Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus,

You come to make us whole!

You give us strength and hope!

You love us without boundaries!

With you,

We shall live forever!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

• What do you imagine the “dwelling place of God” looks like? Smells like?  Sounds like?  Feels like?
• How does God reveal to you a better way? Be specific.

 Romans 16:25-27

• Name three ways you have proclaimed the Gospel this past week.
• How is glory known?

Luke 1:26-38

• 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

• Have you ever felt like you have more than Jesus? Share an example.
• Can you ever have too much of something good? Too much of something bad?  How do you determine?
• Are there people in your life which you regard as “higher” than yourself? What makes them so?  How would God respond?
• Does generosity have a limit? Why or why not?
• What do you have to offer God? Make a list.  (What we are is God’s gift to us; what we become is our gift to God)
• Do you believe what you give to God is enough? Do you believe God is satisfied?  Why or why not?
• What happens when you give to God? Be specific.
• How does Jesus give you rest? Share an example.
• What are the mysteries of faith? Are these mysteries a secret?
• What does scripture reveal to you about faith? What does it reveal to you about God?  What does scripture reveal to you about eternal life?
• Where is God present in your life right now?
• Are you happy with the amount of time you spend in God’s presence? Why or why not?
• Is there anything about your faith which you fear?
• Have you ever encountered an angel? What was the situation and how did you know it was an angel?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through kindnesses shown to my neighbor.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through my faithfulness even in small things.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

 ALL:  through the compassionate work of my hands.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the promises I keep to myself and others.

Leader:  The Lord proclaims that I am good;

ALL:  through the love I give and receive.

ALL:  The Lord proclaims that I am good!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Reflect on the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes this week during your quiet prayer time.  In a 24 hour period you probably say yes a couple of dozen times but are any of them without condition?  Think about the last yes you gave…was it in response to a simple or complex request?  Did you have to consider consequences or did you heartily respond with joy?  Perhaps you negotiated terms of your yes response to better fit your schedule or comfort level.  There are even some yes’ given with hesitation or because of obligation.  The Gospel tells the story about a YES; this yes is an example to us because Mary said yes to God, no matter the obstacles she might have to face.  Over the next week or so, spend time thinking about response you gave the last time God asked you to do something…were you able to respond as Mary did or do you have a long list of reasons and excuses which you are using to avoid God’s request?  As you reflect, also remember to give time to how you feel when someone doesn’t respond yes at a request you make; do you think God feels the same way?  Once you have come to a conclusion about the difference between a yes and an unconditional yes, make a proclamation to God!  This can be done through a written prayer or through action; either way make the decision to work towards being more like Mary and saying YES to God’s requests.