Sunday, December 17th Readings

Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Almighty God

I come before you to seek

what I need to be complete.

Free me of the lies I have told

so I may have a fresh start.

Heal what has been hurt or broken

and teach me to do the safe for others.

Your presence within and beyond me

brings peace to all!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

Draw an image of yourself as described by this scripture.
Determine specifically how you can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

How would you explain “prayer without ceasing” and “perfectly holy” to a child or someone who is just developing their faith?
Saint Paul couldn’t possibly know how hard it is to “give thanks” in all circumstances could he? Even if you are familiar with Saint Paul’s story, take time to revisit it with an open heart to be reminded of all you have to give thanks for in your life.

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation? How do you discern what is true and what is not?

General Questions for Journaling

What does it mean to you to have God’s favor? Do you have God’s favor? Do you know others who have God’s favor?
How might one act differently knowing they had God’s favor upon them?
Do you believe in spite? When have you been spiteful? Can you share a time when you have experienced God’s spite? Does it exist?
Are there people in your life who give witness to God? How do they do this?
Reflect on how you give witness to God. Could you be giving witness without your knowledge?
Create a calendar and write down one conversation or experience where you saw, felt, heard God each month in the past year.
Can you bring “good tidings” when you harbor hurt and resentment towards others?
Do you believe God loves everyone equally? Why or why not? Do you have scripture or doctrine to support your belief?
How does God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwell in your body, mind and spirit? Share specific ways.
How do you recognize God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in your life and in the life of others you encounter each day? Is God easy or difficult to find? Why or why not? Are the specific conditions which make it easier or more difficult?

Closing Prayer

Leader: In the darkness before the morning…