EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Looking Forward to Christmas – Session 2

1 week ago 11

Date: December 8, 2024

Looking Forward to Peace

The Point: We have peace when we have Christ.

Get Into the Study

As you conclude your discussion under “Get Into the Study,” share the following:

According to the Global Peace Index (or GPI for short), Iceland is the most peaceful country in 2024. With its beautiful vistas, volcanic beaches, natural hot springs and the vibrant Aurora Borealis, people flock to this island country every year. They enjoy the peace and relaxation that it offers along with the kindness of the local people. In a country of less than 400,000 people, it’s no wonder there is significantly more peace here than any other country in the world. (In case you’re wondering, Ireland, Austria and New Zealand were next.)

But peace isn’t defined by lack of conflict. We will always have conflict, war, devastation, disasters, frustration, and famine no matter where we go or live. Jesus is the only one who can bring true peace. It is only through our relationship with Jesus that we can have peace. As the Bible Meets Life section concludes: “The one and only Creator stepped from glory to this war-torn world to offer us everlasting peace.” Not because we move to the most peaceful place on earth, but because we choose the Prince of Peace. For we have peace when we have Christ.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/273159/most-peaceful-countries-in-the-global-peace-index/

Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a video clip from one of your favorite Christmas movies. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible

As you discuss Isaiah 8:20-22, share the following:

Recently in France at a soccer match, the home team was playing opposite the Israeli team. Spectators became so unruly at the beginning of the game that peacekeepers were brought in. Four thousand police officers were already on the ground at the stadium, but they had to bring in fifteen hundred more police officers just to keep the peace. Due to differences of beliefs—religious and political—riots broke out and divided something that should have otherwise been entertaining and peaceful.

Isaiah 8:20 says that we should “go to God’s instruction and testimony” when differences arise. Whether we disagree with our child’s coach or a ref at their game, have different political opinions than a family member, or hold differing religious beliefs than a coworker, we will always be surrounded by differences and disagreements. But when we go to God’s instruction, there we will find true hope and everlasting peace in the Son who was given for us (Isa. 9:6).

There is only one place to find peace: in a relationship with Christ Jesus. When you have distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction in your life, Jesus is there for you. He will never leave. He is our Prince of Peace.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-france-paris-protests-soccer-match-amsterdam-antisemitic-attacks

Erika Morrison provided these week’s Extra. Erika is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus to those around her. She and her husband Chris have been married for twenty-four years and are busy parents to three kids. Erika spent ten years in missions and now calls beautiful Southwest Michigan home, where they are active in their church and community.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

If you could paint a portrait of a peaceful scene, what would it look like?
What is the most peaceful place you have ever visited?
Who was the peacemaker in your family?
What Christmas movie do you find yourself watching year after year?

Isaiah 8:20-22

How does the discipline of difficulties reveal God’s love?
Why is it futile to seek peace outside of a right relationship with God?
How does this passage accurately communicate the lack of peace we face without God?
What ideas or images come to mind when you read these verses? Why?
In what ways does this passage describe our world today?
How do you see these verses being lived out in our culture today?
What gets in the way of people going to God to find peace?
What would cause someone to not go to God in search of peace?
Where might others search to find peace?

Isaiah 9:1-5

How does God’s promise of the light of Christ offer peace during dark days?
How would light change the experience of people walking, struggling, and living in darkness?
As we encounter and follow Him, in what ways does Jesus illuminate our lives?
When did God’s light first penetrate the darkness of your world?
How might light in a dark setting provide peace?
How has Jesus provided you peace?

Isaiah 9:6-7