Week 2: SADNESS

• What’s one smell, song, or place that instantly takes you back to Christmas as a kid?
• Finish this phrase, “When I think of Christmas, the first emotion that comes to mind is ___.”

• Christmas tends to exaggerate emotions. Close your eyes for 10 seconds… when you think about this season, which of these hit closes to home? Relational conflict, financial stress, grief or loss, illness, disappointment, job stress, a dream that hasn’t happened, a traumatic memory?
• REMEMBER: IT WONT ALWAYS BE LIKE THIS! Stop putting a period where God has put a comma. Read Psalms 30:5 & Romans 8:28 together…

1. Which part of this passage stands out to you the most and why?
2. What significance does Matthew 4:14-15 have?

1. Where do people typically look for light (hope) that doesn’t last?
2. What darkness have you been walking through, and what does “looking to the light” actually look like in this place?

1. HE IS A WONDERFUL COUNSELOR.

• How would you describe a “Wonderful Counselor?”
• Where do you need God’s wisdom right now more than your own?
• Read John 10:27 & Psalms 119:105.

2. HE IS AN EVERLASTING FATHER.

• Where have you needed God to be the steady Father when life has felt unstable?
• Read Hebrews 13:8 & Revelation 1:8.

3. HE IS A MIGHTY GOD.

• What burden have you been carrying alone that you need to hand to your mighty God?
• Remember, if you reveal it, He can heal it!
• Read Psalms 34:18 & Psalms 147:3.

4. HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE.

• Remember, following Jesus doesn’t not mean there’s an absence of trouble, but the presence of Jesus in trouble.
• Where do you need Jesus to bring peace into your chaos this season?
• Read John 16:33 together.

• Which “HE IS” statement encourages you the most right now? Which one challenges you the most?
• What would change in your life if you actually believed Jesus is with you in this season?
• What is one step you will take this week to turn your face toward the light instead of darkness?