WEEK 1 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

Advent: Whispers in the Dark.

Introduction:

Advent invites believers to remember Christ’s first coming, welcome His presence now, and anticipate His return. It is a season of hopeful waiting, cultivating trust in God’s promises, renewing faith through reflection, and preparing our hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love as we celebrate God drawing near to His people.

Bottom line: Biblical hope rests on the promises and the person of God.

Something To Talk About:

A promise: Advent is a season of promise—a quiet reminder that God’s light breaks into our darkest places. It calls us to slow down, watch, and listen for the hope Christ brings. In Advent, we remember that God keeps His word: the Savior promised long ago has come, and He will come again. This promise anchors us when life feels uncertain, lifting our eyes beyond the temporary to the eternal. Advent invites us to trust that God is working even when we cannot see it, and to prepare our hearts with expectation, knowing that His love is drawing near.
A person: At Advent, we celebrate a Person—Jesus Christ—whose arrival changed everything. He is the fulfillment of every longing, the Light entering a world shadowed by fear and uncertainty. Advent reminds us that God did not send an idea, a ritual, or a distant message; He sent Himself. Jesus came in humility, taking on flesh so He could walk among us, heal us, teach us, and ultimately save us. He is Emmanuel, God with us—near to the brokenhearted and present in every moment of our lives. Advent centers our hearts on who He is: Savior, King, Shepherd, and Friend. As we await Christmas, we’re invited to rediscover the wonder of His presence and the hope He alone brings.
A people: The people of Advent remind us that God often works through ordinary lives surrendered to His purpose. We see Mary, a humble young woman whose faithful “yes” opened the way for the Savior’s arrival. Joseph, steady and obedient, trusted God even when the path was unclear. The shepherds—unlikely witnesses—were the first to receive heaven’s announcement, showing that God’s glory reaches the overlooked. The wise men traveled far, seeking the One worthy of worship, reminding us to pursue God with persistence and awe. Even the prophets who long foretold Christ’s coming teach us to wait with hope. These people shape the story of Advent, showing us faith, courage, patience, and joyful expectation as we prepare our hearts for Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

How does understanding Advent as a season of expectant waiting—celebrating Christ’s first coming and anticipating His return—shape the way we live out our faith today?
Where do you personally need to experience the hope of Advent—light breaking into darkness—in your life right now?
How does understanding Old Testament prophecies strengthen your confidence in God’s promises today?
How does reflecting on Jesus as “Emmanuel—God with us” reshape your understanding of God’s character and nearness?
What aspects of Jesus’ humanity and divinity stand out most during Advent, and why do they matter for your daily life?
In what ways does Jesus’ role as Savior, King, and Shepherd influence how you relate to Him personally?
What helps you keep your focus on the Person of Christ—rather than just the season—during Advent?
How does Advent invite us to become a people who wait with hope rather than anxiety or impatience?
In what ways should the story of Advent shape our identity as a people marked by faith, humility, and expectation?
What practices help us remain spiritually awake and attentive to God’s work in the midst of a busy, distracted season?
How can we embody the light of Christ for others as we prepare our own hearts for His coming?
Where might God be calling us—individually or as a community—to say “yes” to Him in the same spirit as the people of the first Advent?

Take one thing home with you:

Advent is important because it draws our hearts back to the wonder of God’s faithfulness. In a noisy, distracted world, Advent gently slows us down to remember that Christ came near—entering our darkness with His light. It reminds us that God fulfills His promises and is still at work in our waiting. Advent renews our hope, awakens our longing for Jesus, and prepares our hearts to celebrate His birth while anticipating His return.