Turn to God and His Word to bring light to the darkness in your life.

KEY VERSES

Isaiah 8:9-22 (NASB)

19 When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 21 They will pass through the land hard-pressed and famished, and it will turn out that when they are hungry, they will be enraged and curse their king and their God as they face upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish; and they will be driven away into darkness.

Isaiah 9:1-2 (NASB)

1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.

UNDERSTANDING

• What marks those who walk in the light? What marks those who walk in darkness?

• What could the people expect if they did not turn to God for direction?

• How would the behavior of those described in verses 8:21-22 have been different if they had walked in the light? What impact might that have made on the people and circumstances around them?

• What do people often look towards to try and find hope for the future? When and how can these things lead to darkness?

• The end of chapter 8 presents a distressing and dark picture. What does the word “But” in verse 9:1 indicate instead?

• What did God promise in verse 1?

• Read Matthew 4:13-16 to see how Jesus’s ministry in Galilee perfectly fulfilled this prophecy.

• Read Jesus’s declaration in John 8:12. According to John 8:12, who will never walk in darkness, but instead have light? What does that indicate about following Christ?
  

APPLICATION

• Is Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration this year? More importantly, are Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom the most important things in your life right now?

• If so, what evidence could you give to support your answer based on words, priorities, and actions? Would others say the same? If He’s not, what needs to change?

• This week we were reminded that the birth of Christ was a display of brightness at midnight. Where in your life are you walking or dwelling in darkness? How might you bring the light of Christ into that place of darkness?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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