Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

 

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

How must Mary have felt,

going through all of these trials?

What did she think,

about journeying away from home?

Was she sad

because he mother wasn’t with her?

Did she struggle

with believing what the Angel said?

How did others treat her

when they saw she was pregnant?

Help us to connect with Mary

so we might learn how to let our faith

overcome our obstacles!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

• Who in your life right now needs to hear that they are a blessing to you? Practice how you will tell them.
• How have you felt blessed by others this year? How can you let them know you are grateful?

 Galatians 4:4-7

• Have you ever considered yourself as adopted by God? What does that look like?  What does that feel like?
• How does the birth of a child bring fullness? Is it the same or different than when Jesus was born?  How?

 Luke 2:16-21

• Have you been given a message to share like the shepherds? What is the message?
• Spend time reflecting on what the birth of Jesus means to you? What do you conclude?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see blessing? Is there anything you can do to contribute?
• Make a top ten list of blessings with the date on it and put it in your bible.
• Do you feel uncomfortable receiving compliments? Why or why not?
• Do you feel uncomfortable giving compliments? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried to hide from God? Do you think God hides from you?
• Would you define yourself as a slave? What are you a slave to?
• What do you treasure? What makes it so special?
• When have you been amazed? Was it recently or a long time ago?
• How do you describe the feeling of being amazed?
• What do you describe as being amazing? What makes it so?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when we feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when we are in despair…

 ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel neglected…

 ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when we feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless us with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when we are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless us with the Spirit of Peace!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to reflect on the past year.  There have been good things and bad things happen; how have these things affected you?  What do you have to look forward to in the New Year?  Are there things which you are dreading to face?  What have you learned this year that can help you overcome any obstacles in the coming year?  Are you making resolutions halfheartedly for the sake of “tradition” or are you spending time to make a change for good?  Spend time in reflection on the scripture readings of the birth of Jesus, focusing on each of the people in the story from the Innkeeper to Joseph to the Angels to Mary to the Shepherds, each person has a message for you…what is it and how can it help you make resolutions for 2017?

Christmas Day – Nativity of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Our waiting has come to an end,

the Savior is here!

Let us rejoice!  Sing joyfully!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 52:7-10

• Glad tidings and peace are to be shared; how do you share the glad tidings and peace of Jesus with others?
• What good news does Jesus bring you?

 Hebrews 1:1-6

• Saint Paul reminds us that Jesus’ coming reveals God to us completely…what does this mean to you in your life?
• How do you show God honor? How do you give God praise?

 John 1:1-5, 9-14

• Where do you see God dwelling among us?
• Identify where you see God’s glory today.
• Describe how the Word became flesh and how it is still true today.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Christmas comes with decorations, celebrations and presents…where do you find beauty in the hustle and bustle?
• When you reach for Jesus, how far do you need to stretch?
• Do you know anyone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? How can you share the good news while respecting their traditions?
• What holiday song(s) make you feel close to Jesus?
• How do you find comfort in the holiday season?
• Is there someone whom you need to give comfort to this holiday?
• Why is it important for us to remember Jesus’ birth?
• What is your tradition for Christmas? Where did it begin?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Little baby Jesus…

ALL:  born in a manger.

Leader:  Mary, holy mother…

 ALL:  so young and full of grace.

Leader:  Joseph…

 ALL:  descendant of Abraham and David.

Leader:  Stars above…

ALL:  providing light and guidance.

Leader:  Shepherds…

ALL:  keeping watch and protecting.

Leader:  Angels above…

ALL:  celebrate the newborn KING!

 

Challenge for the Week:  When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  What family traditions do you have when you celebrate a birthday of someone in your family?  What do you do?  Who do you invite to celebrate?  How do you make the person feel special?  What do you do for a friend when it is their birthday?  How can you do the same for Jesus?  What family traditions do you have or can you start to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Who can you invite to be a part of the celebration?  How do you make Jesus feel special at the birthday party?  Take time to plan out how you will celebrate Jesus’ birthday this year!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Precious Lord

We await your coming!

