4 Weeks of Advent Discussion Questions to Share with Family
- Annie Yorty Crosswalk Contributing Writer
- Published Dec 06, 2024
Advent is the four-week period prior to Christmas when we anticipate the culmination of God’s promise to send a Savior to the world. Each week follows a theme: first hope, then peace, joy, and finally, love. Prayerfully read and reflect on these daily Bible verses to engage in Advent discussions with your family.
Week 1 Hope — Mighty God Always Keeps His Word
Monday
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, emphasis added).
When God kept His promise by sending Jesus to live in the world with people, what did He communicate about His thoughts toward us? When Jesus died on the cross and came back to life on the third day, what did He show you about His ability to keep every promise He’s made? Make a list of God’s promises to remind you He is Mighty God.
Tuesday
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
An inheritance usually passes from a parent to a child. What traits did you inherit from your parents? What is the inheritance you receive when you trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord? What makes this inheritance so special? How does remembering your home in heaven sustain you in difficult times?
Wednesday
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Hebrews 6:18-19).
Has anyone ever lied to you? How did you feel when you discovered the truth? When you realize God can never lie because it’s contrary to His nature, how do you respond? How does hope anchor us in an ever-changing world?
Thursday
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).
Can you think of a time when you doubted God could keep His promise? What caused the doubts? What would be a good way to remind yourself God can be trusted to keep every promise? Take time to thank God for promises He’s kept and ask Him to help you believe everything He says.
Friday
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
How does knowing God has good plans for you give you hope? What is prayer and how does it strengthen your hope? How can you follow through on a commitment to talk to God every day? What is a special promise God makes to you in this verse? What are some ways you can look for God?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/bzzup
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Week 2 Peace — The Prince of Peace Dispels Fear and Doubt
Slide 1 of 3Monday
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, emphasis added).
What does it mean for Jesus to be your Prince of Peace? What things or circumstances threaten to disrupt the peace you feel in your heart? How can you remind yourself Jesus gives you peace in every situation?
Tuesday
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory” (Romans 5:1-2).
Have you received Jesus as your Savior? If not, what questions do you have? This article lists steps to find peace with God. What does it mean to have faith in God? How can you live out your faith in practical ways every day? How does peace with God produce confidence and joy within you?
Wednesday
“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
What is the difference between peace of mind and peace of heart? How do you feel when your mind and heart are not at peace? Why do you think Jesus describes peace of mind and heart as a gift? Did you do anything to deserve peace? How does peace in your mind and heart dispel fear?
Thursday
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock” (Isaiah 26:3-4).
How does distracted or frenzied thinking create turmoil in your heart? How does focusing your thoughts on Jesus settle your spirit? List some strategies to “fix” your thoughts on Jesus. How does the firm foundation of Jesus give you a sense of security and peace?
Friday
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Which rules your heart more often — anxiety or peace? How can you submit your heart to the rule of Jesus, the Prince of Peace? When you demonstrate a peaceful heart in the middle of crazy circumstances, how might other people be drawn to Jesus? How can you promote peace in stressful situations?
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Kara Gebhardt
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Week 3 Joy — Our Wonderful Counselor Lights Our Hearts
Slide 2 of 3Monday
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, emphasis added).
In what ways is Jesus a Wonderful Counselor to you? Where do you find His counsel? Have you ever neglected to seek His wisdom? Have you ever ignored His counsel? What was the result? How does the counsel of Jesus lead you to joy?
Tuesday
“Because of the joy awaiting him, [Jesus] endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up” (Hebrews 12:2b-3).
Why did Jesus choose to die on the cross? What knowledge caused Him to endure the physical torment, emotional agony, and shame of our sin until He accomplished His goal? Have you ever become discouraged or tired and given up? How can you regain your joy and persevere in God’s calling for you?
Wednesday
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2).
Have you ever tried to walk in an unknown place in the dark? What happened? What would have changed if you had a flashlight? How do you think the people in darkness felt when they first saw the great light? How does light in a dark room give you a sense of relief and joy? How can you stay in the light and joy of Jesus every day?
Thursday
“No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:9-11).
Why does the psalmist feel safe under the protection of God? What did God’s Son do to save you from spiritual death and secure your eternal life? How has Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, shown you the way of life? How have you experienced joy and pleasure in the presence of God?
Friday
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5).
Have you ever experienced an unexpected power outage? How did you feel as you groped in the darkness for a light source? How did you feel when you could finally see again? How has Jesus conquered the darkness of death forever? Describe the joy you feel knowing Jesus’ light never leaves you.
Photo credit: ©Playbackmedia.com/Sparrowstock
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Week 4 Love — True Love Makes Us Children of God
Slide 3 of 3Monday
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
How does a good earthly father show love to his children? What sacrifices might he make for them? What sacrifices has Jesus made for you to bring you into His family? How can you learn more about Jesus’ love for you? How will you respond to His unconditional love each day?
Tuesday
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
How does the world define love in movies, songs, books, and social media? How does that definition differ from the biblical definition in this verse? What attitudes and actions reflect true love? What is the source of true love you show to others?
Wednesday
“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16).
Why did Jesus give up His life for you? How do His actions demonstrate real love to you? How can we return love to Jesus? Who are our brothers and sisters? How does giving up our lives for them imitate Jesus’ love?
Thursday
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18).
How do Jesus’ actions show He loves people? How have you felt when someone used the word “love” but did not treat you in a loving way? How have you shown love for other people with your actions? When you struggle to be consistent in love, where can you find strength?
Friday
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).
What are some things you love? What does the world offer to you? What does the love of God offer? Have you ever found yourself longing more for the things of the world than God? When your heart pulls you toward the things of this world, how can you resist and return to wholehearted love for God?
Draw Near to Jesus
The busyness of the Christmas season easily distracts us from Jesus. Consider pairing your Advent discussions with my Christmas devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus, to deepen your devotion to the Savior born in Bethlehem. I also invite you to download free Christmas resources at my website.
God smiles when you seek Him through His Word. Draw close to Jesus and your family through hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/FamVeld
Related Resource: Strengthening Your Marriage While Raising a Child with Disabilities
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your host Annie Yorty and her special guests dive into the unique challenges and beautiful complexities of maintaining a strong, loving partnership while navigating the demands of special needs parenting. Our expert guests bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering resilience, connection, and joy in your marriage. Whether you're homeschooling parents seeking support, or simply looking for ways to strengthen your relationship amidst life's challenges, this conversation promises to provide the inspiration and tools you need to thrive together. Listen now!
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