Text Study for Sunday, December 7, 2025 (2nd Sunday of Advent)

Series Theme: A Great Light

Reading: Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-14

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What piece of Christmas decorations speak to you this Advent? Why?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

O holy God, open unto us light for our darkness, courage for our fear, hope for our despair.
O God of peace, open to us peace for our turmoil, joy for our sorrow, strength for our weakness.
O generous God, open our hearts to receive all your gifts.
Amen.

CONTEXT

Throughout this Advent season Easter will focus on Jesus, A GREAT LIGHT, our great light! These prophetic texts will focus on God's promises fulfilled in Jesus. The series emphasizes preparation for Christmas and reflecting Christ’s light in today’s world. Our sermon series explores themes of hope, trust, life, joy, and justice. Where do you ensure Christ’s light shines today and how can Easter live as guiding lights for others? In a season of waiting, join us to reflect on the promise of Jesus and live as light for others.

From Dr Michael Chan at EntertheBible.org:

Jeremiah is unique in the extent to which it integrates prophetic words and the life and circumstances of the prophet. The book thereby enables readers to make explicit connections between the word of God and actual life situations into which that word is addressed. The range of the book’s reflection on the human condition and God, especially the judgment and wrath of God, continues to challenge modern readers of the Bible who prefer more positive, therapeutic depictions of God. The laments, indeed the tears of both prophet and God, bear witness to the closeness of the relationship between God and people and also confront those who think that God is distant, aloof, and impassible. Jeremiah’s unique “new covenant” language has left an indelible promissory mark on the larger biblical collection.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Google ELW 715 “Christ, Be Our Light.” Listen to this hymn to center your Advent journey. What lyrics stand out to you this week? Why?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Jeremiah 1. What do we learn about Jeremiah in the first few verses? What details about the times are included?
Jump to Jeremiah 29. While not included in the scripture, what is the “title” given to this chapter in your Bible?
Two main themes dominate the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament): exodus and exile. Exodus is what story? Exile, pertinent to Jeremiah, is self-inflicted pain. God’s people turned away from loving God and loving their neighbor and God held them accountable sending the people into exile. This deeply shaped their imagination and self-identity. Jeremiah is speaking to people who have experienced both exodus and exile.
Tell about a time you experienced an “exodus.”
Tell about a time you experienced an “exile.”
In verses five and six, what is the prophet’s advice?
“You’re going to be here a while” is a message of this passage; how might you choose to act differently with knowledge like this from God?
Verse seven is a key directive of the people of God. What is it? We often seek our own welfare, but what is Jeremiah calling the people to do? How is that countercultural, even today?
Underline Jeremiah 29:11. Where have you heard these words before? How is it good news for people who have experienced exodus...and exile? How?
How do see Easter contributing to “plans for hope” for our larger community and world?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

If you were called to be the answer to someone’s prayer, how would you start to know what they needed?

Sending Prayer

May the Light of Christ show us your way; may the Love of Christ overflow from our lives to others; may the Life of Christ show us how to be your people. Forgive us for not seeking Jesus in our lives. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light, so that your grace can illuminate the hidden places of our hearts. Amen.

Grow Guide | Dec 7, 2025