We prepare for your arrival!

Quietly

Peacefully

May we be ready!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 7:10-14

• Imagine hearing these words for the first time…today you know these words to be true, but what if you didn’t know Jesus was to be born?
• Where do you see signs of God? World?  Community?  Church?  Family?  Yourself?

 Romans 1:1-7

• How do you know you belong to Christ? What makes you know?
• Saint Paul describes himself as a slave for Christ. What do you know about Paul which validates this statement?  Do you exhibit any of these qualities?

 Matthew 1:18-24

• What do you learn about Joseph in this scripture?
• What do you learn about God in this scripture?
• What would have happened if Joseph didn’t listen to God and followed through with his intention of divorcing Mary?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you feel weary? What causes you to feel weary?
• Do you think God ever gets tired? Why or why not?
• Have you ever missed God showing you a sign? How do you know?
• Have you ever ignored a sign from God?
• Is there someone in your life whom steals your peace? What can you do to share it with them instead of being angry they disrupted it?
• Define obedience. What are some examples of obedience?  How are you obedient?  To whom?  To what?
• Are there things that stand in your way of having a positive attitude? What causes the negative to overcome?
• When you think about Christmas, does it give you peace and joy or are you overwhelmed with stress? What can you do to let go of some of your stress?
• What message do these scriptures send which you need to hear this year? What sign is God giving you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the serenity of a new day.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL:  the smell of a newborn child.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL: there is joy in waiting.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  there is peace in knowing.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the promises made…and kept.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  we are yours!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We make signs to welcome people home, to say happy birthday, to attach to a car announcing, “Just Married”, to share good news.  We also often see signs at sporting events with catchy phrases, hoping to catch the eye of the camera man so our message can be seen.  Although not all signs share a positive message, people’s signs during a protest or boycott often reflect negative messages.  Whatever the message on the sign, our purpose is the same…for it to be seen and for people to take notice.  This week as you make final preparations for Jesus’ coming at Christmas, make time to think about what your sign says…or better…what you want it to say; what message do you want Jesus to see when He comes?  Then if you are able, actually create your sign and put it up somewhere you can be reminded how you want to catch Jesus’ attention 🙂

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach us to be patient,

so we might better appreciate

all you give to us!

Help us to slow down,

so we might see the goodness

all around!

Use this season of Advent,

to teach us to wait and

be still so YOU can come!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:1-6a,10

• Describe the “splendor of God”.
• How is God bringing abundance into your life right now?

 James 5:7-10

• What are you in need of from God right now? Is there something special you are waiting on?
• What might you do to cultivate more patience in your life?

 Matthew 11:2-11

• How do you proclaim God’s goodness? Share details of the last time you did.
• Are there still prophets today? Where can you go to find them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where can you find signs of God’s love for you?
• Identify the ways you know God is in the world right now.
• What specifically about the holiday season brings you joy?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-see?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-hear?
• When you last frightened? What was the situation?
• Do you think we ever have enough patience?
• Why is it hard to have patience when we are going through a hardship?
• When do you take time for yourself to slow down? How often is it?  It is often enough?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring joy and gladness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL:  to bring light to the darkness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL: to bring healing and wholeness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring an end to weakness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU..

ALL:  to bring mercy and forgiveness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring us into your holiness!

 

Challenge for the Week:  It seems as though patience in people is something in the past.  We expect to receive what we what the moment we want it.  We get irritated when we have to wait for anything.  Not so long ago, it took time to bake our bread and churn the butter to put on it.  This week, we are challenged by the farmer in the second reading to embrace the art of waiting.  There is a saying, “good things come to those who wait” but many of us grow impatient and decide we don’t have time to wait!  What is something in your life right now which you are waiting on?  On a scale from 1-10, how patient do you feel you are being?  Would another person in your life agree with your score?