Ice Breaker: Share one thing that brings you joy during the holiday season and one thing that challenges you during this time of year.

Discussion Questions:
Understanding the Text (John 1:1-5)

1. What does it mean that Jesus is "the Word" and that He "was in the beginning with God"? How does this establish His deity?
2. Why do you think John emphasizes that "the darkness did not overtake" the light? What hope does this give us?
3. Read John 3:19-20 together. Why do people choose darkness over light according to these verses?

Personal Reflection

4. Pastor mentioned that "from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." What does your speech reveal about what's in your heart right now?
5. The sermon talked about darkness hiding "under the shower door" of our lives - those areas we don't examine. What areas of your life might need the light of Christ to shine on them?
6. Have you been allowing darkness to overtake your light in any relationships or areas of your life? What would it look like to reclaim that ground?

Practical Application

7. Pastor said, "You have authority" over darkness. Do you believe this? What keeps you from walking in that authority?
8. How can reading God's Word regularly help combat the darkness that tries to pollute our thinking?
9. The story of Peter and the lame man shows us giving what we have (Jesus) to others. Who in your life needs you to share the light of Christ with them this week?
10. What does it practically look like to be a "representative of light" in your workplace, family, or community?

Challenge Questions

11. Pastor mentioned that 15,000 churches will close this year, yet the global church is growing. What responsibility do we have as individual believers to be the light in our communities?
12. Are there any areas where you've been choosing comfort over confronting darkness? (Unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, etc.) What step can you take this week to address this?

Closing Reflection:
Read together: "Silver and gold have I none, but that which I have I give to thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6, KJV)
Question: What do you have in Christ that you can give to someone else this week?