Epiphany of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

May we rise each morning

with the fire of your spirit within us.

May we run toward the light

and find you waiting with anticipation.

May we soak up the splendor of your love

until it overflows onto all we encounter.

Let us live forever changed

by your loving presence!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Where do you see God’s light shining in your life? In your family?  In your community?  At work?
• How can you celebrate God’s Glory?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• Can you measure the love of God? The grace of God?  The mercy of God?  The forgiveness of God?
• Describe how you are a co-partner in the promise of Christ.

 Matthew 2:1-12

• How did the magi know, after their long journey, the baby Jesus was the one they had come to see?
• What can you learn from the magi in this scripture about faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What draws people to love God?
• Where do people go to search for God? Do you think they find Him there?
• What are some things which might keep people from finding God?
• Do you think you live up to the potential God has in mind for you?
• Share a time when you witnessed God’s grace at work.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to you.
• Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to others.
• Have you ever felt motivated by God to do something which seemed out of the ordinary or ridiculously crazy?
• Define a pilgrimage. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage?
• What has been the furthest distance you have traveled? What was the purpose of your traveling?
• What do the stars tell you about God?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so we might find you in the darkness.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  let your light be a beacon when we are weary.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path we must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  consume us so others see your glow within us.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken us to your radiance!

 

Challenge for the Week:   God is shining His light on us all of the time, even when we aren’t feeling too much like being radiant.  Imagine having a spotlight on you all of the time, how would you feel, how might you act differently?  What happens when the “spotlight” shines on some people…some shy away from the light and others ham-it-up.  Reflect this week on the difference of God’s light verses the spotlight of the world.  What can you do to change which light you seek to shine on you and how can you shine God’s light on others so they might seek to shine in God’s light on their own.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

We pray with great anxiety

for there are times when we cannot find you.

We search and we search

and we often overlook your presence.

May we be calmed by your Word

May we be settled by the sound of Your voice

You are there, calling out to us when we are lost

You will never leave us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3:2-6

• Are there those whom you have trouble loving? How does knowing God loves them, help you love them too?
• Does the love you have for God look the same or different than the love you have for others?

 Colossians 3:12-21

• Where to do you see these qualities (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) at work in the world?
• How do you express these qualities? How often and to whom?

 Luke 2:41-52

• Can you relate to Mary and Joseph in this reading? Can you also relate to Jesus?  What is the difference?
• Where do you feel welcome and accepted? What does it look like?  Who is also there?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where does family rate in your life?
• How do you express your feelings toward your family? Do your actions express your feelings?
• What is the purpose of a family? Do you think your family fulfills its purpose?
• Does God get center reign in your family? Why or why not?  How do you know?
• What do you present to God as an offering for your commitment to Him?
• Have you ever bargained with God? What happened?
• Recall a time when you lost something of great value to you…what did you do? How did you feel?  Were you able to recover it?  Where did you find it?  Who helped you?
• Describe what remember of yourself as a child. What did you look like?  What were some of your favorite things?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We are given our first breath

ALL:  because you love us!

Leader:  We serve in YOUR name

ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We accept and forgive

 ALL:  because you love others!

Leader:  We hold YOU close

 ALL:  because we love you!

Leader:  We are blessed

ALL:  because you love us!

 

Challenge for the Week:   +The Holy Family was not perfect in the eyes of the world.  Instead, it was made perfect through the eyes of God.  Think about how your family is also made perfect through the eyes of God.  How does this cause you to see others differently?  Are there people whom you will treat differently with this new perspective?  Perhaps there are some whom you need to forgive and welcome back in.  Allow God to make your family perfect J

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and

Lord of Lords, be near to us.

Let your loving presence

fill our hearts and minds.

Be our strength

so we might do your will.

May we jump for joy

for you have come to be.

Embrace us in your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

• How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do?  What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
• How is peace given? How do you show it?

 Hebrews 10:5-10

• How did Jesus to the will of God? What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
• How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

 Luke 1:39-45

• What causes you to leap for joy?
• With whom do you share your joy? How does family fit into your celebration?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth?
• How do you embrace what you have been given? Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
• When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this?
• What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
• What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
• Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance?  How was hospitality shown?  Was it easy or difficult?
• When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
• Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
• Mary visits her cousin, Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin…how are you drawn to family or where you come from this holiday season?
• What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are weary…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we are alone…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we have no place to go…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  Be the star which guides our way…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

 

Challenge for the Week:   What is it about a newborn child which draws us in?  Some people are even hesitant to reach out to touch or hold a newborn for fear of what…afraid to hurt or harm or damage the precious child?  How does the “new life” change the lives of those around them?  Take time this week to consider what causes these feelings, this reaction.  Then relate it to your own feelings and reaction to the coming Jesus. 

