Week of December 14, 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 emotion does Christmas bring up for you first this year—joy, stress, sadness, or hope?
Read Together
Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:
Main Passages:
Key Scriptures:
Discussion Questions
1. What fear tends to sit underneath your stress or sadness?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is near to you right now?
3. Which part of Philippians 4:4–7 is hardest for you to live out?
4. How does gratitude help form joy even when circumstances don’t change?
Action Steps
Choose one:
• Name your fear in prayer this week.
• Practice prayer + gratitude daily (Phil. 4:6).
• Spend five intentional minutes each day drawing near to Jesus.
• Encourage someone who may be carrying heaviness.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, slow us down this Advent. Meet us in our fear, our grief, and our longing. Thank You that You are near. Form real joy in us—not because life is easy, but because You are present. Amen.
