Fourth Sunday of Advent

 Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and

Lord of Lords, be near to us.

Let your loving presence

fill our hearts and minds.

Be our strength

so we might do your will.

May we jump for joy

for you have come to be.

Embrace us in your love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

• How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do?  What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
• How is peace given? How do you show it?

 Hebrews 10:5-10

• How did Jesus to the will of God? What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
• How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

 Luke 1:39-45

• What causes you to leap for joy?
• With whom do you share your joy? How does family fit into your celebration?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth?
• How do you embrace what you have been given? Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
• When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this?
• What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
• What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
• Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance?  How was hospitality shown?  Was it easy or difficult?
• When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
• Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
• Mary visits her cousin, Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin…how are you drawn to family or where you come from this holiday season?
• What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When we are weary…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we are alone…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When we have no place to go…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

Leader:  Be the star which guides our way…

ALL:  Come to us, Lord Jesus!

 

Challenge for the Week:   What is it about a newborn child which draws us in?  Some people are even hesitant to reach out to touch or hold a newborn for fear of what…afraid to hurt or harm or damage the precious child?  How does the “new life” change the lives of those around them?  Take time this week to consider what causes these feelings, this reaction.  Then relate it to your own feelings and reaction to the coming Jesus.

Third Sunday of Advent

 Opening Prayer

Sing with joy!

Sound the trumpets!

Awake!

Bring peace!

Shout out…the Savior is coming!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

• What keeps you from jumping for joy as you hear this scripture?
• Draw a picture of what you see happening in this scripture. Who is there?  What colors would you use to paint the scene?
• The scripture says, God will rejoice over you….what do you think He says?

 Philippians 4:4-7

• How do you make your petitions known to God? Do you only focus on what you want/need?  How do you make the communities prayers known?
• What keeps you from rejoicing in the Lord always?
• What keeps you from showing kindness to all?

 Luke 3:10-18

• Who do you turn to seeking direction in your life? Who do you ask “what should I do”?
• How big is your circle of influence (the people you ask for help determining God’s will in your life), who is included, are there people who should be included who are not, are there people whom you should reconsider?
• Who are those who turn to you for guidance in answering the big questions about life, love and faith?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you celebrate God? Jesus? Holy Spirit? Do you celebrate them as one or have special ways of honoring each?
• When was the last time you shared the “Good News” with another person in everyday conversation?
• How does God show you He is present?
• Are there places where you feel more at ease to share the “Good News” of Jesus? How does the church’s celebration of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter help open the door for you to share your faith?
• How do you “cry out with joy or gladness”? Is it an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp”?
• How much of your heart and mind would you say God consumes? Draw a picture to illustrate what consumes your heart and mind; be honest.
• Are there places you will not go because you fear God is not there? Is there something you can do to overcome this fear?
• How do you let go of anxiety and stress?
• Is generosity taught? How does a person learn to be generous?
• Where is God calling you to show generosity today?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  When anxiety and fear overtake you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When judgement and accusations fill you…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When weariness and fatigue consume you…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  When you have no more to give…

 ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

Leader:  He is waiting for you with open arms…

ALL:  Be still the Lord is near.

 

Challenge for the Week:   When the President of the United States enters a room; “Hail to the Chief” can be heard.  This week reflect on what song would play when God/Jesus/Holy Spirit enters the room.  What instruments would be playing, harps?  What does a “Choir of Angels” sound like?  Does it sound like a strong wind? Gentle breeze?  The sound of the waves crashing or lapping on the shore?  A trickling stream?  There are many possibilities but spend time exploring each of them until you find the right combination of sounds that expresses how you feel when you encounter God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.  Then, perhaps even more challenging, determine YOUR song.  What would you have play as you enter into a room?  What instruments would be used?  What is the tune?  Is it something familiar or original? Who would sing it?  And if there are words, what do they say?

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Jesus

When our days are filled with activity;

…may we remember not to get wrapped up in the busyness

When we face a long list of tasks;

…may we not become consumed in the hustle and bustle

Instead, help us to take time to spend a quiet moment with you

and watch for you in hopeful anticipation!

AMEN

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Baruch 5:1-9

• What do you put on yourself each day like a robe? What do you allow others to put on you?
• What does God robe you with? How is this different or similar to what you or how others put on you?  Do you feel comfortable with what God puts on you?  Why or why not?

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

• How can you “partner” with the Gospel? What does that look like?
• Where do you see God’s Glory? Where do you feel it?  Can you hear it or taste it or smell it?
• Can you name at least five good works God began in you? Can you list ten?

 Luke 3:1-6

• How is your life proclaiming the Gospel? How does the Word of God come from you?
• Describe three ways you relate to the words from the Prophet Isaiah. How does this scripture speak of your life’s journey?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you believe God can “make paths straight” and “move mountains” and “part the waters” and “level the valleys”? Why or why not?  Share an example of time when you were witness to this happening.
• Make a list of images of God’s power and draw a picture of one.
• Where do you see the hope of Christ in the world today? Where do you see hope in your community?  In your family?
• What is the purpose of having hope? What value do you put on it?
• How does the awareness of God’s presence affect your decisions? How often do you allow God to affect your decisions?
• When you make decisions; do you seek God’s perspective?
• How does God lead you to find joy? How often do you search for it?  Do you pray for joy?  Write a prayer for joy.
• How does God show affection? Do you have to ask for it or does God show it freely?  Describe the last time you felt loved by God.
• What is God a witness to in your life? How are you a witness to God?  In a 24 hour period, on average, how often are you a witness to God?
• Is there a time when you felt so overwhelmed you cried out to God and your faith lead you through?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Awaken the gifts;

 ALL:  the gifts we have before us!

Leader:  Enliven the joy;

 ALL:  the joy within each soul!

Leader:  Ignite the hope;

 ALL:  the hope around us!

Leader: Revive the peace;

 ALL:  the peace deep within!

Leader:  Kindle the love;

 ALL:  the love which brings us together!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Consider this…God planted in you all the gifts you will ever need to bring Him glory and share His love with others at the time of your conception.  How are you sharing these gifts?  Do you believe all of your gifts have been opened?  Perhaps there are a few gifts left under the tree (within you) unopened; full of new and unimaginable gifts.  As you go about your week, ponder the gifts you have been given which help you bring Glory to God and share His love…then go the extra step and dream about gifts you would need to possess in order to bring more attention to God.  What does that look like?  Are those gifts already opened in your life and you have discarded them or left them in the box?  Awaken to the possibilities…God always gives what you need and He gives the BEST gifts!