Second Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord,

YOU are always near; YOU never leave me.

YOU promise grace and peace all the days of my lives.

May I seek YOU in the wilderness and in the harvest.

I will find YOU waiting!  AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 40 :1-5,9-11

• What does it mean to make a highway for God? What would this look like?
• Do believe God smooths out the mountains in your path? Give an example.
• Where do you see Jesus’ glory revealed this holiday season? Be specific.

2Peter 3:8-14

• Saint Paul says to conduct ourselves in holiness and devotion. What does this look like? Is it possible to be holy AND devoted?  Give an example. 
• What do your words, actions or how you spent time say you are devoted to?
• What are some obstacles which delays you from expressing your love and devotion to God?

Mark 1:1-8

• How do you compare to John the Baptist? Name similarities and differences. Are there qualities of John the Baptist which you would like you have?
• Make a list of potential lessons you could share about God with this scripture. Can you come up with 10?

General Questions for Journaling

• How would you describe the road of life? What are some of the things which make the road rough? What helps make the road smooth?
• Where do you see God’s love/mercy smoothing out rough spots in your life? In the world?
• How can you be a voice in the wilderness? Where are you called to share the Good News? Name at least three places.
• If God makes your pathways straight, then what creates the obstacles you encounter or stumble over? How can you avoid these obstacles or how can you be better equipped to overcome them? What do you need? Be specific.
• Is there someone you know that needs to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth? What would you say to them?
• What is one thing you know about God’s timing? How do you know this?
• If you rated your patience on a scale from 1-10, where would you land? Can you be honest with your assessment? Is your score where you want to be?
• Are you more patient with yourself or with others? Why?
• What or who causes you to lose patience? What role do you play in this?
• What can you learn from God about patience?
• Is there need for repentance in your life? In your community? In your church? What can you do to make things right?
• Is the message of repentance and non-judgment the type of message you would choose to share during the holiday season? Why or why not? What message do you think needs to be heard?
• Are you filled with fear or joy when you reflect on “the coming of the Lord”?
• How do you “prepare the way” for the coming of Jesus? What preparations do you make for Christmas? What preparations do you make for Advent?
• What is your favorite memory of advent? How do you celebrate advent? Do you change anything to represent this is a special time?
• What is the significance of baptism to you?  Do you live as if you have been baptized?  Or do you live as if you are baptized?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a shepherd leads His sheep!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a teacher leads His pupils!

Leader:  Lead US Lord…

ALL:  like a King leads His people!

Leader:  Find US ready Lord…

ALL:  to follow where YOU lead!

Challenge for the Week:  How can you give “glad tidings” this holiday season?  Is there one person you need to reach out to and spend some time, perhaps to smooth out your relationship?  Are there people in the community who need some assistance or a friendly smile?  Spend time this week determining how you define “glad tidings” and make a plan to share “glad tidings” with others.  This could even be something which becomes a new tradition or something you will continue to do even after the holiday season has passed.  Take the example of John the Baptist and let your words and actions point to Jesus!!!