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?