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Stepping Through Christmas - Week Four

December 20, 2026 0 0

 

Stepping Through — Leaving the Darkness Behind

 

This week we step across the threshold and into new life with Christ. The frost of our old life is melting and new green shoots are emerging. When we step through Christmas we step past the cold shadows of the past and into a changed heart and new life – like the cupboard door to Narnia opening us up to a whole new reality!

 

1. The Great Light -- Isaiah 9: 2-7

Theme: Leaving the darkness behind and stepping into the light!
 

Context: This is the definitive Christmas prophecy of a people walking out of deep shadows into brilliant light. Imagine going through C.S. Lewis’ dark wardrobe and stepping into the bright light of Narnia.
 

Discussion Questions:
 

  • Which of these names are you most drawn to this Advent: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?
     
  • What doors are shut in our world, blocking out the great light, that we need to fling open!?

Personal Reflection: What does this great light mean to our individual lives this Christmas, where do we want to feel its warmth and illumination?

 

2. Gates Open Continually -- Isaiah 60: 1-11

Theme: A timeless vision of a future where rather than doors locked in fear, doors are flung open to abundance.
 

Context: These words of hope and renewal were given to, and emerged out of, a suffering, traumatised people hoping to rebuild their lives. We often read the Bible individually and focus on what it might be saying to us individually, but for most of the Bible’s history it was read in and seen as being for community, not just private individuals. And these words are not those of a triumphant empire lording it over their neighbours. They are the radical and subversive words given to a marginalised people daring to use the language of empire to articulate God’s prophecy to them of reversal and reclamation.
 

Discussion Questions:
 

  • Where do we long to see a reversal of fortune in our society? Who has suffered and been marginalised for far too long. Who needs to be blessed with abundance?
     
  • What doors in our society have been long shut to keep people out, that could be opened this Christmas to let people in? Consider the shepherds who were professional outsiders (Luke 2: 8) brought into the heart of the nativity.
     

Personal Reflection: Take time to immerse yourself in this scene. Imagine you were there in the vision. What do you see, what do you notice?

 

3. Stepping Through Together -- Luke 1: 38-59

Theme: Listening to one another.
 

Context: Mary and Elizabeth are stepping into new chapters of their lives together. Elizabeth hears Mary with the ears of the Holy Spirit. She and her unborn baby recognise whom it is they are welcoming – with whom they are adventuring!
 

Discussion Questions:
 

  • What can we learn from Elizabeth’s attentiveness and openness?
     
  • What can we learn from Mary’s sincerity and passion?
     

Personal Reflection: Who do you need to listen to closely this Christmas season? With the ears of the Holy Spirit?
 

Head to Week Five!