Bible Studies on the 4 of the 9 lessons of the Carol Service.
Reading 1
Genesis 3:8-15
The nine lessons of this service follow a sequence, explaining how God made himself and his love
known to the world. At the beginning of human history, evil appears – as man and woman think
they know better than to follow instructions. At the same time, there is a hint that one day evil will
be overcome by a man.
1.
What is the background to this reading?
2.
So who is hiding, and why?
3.
How do you understand God’s attitude?
4.
What does Adam have to say? And Eve? What effect does this have on their relationship?
5.
What signs of hope are there?
6.
How do you see this working out?
7.
Why is this the first lesson for a Carol Service?

Reading 2
Gen 22:1-18
God’s answer to evil depends, not on perfect behaviour, but on faith. Abraham’s trust and
obedience are extreme, even to the point of sacrificing his son, Isaac. He is stopped, and the
substitute sacrifice he offers helps us to look forward to the way in which God provides for us.
1.
Read Gen 22:11-18 What do you remember about Abraham and his children?
2.
Read Gen 22:1-2. If God already knows what Abraham will do, what’s the point?
3.
What is the significance of Mount Moriah?
4.
Read Gen 22:3-5. Is there significance in the journey? Would there be later parallels?
5.
Read Gen 22:6-8 What did Abraham think would happen? What did he do?
6.
Read Gen 22:9-19. How does God provide? How does all this look forward (so why is this
read in a Christmas Carol service?).
7.
What do you learn about obedience? How would we see this in modern terms of
Safeguarding?
8.
What do you learn about sacrifice and substitution? How will this be important?

Reading 3
Isaiah 9:2,6,7
Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of light coming at a dark time. His description of a royal leader goes
beyond the Kings of his time, looking forward to the worthy King of an everlasting and peaceful
kingdom.
Reading 4
Isaiah 11:1-9
Again the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming King. He will be a descendant of King David’s
father, Jesse, and his leadership will be truly inspired, resulting in a time of peace and holiness.
1.
Isaiah’s prophecies of the coming King begin earlier Read Isaiah 7:10-17 (v14 is quoted in
Matthew 1:23). The prophecy was given at a time of threatened invasion, the child yet to be born a
source of hope. What is the significance of the name Immanuel?
2.
Read Isaiah 9:1-7. v1 reflects Assyria taking territory in the north, (the Galilee Jesus would
later teach in). What is the feeling in v2-5, what is happening?
3.
The cause of this? v6,7. Think about how you would explain each of the titles.
4.
Read Isaiah 10:33-11:5. In contrast to the devastated forest of the enemy, a shoot re-grows.
What is the stump, and the shoot?
5.
The qualification of this person in not just heredity; what does v2 speak of, and what are the
effects?
6.
Read Isaiah 11:6-9. What does this picture tell us?
7.
What do the two passages read from Isaiah in the carol service add to the sequence of
readings – where are they leading us?