Here are five discussion questions centered on the candles of Advent:
Hope (Prophecy Candle)
How does the promise of Jesus’ coming give us hope in our current struggles? Can you share a time when hope carried you through a difficult season?
Romans 15:13 ESV: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV: “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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”
Peace (Bethlehem Candle)
In what ways does Jesus bring peace to our hearts and relationships? How can we reflect His peace to those around us this Advent?
John 14:27 ESV: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Joy (Shepherd’s Candle)
The angels proclaimed “good news of great joy” to the shepherds. How does this joy differ from temporary happiness, and how can we embrace it daily?
Luke 2:10-11 ESV: “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'”
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Love (Angel’s Candle)
God’s love was shown through the gift of Jesus. How can we embody this sacrificial love during the Advent season? What might that look like in practical terms?
1 John 4:9-11 ESV: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
John 15:12-13 ESV: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Christ (Christ Candle)
As the culmination of Advent, the Christ Candle reminds us of Jesus’ light in the darkness. How can we let His light shine in our lives and illuminate the world around us?
John 1:4-5 ESV: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”