O Christmas Tree (Advent Week 2—The Lights)
In our Advent series, O Christmas Tree, we will explore the first chapter of John’s Gospel, focusing on themes of the Tree, the Lights/Star, the Ornaments, and the Presents (Presence).
1. Before you watch the video together, discuss the following controversial topics. What kind of lights you prefer to use on your tree: color lights or white lights? Flashing or static? Do you put a star, an angel, or something else at the top of your tree?
2. In the video, Shawn talks about the fleeting nature of our earthly desires. Can you relate to this? Discuss something you have deeply desired, only to find out it didn’t satisfy you the way you had hoped it would.
3. Related to this, talk about your thoughts on the following C.S. Lewis line that Shawn quoted in the video:
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” -C.S. Lewis
Does this bring you comfort, even as there may be things you continue to long for or desire?
4. In the sermon this week, Jarm reminded us that the “Light of Jesus exposes the darkness (John 3:20), leads to faith (John 12:46), and transforms us (John 8:12).” Talk about your experiences with these truths. Have you witnessed these things? How have you experienced them yourself?
5. Reflect on John 1:4, 5, and 9:
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.… The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
John connects “light” and “life” to Jesus throughout his gospel. Discuss some practical ways you can light the way for others to draw closer to Jesus this Christmas.
6. Focus on John 1:5, allowing it to sink in:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
In many ways, this verse captures the hope of Christmas. As Wendell Berry writes, “It gets darker and darker and darker, and then Jesus is born.” Discuss how you’ve experienced the gift of light shining in darkness in your life over the last year.
