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!