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?