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out…the Savior is coming!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

• What keeps you from jumping for joy as you hear this scripture?
• Draw a picture of what you see happening in this scripture. Who is there?  What colors would you use to paint the scene?
• The scripture says, God will rejoice over you….what do you think He says?

 

Philippians 4:4-7

• How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need?  How do you make the community prayers known?
• What keeps you from rejoicing the Lord always?
• What keeps you from showing kindness to all?

 

Luke 3:10-18

• Who do you turn to seeking direction? Who do you ask “what should I do”?
• Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering this question?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do your celebrate God?
• When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
• How does God show you He is present?
• How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”? Is it an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”?
• How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes?
• Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there?
• How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
• Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

 

Challenge for the Week:   When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard.  This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room, would you say harps?  What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like?  Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze?  The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore?  A trickling stream?  There are many possibilities.  Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song, what would you have play as you enter into a room?  What instruments would be used?  What is the tune, familiar or original? Who would sing it?  And if there are words, what do they say?

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When our days are filled with activity;

…may we remember not to get wrapped up in the busyness

…may we not become consumed in the hustle and bustle

Instead, help us to take time;

…to spend a quiet moment with you

and watch for you in hopeful anticipation!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Baruch 5:1-9

• What do you put on yourself each day like a robe? What do you allow others to put on you?
• What does God robe you with? How does it fit?

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

• How can you “partner” with the Gospel? What does that look like?
• Where do you see God’s Glory?

 Luke 3:1-6

• How is your life proclaiming the Gospel?
• How does the Word of God come from you?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does the awareness of God’s presence affect your decisions? How often do you allow God to affect your decisions?
• When you make decisions; do you seek God’s perspective?
• How does God lead you to find joy? How often do you search for it?
• Do you pray for joy? Write a prayer for joy.
• How does God show affection?
• What is God a witness to in your life? How are you a witness to God?
• Is there a time when you felt so overwhelmed you cried out to God and your faith lead you through?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Awaken the gifts;

ALL:  the gifts we have before us!

Leader:  Enliven the joy;

 ALL:  the joy within each soul!

Leader:  Ignite the hope;

 ALL:  the hope around us!

Leader: Revive the peace;

 ALL:  the peace deep within!

Leader:  Kindle the love;

 ALL:  the love which brings us together!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider this…God planted in you all the gifts you will ever need to bring Him glory and share His love with others.  How are you sharing these gifts?  Do you believe all of your gifts have been opened?  Perhaps there are a few gifts left under the tree (within you) unopened; full of new and unimaginable gifts.  As you go about your week, ponder the gifts you have been given which help you bring Glory to God and share His love…then go the extra step and dream about gifts you would need to possess in order to bring more attention to God.  What does that look like?  Are those gifts already opened in your life and you have discarded them or left them in the box?  Awaken to the possibilities…God always gives us what we need and He gives us the BEST gifts!

First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Father

You create us to love,

Only we can give your love

You show us your love,

Only we can spread your love

Teach us, mold us, open us

Until your love is spread throughout the world!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 33:14-16

• How do the promises of Christ live out/on in your life?
• What has God risen up in your life? How do you show gratitude for it?

1Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

• How can you “strengthen” your heart? What exercises are needed to build up your heart?
• What is the difference between full of mercy and full of grace?

 Luke 21:5-28, 34-36

• How do you see/imagine Jesus coming?
• How does Jesus “return” each day of your life?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How does God bring Justice to the world?
• Where does your security come from?
• When do you feel the safest?
• What can you rely on? What is consistent in your life?
• How has your life been blessed because of your faith in God?
• Do you believe in God because you fear Him? Why or why not?
• What do you need to do to be more holy? What does that mean?
• Is there a synonym for holy?
• What good has come from a recent struggle you experienced?
• Are there things which cause your stress? What is it about these things that make you anxious?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Find us seeking you in our daily schedule…

ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the highs and lows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you in the decisions we make…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader: Find us seeking you in the joys and sorrows…

 ALL:  We are ready!

Leader:  Find us seeking you every minute of the day…

 ALL:  We are ready!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This time of year our schedules begin to fill up, there are extra activities with the kids, gathering of family and friends and additional expectations as a Christian to keep Jesus as the reason for the season.  No wonder we get this warning about not getting drowsy in this week’s reading!  There is a long road ahead of us…some might call it the Christmas Season but I’m referring to the Advent Season.  When we take our discipleship seriously we should be able to see this holiday season not as long lines and wintry slush…instead we rest in the knowledge Jesus is on his way!