Sunday, December 13th Readings

Third Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Almighty God

I come before you to seek

what I need to be complete.

Free me of the lies I have told

so I may have a fresh start.

Heal what has been hurt or broken

and teach me to do the safe for others.

Your presence within and beyond me

brings peace to all!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 61 :1-2A,10-11

Draw an image of yourself as described by this scripture.
Determine specifically how you can bring glad tidings to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to prisoners.
Imagine and describe what it feels like to be clothed in salvation and robed in justice.

1Thessalonians 5:16-24

Is it possible “pray without ceasing”? What does that look like?
How would you explain “pray without ceasing” and “perfectly holy” to a child or someone who is just developing their faith?
How can your body and spirit work together? Share an example a time when this happened or an example of how it would look.

John 1:6-8,19-28

Just as John was sent to testify to Jesus’ coming, you are called to testify to Jesus too. Share how you have or how you can testify to the light of Christ.
Why do the people send for priests, Levites and Pharisees? Who do you call on to help you “find truth” in a situation? How do you discern what is true and what is not?
John says, “there is one among you whom you do not recognize”; reflect on a time when you didn’t recognize someone you know.

General Questions for Journaling

What does it mean to you to have God’s favor? Do you have God’s favor? Do you know others who have God’s favor?
How might one act differently if they knew they had God’s favor upon them?
How are you bearing witness to Christ this Advent season?
Reflect on the things which “break your heart”. Is there something you can do to help heal that hurt?
What “good tidings” did you hear in the past week, month or year? Why is it “good”?
Can you bring “good tidings” when you harbor hurt and resentment towards others?
Describe how someone can find joy in suffering.
Are you open to allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you? Share.
How does God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwell in your body, mind and spirit? Share specific ways.
How do you recognize God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in your life and in the life of others? Is God easy or difficult to find? Why or why not? Are there specific conditions which make it easier or more difficult? Explain.
How do you acknowledge God in your life? Do you allow God to make decisions for you or do you leave God out of the process?

Closing Prayer

Leader: In the darkness before the morning…