First Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape us

Mold us

Make us your own!

May we not wander,

Let us remain close.

For you are with us

for all of time!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3b-8

• When have you hid your face from God? How did God respond?
• What had God molded you into? What special gifts, qualities do you have?  Make a list of 100 things that are special about you!

 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

• Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole. How do you stay close to God?  Describe the feeling of wholeness.
• What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven? What remains the same?

 Mark 13:33-37

• If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?
• How alert are you on a daily basis about Jesus’ presence in your life?
• Who would you say you relate to the most in the Gospel? The man traveling?  The servants?  The gatekeeper?  None of these, because you relate more to the house, time of day or the cockcrowing it’s warning?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What is your name story? How were you named?
• What does your name say about you?
• What names do you give God? Jesus? Holy Spirit?  What do the names mean to you?
• When do you see God? When do you hear God?  Is it true sight and sound?
• Share a time when you had a problem as big as a mountain which you saw crumble because of God’s grace, mercy and love!
• Have you ever experienced guilt floating away like the wind? Describe how you have felt guilt taken away.
• How were you called into relationship with God? Jesus?  Holy Spirit?
• What do you do to call others into relationship with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit?
• What kind of riches does God give? Be specific.
• What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
• When have you been spoiled as a guest?
• Share a time when you did not feel welcome when you arrived at a destination.
• What do you need to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Are you ready?
• What tells you of God’s presence in your life right now?

 

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 80)

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  the power to save!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  and protect what is good!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  upon the right and just!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  bring comfort and warmth!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:  with strength!

Leader:  Shine forth…

ALL:   the light of all life!

 

Challenge for the Week:  This week make time to sit down and create your own personal motto or symbol.  You might already have one or you might have a favorite scripture verse or quote which you find value but this personal motto should be something original.  It should be something you want people to see when they first see you or hear you speak.  It is something you would put on your welcome mat outside of your door for all to see before entering into your home.  This motto or symbol for you is what guides people to learn about you, to see your gifts and to find out what is truly important.  Jesus’ symbol would be the star which lead the way for the shepherds to find him and how the star’s light is full of power, full of wonder and though we cannot always see the star, we know it is there.  Happy Advent!