Second Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are always near; YOU never leave us.

YOU promise us grace and peace all the days of our lives.

May we seek YOU in the wilderness and in the harvest.

We will find YOU waiting!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

• What does it mean to make a highway for God? What would this look like?
• What does God do to smooth out the mountains in your path? What has God done to smooth out the mountains in your path?

2Peter 3:8-14

• Saint Paul says to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion. What does this look like?
• Is it possible to be holy AND devoted? How can you be holy AND devoted?  What do your words and actions or your time say you are devoted to?

Mark 1:1-8

• How do you compare to John the Baptist? Name similarities and differences.  Are there qualities of John the Baptist which you would like you have?
• What is the significance of baptism to you? Do you live as if you have been baptized?  Or do you live as if you are baptized?

General Questions for Journaling

• How would you describe the road of life? What are some of the things which make the road rough?  What helps make the road smooth?
• How can you be a voice in the wilderness? Where are you called to share the Good News?
• If God makes our pathways straight, then what creates the obstacles we encounter or stumble over? How can we avoid these obstacles or how can we be better equipped to overcome them?
• What is one thing you know about God’s timing? How do you know this?
• What or who causes you to lose patience?
• What can you learn from God about patience? Is God the one whom you need to have patience with?
• Is there need for repentance in your life? In your community?  In your church?  What can you do to make things right?
• What makes us unblemished in the eyes of God? What keeps you from seeing yourself as God sees you?
• Are you filled with fear or joy when you reflect on “the coming of the Lord”?
• How do you “prepare the way” for the coming of Jesus? What preparations do you make for Christmas?  What preparations do you make for Advent?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a shepherd leads His sheep!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a teacher leads His pupils!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a King leads His people!

Leader:  Find US ready Lord…

ALL:  to follow where YOU lead!

Challenge for the Week:   John the Baptist is a wonderful example of someone who knows who he is in God.  He points to Jesus and understands that Jesus is God.  John knows that it is God who gives him the power and ability to baptize AND he knows that Jesus has the power to baptize with the Holy Spirit.  When we are baptized we are given the same power through the Holy Spirit to be like John and point to Jesus.  Many of us get caught up in thinking we are not good enough or smart enough to be like John.  We forget John was sort of a rebel living in the desert, eating locusts and honey, wearing camel hair for clothing…but people were drawn to him.  They were drawn to him because of his genuine love for God and his humility; he used his gifts to serve God.  Reflect this week on the reasons and excuses we don’t point to Jesus.  What gifts and talents has God given to you which you are not using to point to God?  This Advent season, be a voice in the wilderness and point to Jesus!