Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

What is it I am waiting for?

What do I seek?

Why do I feel so parched?

Why can’t I see what is in front of me?

I do not need to wait;

YOU have already provided!

I can come to the water;

and quench my thirst!

You, Lord, are all I need!

Let me wait no more…

to be full of life!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

• Is there someone whom you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
• Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

 2 Peter 3:8-14

• What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?
• Who in your life has shown you how to love and express your love towards God?

 Mark 1:1-8

• Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?
• Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not?  What message do you think needs to be heard?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What do you look forward to seeing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to hearing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to doing during the holiday season?
• What do you look forward to smelling during the holiday season?
• What is your favorite memory of advent?
• How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?  Do you do it alone or with others?
• When did you last cry out to God? Was it in pain or praise?
• Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
• Are there things which you take for granted or have neglected to give the importance due in this past year? What keeps you from giving them attention?
• If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Are you honest with your assessment?  Is this where you want to be?
• Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
• Is there something you have lost this year which you have trouble letting go?
• Is there something you have gained this year which you could not let go?
• Are there things which you do not feel worthy of doing? What are they?
• Are there things about you which you judge? Do others judge?  Is it fairly?  How would God judge?
• Would you say you are on a straight path? Draw a picture of the path you have been on this past year.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

 ALL:  through a shining star in the night sky!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  as a shepherd wraps a lamb in his arms!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  with each day you give us a new beginning!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  like light rain in the hot desert!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:  while the path is paved before us!

Leader:  You hold us and call us your beloved…

ALL:   in the waters of our baptism;

ALL:  WE ARE CALLED BELOVED!!!

 

Challenge for the Week:  How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season?  Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship?  Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile?  Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others.  This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed.  Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!