One thing that’s great about Hallmark Christmas movies is that they are predictably, inevitably heartwarming, offering perfect endings and a longed-for peace hard to come by on Earth.
NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies For Life curriculum.
Bible Passage: Isaiah 8:20–9:7
- Discussion Questions:
What Christmas movie do you find yourself watching year after year? - How does God’s promise of the light of Christ offer peace during dark days?
- What are some specific ways God has brought peace into your life?
Food for Thought:
One thing that’s great about Hallmark Christmas movies is that they are predictably, inevitably heartwarming. A typical movie occurs in a picturesque small town where a handsome, career-focused bachelor from the big city reconnects with his high school girlfriend and romance ensues. Everything culminates with a festive celebration and a comical, romantic mistletoe kiss (cue the snowmaker). Hot cocoa, cookies and peace prevail.
Perfect endings and peace are hard to come by on Earth, but we all long for it. Advent celebrates the story of the one and only Creator who stepped from glory into a dark and broken world to offer us everlasting peace.
The people of Israel knew all about darkness. The prophet Isaiah escorts us from the gloom of darkness in chapter 8 to the glory of light in chapter 9. A light dawns (v. 2), joy abounds (v. 3), injustice is crushed (v. 4) and the implements of war are destroyed (v. 5).
These kinds of things happen when the light appears. If there is one thing about darkness we can appreciate, it’s that it keeps drawing us to the Light. The more darkness we experience, the more magnificent and powerful the great light of Christ becomes.
Finally, we reach the allegro — the lively, cheerful part of this Messianic hymn. A Son will be given to us. He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Pause and reflect on these titles:
Wonderful Counselor: He whispers truth and encouragement to us. He is an ever-present companion with wisdom and comfort.
Mighty God: He lifts us from the insurmountable weight of our burdens or setbacks.
Eternal Father: He’s not going anywhere. He was and is and is to come!
Prince of Peace: He is present and available to bring peace and restoration to every broken relationship. He brings balance and serenity to any dilemma we encounter. Peace is the word shalom, meaning to be made whole and complete. Our Savior is constantly putting the pieces of our life together so we can be whole.
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life connects the Bible to life for adults, students, and kids. Bible Studies for Life helps individuals and groups know God’s Word through trustworthy content, creates biblical community through engaging and conversational group studies, and helps people engage the culture missionally by unpacking what the Bible says about real-life issues. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/biblestudiesforlife.
| Diana Chandler Senior Writer | |
| SBC Executive Committee | |
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