Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one thing they were thankful for in the week.
- Have everyone share one prayer request.
Song (5 Minutes)
Scripture (5 Minutes)
John 1:1–14 (NLT)
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- The passage talks about "the Word." Who do you think this refers to, and why is it important that the Word was "with God" and "was God"?
- John the Baptist was sent to tell others about Jesus. Who in your life has told you about Jesus? How did they do it?
- The text talks about becoming "children of God." What do you think this means? How might being God's child change how a person lives?
- Verse 14 says Jesus came full of "unfailing love and faithfulness," or grace and truth. What does it mean to love those around you with grace and truth? How can you move in the direction of those in need?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
Lord,
Thank you for sending Jesus, your Word made flesh, to live among us.
Help us to see your light shining in the darkness.
May we receive Jesus and become your children.
Fill our hearts with your grace and truth.
Guide us to share your love with others.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Thank you for sending Jesus, your Word made flesh, to live among us.
Help us to see your light shining in the darkness.
May we receive Jesus and become your children.
Fill our hearts with your grace and truth.
Guide us to share your love with others.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.