Advent 2025 Introduction with Discussion Guide

Advent 2025 Introduction Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon explores the fascinating connections between the birth and resurrection of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. The pastor reveals four key parallels: Mary and Joseph at Jesus’ birth mirror Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea at his resurrection; Jesus emerges from both a virgin womb and a virgin tomb; he is wrapped and placed in stone-hewn places at both birth (manger) and death (tomb); and angels announce both his arrival and resurrection. These connections demonstrate that Jesus’ mission from birth was to restore God’s presence to his people by conquering death and providing access to eternal life. The message emphasizes that Jesus came not just to rescue us from sin, but fundamentally to restore the presence of God that was lost at the fall. Through his birth, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplished this restoration, and now through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence dwells within believers. The sermon encourages reflection on these truths as we approach Advent season and reminds us that the same God who brought life from a virgin womb and victory from an empty tomb can bring new life to any situation we face.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we thank You for Your Word and the incredible story of Jesus. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through this discussion. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and to listen with grace. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and reveal new truths about Your love and presence in our lives. We pray that each person here would encounter You in a fresh way today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition or memory from childhood, and why does it stand out to you?

Key Verses

Luke 2:1-5
Luke 24:10
Luke 1:34
Luke 23:53
Luke 2:6-7
Luke 2:13-14
Luke 24:6
Matthew 1:23
Matthew 28:20

Questions

The pastor mentioned that Jesus’ mission was to ‘restore God’s presence to his people.’ How does this perspective on Jesus’ mission impact your understanding of salvation?
What do you think about the parallels between Mary and Joseph at Jesus’ birth and Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea at his resurrection? What does this tell us about how God uses ordinary people?
The sermon highlighted the connection between Jesus emerging from a virgin womb and a virgin tomb. How does this demonstrate God’s power over both life and death?
How does knowing that Jesus is ‘with you always’ change the way you approach daily challenges or mundane tasks?
The pastor shared about having an extra chair in his office, imagining Jesus sitting there with him. How might cultivating an awareness of Jesus’ presence throughout your day impact your life?
What does it mean to you personally that through Jesus, we now have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us – God’s very presence in us?
The angels announced both Jesus’ birth and resurrection. How do these angelic proclamations of ‘peace’ and ‘he is risen’ speak to struggles you might be facing?
As we approach Advent season, how can you prepare your heart to reflect on the themes of hope, joy, peace, and love that Jesus brings?

Life Application

This week, practice cultivating an awareness of Jesus’ presence with you throughout your daily activities. Whether you’re at work, doing chores, or spending time with family, take moments to acknowledge that Jesus is right there with you. Consider setting up a visual reminder (like an empty chair or a simple note) to help you remember that you are never alone. Also, take time to read the Book of Ruth (just four chapters) in preparation for the upcoming Advent series.

Key Takeaways

Jesus’ primary mission was to restore God’s presence to His people, which was lost at the fall
Luke’s Gospel shows four key parallels between Jesus’ birth and resurrection, demonstrating the intentional design of God’s redemption plan
God uses ordinary people responding in faith and obedience to accomplish His extraordinary purposes
The same God who brought life from a virgin womb and victory from an empty tomb can bring new life to any situation we face
Through Jesus, we now have unprecedented access to God’s presence – both through the Holy Spirit within us and Jesus’ promise to always be with us

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth that You are always with us. Help us to live each day with the awareness of Your presence, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles or our joys. As we prepare our hearts for Advent, may we be filled with hope, knowing that the same power that brought You from the womb and raised You from the tomb is at work in our lives today. Restore our souls, Lord, and help us to be people who welcome You into every area of our lives just as Mary and Joseph did. May we go from this place with renewed faith and a deeper understanding of Your amazing love for us. In Your precious name, Amen.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.