Sunday, December 4th Readings

2nd Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Come Holy Spirit…

Reshape!

Embrace!

Set the world on fire with YOUR love!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 11:1-10

What are the qualities of God? What do you know and understand of God?
What does it mean to “fill the earth with knowledge of the Lord”?
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 advice does Saint Paul give here? Do his words ring true for us today? How?
Is it easy or difficult to “think in harmony” with another person? What good comes from just agreeing with them? What harm? What does God call you to do in these situations?
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

How would you respond to John’s call? Knowing what you know about John’s character, what do you think is call was like? Would you be persuaded, or would you turn away?
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?
Are you “on fire” for God? What do your words and actions say?

General Questions for Journaling

What opens you to the mystery of God?
What do you long for? What do you need this holiday? Where can you find it?
Jesus came from a long line of faithful servants. What does your lineage say about faith? What is your faith DNA?
The season change indicates it’s time to cut back plants, flowers and trees and bring them in to protect them from the winter frost. How is this true of your faith and relationships?
What changes do you need to make in order to clear out “dead wood” in your life? In your beliefs? In your relationships?
In retrospect, what changes in your life are you most proud of making? What was the change and what makes you proud of this change?
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? Explain.
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 so you can 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…