Text Study for Sunday, December 14, 2025

Series Theme: Advent: A Great Light

Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Have you ever been injured? What happened?

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 Terry Fretheim at EntertheBible.org:

Ezekiel is a difficult but rewarding book, full of symbols and allegories. It contains a powerful vision of God, the Lord of history and judge of the nations. The awesome majesty of God and the honor and glory of the Lord in judgment and mercy are constant themes of the prophecies and visions of this book. The book’s theological message addresses the changing political landscape of Israel during a time of upheaval.

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 Ezekiel 1. What do we learn about Ezekiel in verse one to three?
Notice, in verse one, what community does Ezekiel find himself in?
An image of “the hand of the Lord” being on Ezekiel is also given. What might that image mean to you?
Open to Ezekiel 37. What is the first image that appears in verse one? Why might this image be repeated throughout this book?
Two main themes dominate the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament): exodus and exile. Exodus is what story? Exile, pertinent to Ezekiel, 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 group of people you see experiencing an “exodus.”
Tell about a group of people you see experiencing an “exile.”
In verse five, “thus says the Lord” is central. The prophets, like Ezekiel, are communicating God’s commands and promises. That phrase is spoken 300 times in this book. Why might that phrase be repeated so often?
In verse five, what does God command to happen to the bones?
"Breath” is call back to the creation story in Genesis 2:7. Flip back there and what do you notice?
What is life giving, breath giving, for you right now? What is life giving for you at Easter right now?
Jump to verse 14. How might this be good news for you? Who is doing the “work” and who is receiving the gift of spirit and breath?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Whom or what may need new life—breath to dry bones—in your life or the world right now? What might you do to encourage them—to remember the hand of God is with them?

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 | December 14, 2025