Christmas

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Our waiting has come to an end,

the Savior is here!

Let us rejoice!  Sing joyfully!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 52:7-10

• Glad tidings and peace are to be shared; how do you share the glad tidings and peace of Jesus with others?
• What good news does Jesus bring you?

 Hebrews 1:1-6

• Saint Paul reminds us that Jesus’ coming reveals God to us completely…what does this mean to you in your life?
• How do you show God honor? How do you give God praise?

 John 1:1-5, 9-14

• Where do you see God dwelling among us?
• Identify where you see God’s glory today.
• Describe how the Word became flesh and how it is still true today.

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Christmas comes with decorations, celebrations and presents…where do you find beauty in the hustle and bustle?
• When you reach for Jesus, how far do you need to stretch?
• Do you know anyone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? How can you share the good news while respecting their traditions?
• What holiday song(s) make you feel close to Jesus?
• How do you find comfort in the holiday season?
• Is there someone whom you need to give comfort to this holiday?
• Why is it important for us to remember Jesus’ birth?
• What is your tradition for Christmas? Where did it begin?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Little baby Jesus…

ALL:  born in a manger.

Leader:  Mary, holy mother…

 ALL:  so young and full of grace.

Leader:  Joseph…

 ALL:  descendant of Abraham and David.

Leader:  Stars above…

ALL:  providing light and guidance.

Leader:  Shepherds…

ALL:  keeping watch.

Leader:  Angels above…

ALL:  celebrate the newborn KING!

 

Challenge for the Week:  When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  What family traditions do you have when you celebrate a birthday of someone in your family?  What do you do?  Who do you invite to celebrate?  How do you make the person feel special?  What do you do for a friend when it is their birthday?  How can you do the same for Jesus?  What family traditions do you have or can you start to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Who can you invite to be a part of the celebration?  How do you make Jesus feel special at the birthday party?  Take time to plan out how you will celebrate Jesus’ birthday this year!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Precious Lord

We await your coming!

We prepare for your arrival!

Quietly

Peacefully

May we be ready!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 7:10-14

• Imagine hearing these words for the first time…today you know these words to be true, but what if you didn’t know Jesus was to be born?
• Where do you see signs of God? World?  Community?  Church?  Family?  Yourself?

 Romans 1:1-7

• How do you know you belong to Christ? What makes you know?
• Saint Paul describes himself as a slave for Christ. What do you know about Paul which validates this statement?  Do you exhibit any of these qualities?

 Matthew 1:18-24

• What do you learn about Joseph in this scripture?
• What do you learn about God in this scripture?
• What would have happened if Joseph didn’t listen to God and followed through with his intention of divorcing Mary?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Do you feel weary? What causes you to feel weary?
• Do you think God ever gets tired? Why or why not?
• Have you ever missed God showing you a sign? How do you know?
• Have you ever ignored a sign from God?
• Is there someone in your life whom steals your peace? What can you do to share it with them instead of being angry they disrupted it?
• Define obedience. What are some examples of obedience?  How are you obedient?  To whom?  To what?
• Are there things that stand in your way of having a positive attitude? What causes the negative to overcome?
• When you think about Christmas, does it give you peace and joy or are you overwhelmed with stress? What can you do to let go of some of your stress?
• What message do these scriptures send which you need to hear this year? What sign is God giving you?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the serenity of a new day.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL:  the smell of a newborn child.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

 ALL: there is joy in waiting.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  there is peace in knowing.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  the promises made…and kept.

Leader:  Lord, let us not forget

ALL:  we are yours!

 

Challenge for the Week:  We make signs to welcome people home, to say happy birthday, to attach to a car announcing, “Just Married”, to share good news.  We also often see signs at sporting events with catchy phrases, hoping to catch the eye of the camera man so our message can be seen.  Although not all signs share a positive message, people’s signs during a protest or boycott often reflect negative messages.  Whatever the message on the sign, our purpose is the same…for it to be seen and for people to take notice.  This week as you make final preparations for Jesus’ coming at Christmas, make time to think about what your sign says…or better…what you want it to say; what message do you want Jesus to see when He comes?  Then if you are able, actually create your sign and put it up somewhere you can be reminded how you want to catch Jesus’ attention!

