Fourth Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords,

I know you will soon be near.

Let me feel your loving presence

and fill my heart and mind with Your love.

May it be my strength, so I can do Your will.

I want to jump for joy so all can see You have come.

Come, to embrace humanity in Your love!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Micah 5:1-4a

• How has God called you forth? What did He call you out to do? 
• What gifts has God given to you so you can complete the task He’s called you to do?
• How is peace described by God?
• How is peace described in the world?

Hebrews 10:5-10

• How did Jesus do the will of God?
• What ONE thing can you change to help you be more like Jesus?
• How do you prepare your body for the reception of Jesus’ body and blood at communion?

Luke 1:39-45

• What causes you to leap for joy? What does it look like when you leap for joy?
• With whom do you share your joy? Do they share the joy with you or disapprove?

General Questions for Journaling

• Where is God in poverty? Where is God in wealth? Give examples of both.
• How do you embrace what you have been given?
• Do you show gratitude even when it is not what you expected it to be?
• When have you been disappointed in what you have been given? Are your expectations to blame for this? Be specific.
• What would you say is the overall mission of all Christians?
• What do you sacrifice for the sake of faith/religion/God?
• Reflect on a time when you opened your doors to welcome another. What was the circumstance? How was hospitality shown? Was it easy or difficult?
• When were you shown hospitality from another? What made you feel welcomed?
• Light shown the way to where Jesus could be found, how are you shining light for others to find their way to Jesus?
• Mary visits her cousin and Joseph travels with his family to their place of origin; what message can you derive from the parents of Jesus spending time with family before His birth? Do you think there is significance?  If so, why and if not, why not?
• How are you drawn to family (like Mary) or where you come from (like Joseph) this holiday season?
• What can you do to be more connected to family (and friends) this year?
• Who are the family members you will miss this year and what is it about them that you will miss? Is there a way you can be close to them in your celebration, even though you can’t physically be together?

Closing Prayer

Leader: When I am weary…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You give me strength.

Leader: When I am alone…

ALL:  Lord Jesus, You come to me.

Leader: When I have no place to go…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You show me the way.

Leader:  When darkness surrounds us…

 ALL:  Lord Jesus, You shine light on the path.

Leader:  Be the star which guides my way…

ALL:  bright as the star that shone to lead the wise men to You!

Challenge for the Week:  The birth of a child is a significant moment in not only their life, but in the life of those around them.  As you hear the stories of preparation before Jesus’ birth in scripture and sing along to the Christmas Carols telling of the baby in the manger, recall the special births you have been a part of in your life.  Perhaps it includes memories of your own children, grandchildren, or other family members and/or friends’ children.  Recall the special preparations that took place prior to their birth, what the circumstances of their birth were and your role within.  Reflect on who was there and the emotions you felt, and maybe even share a special memory with them if you can, telling them of the experience.  Of course, you can’t remember the details of your own birth, but you might have been told some stories, enough to be able to reminisce on the occasion.  Consider how each of these births (Jesus, family, friends, yourself) have impacted you and your life.  What role do you continue to play in their lives and visa versa? 

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