Hannah: A Lesson in Joy

Worship Folder

I. SHAME
Why is Hannah so sad – beyond just wanting a child? What is the struggle of her heart?

II. JOY
What changed in Hannah? Was it a mere change in circumstances or something deeper?

III. CHRISTMAS GRACE
How does Christmas help you rejoice, even in hard times?

Discussion Questions:

1. What does social shaming look like in our day and time? Where have you experienced it?
2. Are you more Peninnah-like or more Hannah-like?
3. Americans define happiness as “getting control of your life so that you keep your circumstances favorable.” How is that different than joy? Was Hannah’s joy dependent or independent of her circumstances?
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10 together. What did Hannah learn about God in her experience with barrenness that allowed her to live with joy?