When Heaven Came Down: Week 1 The Promise in the Darkness

Modern Worship Songs (Hope + Light)

“Living Hope” — Phil Wickham

“Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah)” — We The Kingdom

“Even So Come” — Passion

“Way Maker” — Leeland/Sinach

“Great Are You Lord” — All Sons & Daughters

“Do It Again” — Elevation Worship — Focuses on God keeping His promises even in waiting.

Additional Christmas Carols for HOPE

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” — Longing & messianic promise

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” — Advent hope in hymn form

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” — Prophecy fulfillment imagery

Announcements:

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Worship:

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Illustration / Story — “The Longest Night”

Several years ago in a small farming town in northern Minnesota, a pastor was visiting an older farmer named Ray Thompson, a man who had worked the same plot of land his entire life. Ray was known for two things: his quiet faith and his long winters.

That particular year had been brutal. The temperatures dropped to –30, snow piled higher than fence posts, and the power flickered off more than once. Fields that were lush and alive just a few months earlier now lay frozen under a heavy crust of ice.

One evening in January, the pastor stopped by Ray’s barn. It was already dark by 4:30 p.m. Ray was tinkering with an old tractor heater, the kind that had outlived most of the equipment it was meant to warm.

The pastor said, “Ray, I don’t know how you do it—these winters feel like they last forever.”

Ray chuckled, wiped his hands on his coveralls, and said something the pastor never forgot:

“The longest nights don’t stop what’s happening under the soil. Snow can cover the fields. Ice can harden the ground. But the roots still deepen. Winter doesn’t kill the seed—sometimes it strengthens it.”

He went on to explain that during the coldest months, while everything appears dead, moisture is settling into the soil, roots are gripping deeper in search of stability, and microorganisms under the frost are quietly preparing the way for spring.

Then Ray said something even more profound:

“Hope grows the same way. Most of the time you don’t see it first—you feel it later.”

He told the pastor about the year he lost his wife, Carol. For months he felt nothing but cold, empty days. But during that “longest winter,” as he called it, God was doing something underground in his heart—strengthening him, steadying him, preparing him. Spring didn’t come quickly, but when it came, it came in full.

Ray finished with a farmer’s kind of wisdom:

“Just because it’s dark doesn’t mean nothing’s happening.”

Takeaway:

In rural communities, we understand long nights. Winter can hide what God is growing. What looks barren is often busy underneath. And hope—like a seed—usually starts growing before we ever see the first green shoot.

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2–7 (CSB) Candle: Prophecy Candle — Hope

Isaiah 9:2–7 CSB

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. 5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

Candle Lighting Script

Reader 1: Today we light the first candle—the Prophecy Candle, the Candle of Hope. Advent begins in the dark, because that’s where God’s promises shine the brightest.

Reader 2 (Scripture): “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:2 CSB)

Reader 1: God spoke hope into Israel’s long night. This candle reminds us that God still keeps His promises today.

(Light the Hope Candle)

All: Lord, let Your hope rise in us as we wait for You. Amen.

Devotional Reflection

Advent begins with honesty: the world is dark…yet God speaks: a great light is coming.

Hope doesn’t deny sorrow or struggle. Hope says, “Even here, God is at work.” Just as Israel waited for a Savior, we wait for God’s promises to unfold in our own lives.

God keeps every promise—always, perfectly, in His time.

Discussion Questions

Where do you see “darkness” in your life or your community?

What promise from God do you need to hold onto this week?

How can hope change the way you face uncertainty?

Weekly Challenge

Share hope with one person this week—through prayer, encouragement, or a simple act of kindness.