The book of Lamentations was written in the devastating aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The first chapters lament the sin and necessary punishment of God’s people. And into that picture of darkness and destruction suddenly shines a ray of light.
- Read Lamentations 3:21-24
- Why is hope necessary for human flourishing?
- What is the basis of the author’s hope?
- Does this consciously form the basis of your hope for your future? If yes, in what ways?
The promises within the Old Testament that a Messiah would come gave hope to the people of Israel. And it is the fact that he has come, and will come again, that can give us hope.
- Read Isaiah 9:1-2.
- Why do you think the Old and New Testaments use darkness as a picture of life lived apart from God and without the knowledge of God (Eph 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9)?
- Why might darkness also be a good description for times of difficulty we might go through? (For example, Ps 23:4; Ps 88:6, 18).
- What hope does Isaiah hold out for the people he’s talking about?
- He talks about this future hope for change in the past tense. Why?
- Why do you think the Old and New Testaments use darkness as a picture of life lived apart from God and without the knowledge of God (Eph 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9)?
Ultimately, this promise is fulfilled in the coming of Christ. In what sense is he Light in the darkness – whether of separation from/ignorance of God or personal trials and difficulties?
- Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What does each of the titles in v6 mean or convey?
This is who Jesus is. As you consider the various situations you face at the moment, which of these truths about Jesus can give you hope and why?
- Read Luke 1:5-7. Why might Zechariah and Elizabeth have struggled to keep hope alive?
- What might cause us, or someone we know, to struggle to keep hope alive?
- Read Luke 1:8-25. What do we learn of Zechariah and Elizabeth? In particular, why might Zechariah have responded the way he did?
- What hope does the angel hold out for them, and for their son?
- Zechariah is told to call his son John. John means, ‘YHWH is gracious’. Why is this an appropriate name for him?
- What are some of the negative consequences in our lives when we lose sight of the truth that God is gracious? What are the positive consequences when we understand that God is gracious more deeply?
- Read Luke 1:57-80. Considering v68-79, how does Zechariah interpret the coming of Christ, whom his son will go before? What is Christ’s coming for?
- How would you summarise why Christ came? How does that compare to what Zechariah says?
As Christians, our hope for the future is tied up with the second coming – the second advent – of Christ.
- Read 1 Thess 4:13-18. What contrast does Paul draw between Christians and others in v13?
- Considering v17-18 why is the second coming of Christ a reason for hope in grief and encouragement for the present? (See also 1 Peter 1:13).
The Hope of Advent for you this season
- What part of the verses you read and studied today bring you hope and joy for this week and the run up to Christmas?
- What practical steps can you take to actively dwell on these truths and let them shape your Advent season?
Download the complete study: Advent Bible studies (PDF), also available in French (PDF)