Week of December 21, 2025  –  Advent – Joy

Description:

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” For centuries, Christians have marked the four weeks leading up to Christmas as a season of anticipation and preparation — remembering how God’s people waited for the Messiah’s birth, and how we now wait for His return.

Advent reminds us that the story of Christmas isn’t just about a baby in a manger, but about a Savior who came once and will come again. It’s a season to slow down, light candles, open Scripture, and rekindle hope. Each week focuses on one of the four great themes — Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — leading us to Christmas Eve, when we celebrate the arrival of the Light of the World.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • What’s one Christmas tradition or memory that always makes you smile?

     

  • What’s a gift you were sure was amazing — but turned out to be disappointing?

     

  • When you hear the word “joy,” what do you usually think of — emotion, season, or something else?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passages:

Primary Text

Luke 2:8–20 (NLT)
 (Have one person read slowly and clearly)

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people…”

Supporting Text

John 15:9–11 (NLT)
 (Have a second person read)

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with MY joy…”

Dig Deeper Passages:

  • Romans 15:13 — Joy connected to hope through the Holy Spirit.
  • Hebrews 12:2 — Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.”

Discussion Questions

Understanding Joy

  • In Luke 2, why do you think the angels announce joy rather than relief, safety, or comfort?
  • What does Jesus mean when He says, “MY joy” — how is that different from happiness?

Joy vs. Circumstances

  • Where do you see people (including yourself) looking for joy in the world?
  • Why do those sources often feel temporary or fragile?

Relational Joy

  • How does relationship with Jesus change the way joy is experienced?
  • Have you ever experienced joy even when circumstances were painful or uncertain?

Jesus’ Joy & the Cross

  • Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross for joy.
    – Why is it powerful that people were the joy set before Him?
  • How does that truth shape how you view your worth and salvation?

Action Steps

Choose one:

This Week (Christmas Week)

  • Name It: Identify one area where you’ve been chasing happiness instead of receiving joy.
  • Receive It: Spend 5 minutes each day this week thanking Jesus for His presence — not asking for anything.
  • Share It: Intentionally share the hope of Jesus with one person this Christmas (family, neighbor, coworker).
  • Slow It Down: Before Christmas meals or gatherings, pause and read Luke 2:10 together.

CLOSING REFLECTION QUESTION (Optional)

If Jesus’ joy is relational, not situational — what relationship needs attention this Christmas?

Closing Prayer

Jesus,
 Thank You for bringing joy that doesn’t fade, break, or disappear.
 Thank You that You didn’t wait for our lives to be put together — You came to us. We confess that we often chase happiness instead of receiving Your joy.
 This Christmas, help us slow down, abide in You, and live from the joy You freely give. Fill us with Your joy — the kind that overflows into love, peace, and hope for others.

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