened, but then God caused something unexpected to happen that gave you hope.

3. Jesus is called “Wonderful Counselor.” A counselor is someone who gives personal guidance. What are some ways Jesus shows up in our lives as a counselor, even when we aren’t expecting Him to?

4. Isaiah says that “the government and peace will never end.” What does it look like for our family to have “peace” and “justice” in our home, even when life is messy and chaotic?

5. Pray together. Ask the Holy Spirit specifically for Him to help you share the light and joy of Jesus with someone you know who is going through a hard time.