Discussion Guide: See The Christmas Light – Light Greater Than Darkness

PRAYER

Let’s invite God into our time together, asking Him to reveal His purpose, presence, and power. Let’s open our hearts to encounter Him and ask that this conversation draw us closer to each other and His purpose for us.

Does anyone have prayer requests, or would anyone like to share a moment where you’ve recently felt God moving in your life?

SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT

Light Greater Than Darkness

THIS WEEK

This December, as we enter the season of Advent, we begin a new series titled See the Christmas Light—The Prologue of John 1. Together, we’ll reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus, celebrating His birth and looking forward to His promised return—an enduring reminder of God’s faithfulness and love for humanity.

In Sunday’s message, The Guiding Light That Leads Us Home, we explored John 1:1-5 and uncovered three transformative gifts of Christmas. These verses reveal how seeing the Christmas light guides us back to the heart of God and offers clarity and purpose beyond the fleeting distractions of the world’s artificial lights. It’s an invitation to let the true light of Christ transform every area of our lives—where we live, work, and play.

Amid all the Christmas excitement, cheer, festive decorations, twinkling lights, and traditions, let’s begin with this question: 

What role do Christmas lights play in your holiday celebrations?

THE WORD

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” —John 1:1-2

John introduces Jesus as the Word—the Logos at the very start of his Gospel. This means Jesus is the physical and personal expression of God’s will, truth, purpose, and design. Rather than starting with a story or a family tree like Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John points us back to the very beginning of everything—showing us who Jesus really is.

Why does this matter? Because it tells us that Jesus wasn’t just a great teacher or a historical figure. He is God’s eternal truth made visible, here to show us the way to live and the reason we exist. John’s opening verses invite us to look at Jesus not just as a person, but as the key to understanding life itself.

Why do you think John chose to start his Gospel this way, focusing on Jesus as the Word?

How does it shape the way you see Jesus as Savior and Lord, and as someone deeply connected to God’s plans from the beginning?

Life can sometimes feel messy and random. But John’s words remind us that through Jesus, God’s reason and purpose are woven into everything.

In what ways does the idea of Jesus as the Word, the Logos—God’s purpose in action—help you find hope or clarity in the middle of life’s chaos?

Maybe there’s an area of your life that feels out of sync or unsettled right now. Think about how inviting Jesus—the Word—into that situation could bring direction, peace, or a sense of purpose.

Think of an area in your life where things feel disconnected or chaotic. How might inviting Jesus—the Logos—into that situation provide direction or purpose?

This Christmas, reflect on Jesus as God’s eternal and unchanging Word. He isn’t going anywhere. He is constant, even when life shifts and changes.

How can reflecting on Christ as the unchanging, eternal Word deepen your trust in Him this Christmas season?

THE LIFE

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life…” —John 1:3-4

In these verses, John explains that everything—every person, place, and thing—was created through Jesus. The Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit were all involved in Creation. From the very start, even before anything else existed, the three of them were there. The Spirit of God was present, the Father spoke, and the Son—Jesus, as the expression of God’s will and truth—was there to bring everything into existence. In the darkness, God spoke light into being, which gave birth to life itself.

Looking at this, we see that creation wasn’t just an isolated event. The Father, Son, and Spirit worked together to bring life into the world. This is a powerful reminder that everything we experience is part of a greater, divine plan. Life isn’t just about existing. It’s about living in relationship with the Creator through Jesus, who gives us true life.

How does John 1:3 help you understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the Trinity—when you look at it alongside the opening verses (John 1:1-2)?

Jesus is described as the source of life, not just physical life but eternal life—what the Bible calls zoé. This kind of life isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving, living fully in connection with God.

When you think of Jesus as the source of zoé—a God-given, eternal life—how does it change the way you view what it means to truly live?

What does it mean to live in the fullness of life, not just go through the motions?

Sometimes, we feel disconnected or stagnant in certain areas of our lives—whether it’s our relationships, work, or even our own sense of purpose. But Jesus, the Light and the Life, can transform those places.

Consider an area of your life that feels disconnected or stagnant. How might inviting Jesus—the Light and the Life—bring transformation and renewal into that space?

THE LIGHT

“…and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:4-5

John tells us that true life is found in Jesus, and this life is the light for all humanity. Jesus brings the good news of light that dispels darkness—through His life, death, and resurrection.

When we choose to surrender and follow His light, we are no longer trapped in the darkness created by relying on our own standards of truth and morality. These standards only cloud our judgment and distort our view of reality, making it harder to see and reflect the true light of Jesus.

Unlike the world’s artificial lights, which try to convince us that change happens from the outside in, Jesus’ light transforms us from the inside out.

Only through Him can we truly be free, encountering the guiding light that has been shining since the beginning, leading us out of the darkness of sin and back home to the heart of God and His people.

What “artificial lights” in your life—distractions, habits, or beliefs—might be keeping you from fully experiencing the true light of Jesus? How can you refocus your attention on Him?

John says that darkness can’t overcome Jesus’ light. How does this truth give you hope or strength as you face challenges, fears, or struggles today?

During this Christmas season, how can you reflect the light of Christ in your family, workplace, or community? In what practical ways can you shine His light on those around you?

CLOSING THOUGHT

As we reflect on the life, light, and hope that Jesus brings to the world, we are reminded of the quiet, holy night when Christ, our Savior, was born. In a world filled with darkness and chaos, Jesus’ birth brought a profound sense of peace and grace—a light that continues to shine, offering freedom from the shadows of darkness. 

Just as the song Silent Night beautifully captures the serenity and majesty of that holy night, we are invited to see the Christmas light—receiving eternal hope, joy, peace, and love that Christ offers to us.  May His love shine in our hearts as we celebrate and remember that Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Joseph Mohr

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
’round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav’nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!”

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
radiant beams from Thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night! Holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
with the angels let us sing
“Alleluia” to our King:
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.

As we close, reflect on the significance of His birth and what it means for us today. Pray for one another and thank God for bringing light into our lives through the birth of His Son.