Together we are going to explore the meaning behind these titles, using Adam's book Incarnation: Rediscovering The Significance of Christmas as a jumping off point in our exploration!

I encourage you to read John 1:1-14; John 8:12-20; 1 John 1:5-9.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am OR go to our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to Ponder:

1. In our world, we depend on electricity to give us light in the dark. Just turn on a lamp or a switch and get instant light. When Jesus lived on the earth, there was no electricity. People depended on candles and oil lamps for light at night. Imagine what it would have been like to look out your window at night without any streetlights - anywhere! Consider how dark it could have been.

2. If you have been in a very dark place, what was that like? How does darkness make you feel?

3. What are some memorable instances of light in Scripture (for example God saying, "Let there be light", and there was.)? What connections, if any, can you draw between them and the Christmas message?

4. Adam Hamilton reminds us Christmas is a season continuing until the feast of Epiphany (January 6). Epiphany commemorates the wise men's visit to the child Jesus. How, if at all, does your congregation celebrate Epiphany? How do the wise men figure in your own holiday celebations? What do they represent for you?

5. In the Gospel of John, there are no stories of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, no wise men, no shepherds. Why does Adam Hamilton call John 1:1-5, John 1:9-14 John's account of Christmas?

6. John states not everyone welcomed God's Word or God's light. How do you believe God's Word is rejected today? When have you rejected or resisted God's Word and light? When have you rejected or resisted God's Word and light?

7. How does the story of the wise men in Matthew connect to the theme of light we discussed in John's "Christmas story"?

8. Then Jesus spoke out again, "I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NET)

What do you think Jesus meant when He said He was the light of the world?

9. In what areas of your life do you need light and direction?