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach us to be patient,

so we might better appreciate

all you give to us!

Help us to slow down,

so we might see the goodness

all around!

Use this season of Advent,

to teach us to wait and

be still so YOU can come!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:1-6a,10

• Describe the “splendor of God”.
• How is God bringing abundance into your life right now?

 James 5:7-10

• What are you in need of from God right now? Is there something special you are waiting on?
• What might you do to cultivate more patience in your life?

 Matthew 11:2-11

• How do you proclaim God’s goodness? Share details of the last time you did.
• Are there still prophets today? Where can you go to find them?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where can you find signs of God’s love for you?
• Identify the ways you know God is in the world right now.
• What specifically about the holiday season brings you joy?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-see?
• Are there things in your life you wish you could un-hear?
• When you last frightened? What was the situation?
• Do you think we ever have enough patience?
• Why is it hard to have patience when we are going through a hardship?
• When do you take time for yourself to slow down? How often is it?  It is often enough?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring joy and gladness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL:  to bring light to the darkness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

 ALL: to bring healing and wholeness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring an end to weakness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU..

ALL:  to bring mercy and forgiveness!

Leader:  We wait for YOU…

ALL:  to bring us into your holiness!

 

Challenge for the Week:  It seems as though patience in people is something in the past.  We expect to receive what we what the moment we want it.  We get irritated when we have to wait for anything.  Not so long ago, it took time to bake our bread and churn the butter to put on it.  This week, we are challenged by the farmer in the second reading to embrace the art of waiting.  There is a saying, “good things come to those who wait” but many of us grow impatient and decide we don’t have time to wait!  What is something in your life right now which you are waiting on?  On a scale from 1-10, how patient do you feel you are being?  Would another person in your life agree with your score?

Second Sunday of Advent

 Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit…

Reshape us!

Embrace us!

Set us on fire with YOUR love!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 11:1-10

• Do you see the gifts of the Holy Spirit lived out in your life? Where?  How can you be more intentional about using those gifts?
• Share a present day example of the “wolf being the guest of the lamb”.

 Romans 15:4-9

• What walls do you have in front of you as obstacles of unity with others?
• Are there people in your life whom you find it easier to agree in order to keep peace? What good comes from this?

 Matthew 3:1-12

• What about John the Baptist would cause you to believe? What would draw you in to be baptized by him?
• John the Baptist was not worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals; what are things you do not think you are worthy of doing?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What good comes from you? Where did it come from?
• Where do you see justice prevail? Share an example.
• Do you have a sacred place where you feel at peace?
• Have you ever had such a peace come over you, you felt as though no harm could come to you?
• How do you achieve peace in your life? Is it achievable?
• How does the Christmas season bring harmony?
• How does the Christmas season hinder harmony?
• How does the coming of Jesus give you hope in the world today?
• How do you feel welcomed? Where do you feel welcomed?
• How does the Christmas season encourage your faith?
• How does the Christmas season discourage your faith?
• What warning(s) have you received of pending doom?
• Is it fear of a vengeful wrath or the love of God which keeps you on the straight path?
• Where do you produce good fruit in your life? What are some things you can change in order to produce more?
• What fans the flames within you to make you bigger, better and stronger in your faith?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  In the waters of baptism…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Through works of mercy…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  In the gift of peace…

 ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  As we welcome each other…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  While we sing your praise…

ALL:  bring the Spirit of God!

Leader:  Set our hearts on fire…

ALL:  Spirit of God!

 

Challenge for the Week:  In the Catholic Church we celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas in the season we call Advent.  We create an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy and anticipation with sacramentals such as the Advent Wreath, special Scriptures and traditional songs.  The church is decorated in deep purples and rose, the colors of Advent, instead of the Christmas colors of red, green and white.  For many of us, we take for granted this time of Advent, barely taking notice of how the Church on a greater scale is stepping out and pointing the way to Jesus.  The attributes of Advent; peace, hope, joy and anticipation, are in complete contrast of what is happening in the world during the “busy holiday season”.  Take time this week to reflect on what role you play in keeping these Advent attributes alive in your life.  What can you do to point toward Jesus, creating an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy and anticipation?  How can you be like John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, keeping Advent alive!