Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [2] Biblically, “darkness” is life apart from the relational knowledge of God. Can you think of other passages in the Bible that talk about light/darkness? How is “darkness” not necessarily the same thing as “hard times”? Have you experienced times of “darkness” or “deep darkness” in your life? What made it “dark”? How did it feel?

• What are some ways people pretend they are not living in the dark, spiritually? How do you do this? Why do we do this? Why do we not need to do this?

• [6-7] “To us a child is born, to us a son is given… The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” God is zealous to give his Son to us, so that we can know God. Why would this be hard for people to believe? Which aspects of Jesus’ life are most revealing about God to you, personally? Can you see God in every aspect of Jesus’ life? Which aspects seem more opaque to you, in which it seems difficult to perceive God? What differences would it make in your life if you believed more consistently in God’s zeal to give his Son to you?

• What does the Messiah’s Kingship look like as described by Isaiah? How does Jesus fulfill this as testified to in the Gospels? How does this enlighten the world?

• Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He also told his disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14); read Matthew 5:14-16.) What does that mean? How can we enlighten the world? How can you employ Christmas traditions to assist you in shining the light of Christ?