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!