Growing up, did you do anything for Advent? If so, what do you remember most about it?
What’s the longest you’ve ever had to wait for something meaningful? How did you handle the wait?
The message mentioned both “fun waiting” (holidays, babies, visitors) and “hard waiting” (test results, healing, relationships). Which type of waiting do you relate to most right now?
The Israelites waited through slavery, wandering, exile, and 400 years of silence. Why do you think God often shapes His people through waiting?
Angela said that waiting exposes our doubts, motivations, and expectations of God. What tends to come up in you when you have to wait?
Read
Lamentations 3:22-26. What’s the difference between quiet waiting and restless waiting? What would it take for your waiting to become peaceful rather than anxious?
Discuss the quote, “Never forget in the dark what you knew to be true in the light.” What does that mean to you?
Which of the four encouragements stood out most to you and why?
- Wait with God
- Remember what God has done
- Choose trust
- Surrender the outcome
What is one area of your life right now where God may be inviting you to wait with Him instead of trying to control the situation?
Join us during the week for Advent Devotionals at
https://thecrossing.church/christmas.
Consider serving at a Christmas service so that others can experience Jesus! See available opportunities at
https://thecrossing.church/servechristmas.
Is there anything you need to surrender to Jesus today—not giving up, but letting go of your emotional grip on the outcome? How can this group pray for you as you do that?
Jesus, we come to You with open hands. You see the places where we’re holding on tightly, trying to control outcomes we were never meant to carry. Today, we choose to surrender—not giving up, but trusting You with what we cannot see or fix on our own. Where our hearts feel anxious, bring peace. Where we feel weak, bring strength. Where we feel uncertain, bring clarity and hope. Help us support one another as we lay these things before You. Amen.