Connect
What do you most look forward to (or dread) during the Christmas season?

Pray
Ask someone to lead the group in prayer. Thank God for the presence of His Spirit with you.

Read
Have someone read Isaiah 9:1-7.

Reflection and Discussion
Choose from the following questions to build your relationship with God and each other. The goal is to interact with God through the Bible and shared experiences, not to finish all the questions.

Insight: Zebulun and Naphtali were two tribes located in Galilee in the northern kingdom of Israel. These tribes experienced prolonged suffering after being conquered by Assyria, but Isaiah prophesied of a great light that would come into this land of darkness.

1. What do you see in these verses that might be causes of darkness and despair for the people of Israel?

2. Describe when you’ve felt a continuing burden on your shoulders.

3. What’s provided as a solution to the despair in this passage?

4. Name some of the attractive characteristics of the child given to us.

5. Which characteristic do you need most from God today?

Read Matthew 4:13-17. This happened around 700 years after the prophecy written in Isaiah 9.

6. How does Jesus bring hope to the people in Galilee?

7. How has Jesus given you hope in the past? How do you need Jesus to give you hope today?

The Big Takeaway
Spend a few minutes in silence. Trust that God is near and desires to meet with you. Ask God what He wants you to know or do from this week’s study. Write down the thoughts God brings to your mind. Share this with the group and pray for each other.

Scripture Memory
One way to keep Jesus at the center of your life is to keep the words of Scripture at the center of your heart. Remember this verse to remember God’s provision through Jesus.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.