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?