This Week's Study Guide

Advent Week 3 – Joy 

Message Based Curriculum   

Opening 

• Begin with a brief welcome and prayer to set the tone for the group discussion. 

• Introduce the theme: “Advent Joy”—discovering joy rooted not in changing circumstances but in the unchanging promises of God. 

Discussion Questions 

“Highs and Lows”… sorta… 

• Reflect on this past week: Instead of sharing moments of “highs” and “lows” reframe it this way: When did you feel joyful, and when did you struggle to find joy? What influenced those moments? 

• How do you distinguish between joy and happiness in your own life?
  

Exploring Scripture
Read Luke 2:8-18 as a group.  

• What stands out to you about the angel’s message to the shepherds? Why do you think the birth of Jesus is described as “good news of great joy”? 

• How can the shepherds’ response to this news (running to see Jesus) teach us about our own lives? What does “running to Jesus” look like in every day life? 
  
  
  

Joy Through Three Lenses: 

–  Joy in the Promises and Faithfulness of Jesus: 

• Reflect on the angel’s announcement fulfilling centuries of prophecy. How does remembering God’s faithfulness in your own life bring you joy? 
• When is one time in your life where you knew without a doubt that God was real, good, and faithful?  
  
  

– Joy in the Presence of Jesus: 

• What does spending time “in the presence of Jesus” mean? 

• In what ways do you connect with Jesus best?  

– Joy in Sharing the Hope of Jesus: 

• The shepherds couldn’t keep their joy to themselves and shared the news with others. Who can you share the hope of Jesus with this week? What might that look like? 

Prayer Time 

• Break into smaller groups or pray as a whole group. 

• Pray for: 

• Gratitude for God’s faithfulness and promises. 

• A deeper awareness of Jesus’ presence in daily life. 

• Boldness and opportunities to share the joy of Jesus with others. 

• Any prayer requests from the group  

Closing 

Encourage group members to reflect on Luke 2:8-18 throughout the week and to take practical steps to share joy with others during this Advent season.