Christmas Season

Sunday, January 8th Readings

Epiphany of Our Lord

Opening Prayer

Lord

You shine like a star for all to see

You bring light to the dark places

You pour out Your goodness

You fill me until I overflow

Help me to radiate in this world, like YOU!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

  • The Magi were drawn to the baby Jesus because of the “great light”. What draws people to a relationship with Jesus today? What draws you into a relationship with Jesus?
  • God calls you into the light. Are there areas of your life which you close off to God or to others because they are dark? Identify the darkness in your life and resolve to let God begin to shine light onto it. Make a resolution to seek help from people who can help shed light onto a dark situation.

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

  • What brings light into your life? Take a piece of paper and write down the things that bring light to your life and draw a star around each one. Place this paper in a significant place in your house, on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, in your prayer space, wherever you will see it and be reminded and encouraged.
  • How would you identify yourself as a copartner with God? What does Saint Paul mean here?
  • Saint Paul says all people are heirs to the kingdom of God. Do your actions express this truth? Who in your life needs to be shown God’s unconditional love? What steps can you take to make them feel like a child of God?

Matthew 2:1-12

  • The Magi travelled a great distance to find Jesus. How far have you travelled to find Jesus? What makes the journey worth it?
  • How will you pay homage to Jesus this year? Do any of your resolutions help you deepen your relationship with him? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
  • The scriptures over the past month have given us examples of how God speaks to his people through dreams. Does this cause you to look at your dreams in a different way?
  • Do you think God still speaks to his beloved people through dreams? Why or why not?
  • What do your dreams warn you against? Do you listen?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Can you identify where God is working in your life? How do you help or hinder God’s work in your life?
  • What does a steward do? How are you a steward of God’s grace?
  • How is it that you came to know Jesus? 
  • How far would you travel to see God?
  • What are you willing to sacrifice/give up in order to find God?
  • How do you relate to Jesus as a baby? What are you to learn or take away from the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? 
  • Is there someone or something that threatens you and your growth in the Spirit? Is there an obstacle in your life, you must overcome? Name the Herod in your life, then ask God to guide you to safety.
  • Things don’t always work out the way you expect. The story of Jesus’ birth says you just have to go with the flow. Are there prayers in your life which have been answered, just not in the way you expected? 
  • Is the faith you express a gift or curse to others?  Explain and give examples of how faith can be both.
  • Is it harder to believe Jesus came to save ALL people or Jesus came to save YOU?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so I might find You in the darkness.

Leader:Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  let Your light be a beacon when I am weary.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  spotlight the path I must follow.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  consume me so others see Your glow within me.

Leader:  Lord, You are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken me to Your radiance!

Challenge for the Week:  Throughout Jesus’ life, He unwrapped the gift of Himself and shared the gifts with others.  Jesus was a good son, obedient to God, a teacher, a healer and a welcomed companion and friend.  What gifts have you been born with but have not unwrapped?  Have you unwrapped gifts within you which you have not shared with others?  What keeps you from unwrapping the gifts and sharing them?  Spend time this week reflecting on your life and the gifts which you have been given and unwrapped.  Have you used the gifts to the benefit of God?  Have you kept the gifts to yourself or only shared them with a few people?  Are there still gifts left for you to unwrap?  How do you know when it is time to unwrap and share the gifts you have been given?  Light a candle in your home to help remind you to reflect on the gift Jesus is and the gift you are too!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, January 1st Readings

Mary Mother of God

Opening Prayer

God of heaven and earth

How must Mary have felt,

          going through all of these trials?

What did she think,

          about journeying away from home?

Was she sad

          because her mother wasn’t with her?

Did she struggle

          with believing what the Angel said?

How did others treat her

          when they saw she was pregnant?

Help me to connect with Mary

          so I might learn how to let my faith

          overcome obstacles!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Numbers 6:22-27

  • Who in your life right now needs to hear that they are a blessing to you? Practice how you will tell them.
  • How have you felt blessed by others this year? How can you let them know you are grateful?

Galatians 4:4-7

  • Have you ever considered yourself as adopted by God? What does that look like? What does that feel like?
  • How does the birth of a child bring fullness? Is it the same or different than when Jesus was born? How?

Luke 2:16-21

  • Have you been given a message to share like the shepherds? What is the message?
  • Spend time reflecting on what the birth of Jesus means to you? What do you conclude?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where do you see blessing? Is there anything you can do to contribute?
  • Make a top ten list of blessings with the date on it and put it in your bible.
  • Do you feel uncomfortable receiving compliments? Why or why not?
  • Do you feel uncomfortable giving compliments? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever tried to hide from God? Do you think God hides from you?
  • Would you define yourself as a slave? What are you a slave to?
  • What do you treasure? What makes it so special?
  • When have you been amazed? Was it recently or a long time ago? 
  • How do you describe the feeling of being amazed? 
  • What do you describe as being amazing? What makes it so?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, when I feel unworthy…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Grace!

Leader:  Lord, when I am in despair…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Hope!

Leader:  Lord, when I feel neglected…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Love!

Leader:  Lord, when I feel incomplete…

ALL:  bless me with the Spirit of Wholeness!

Leader:  Lord, when I are full of worry…

ALL:  Bless me with the Spirit of Peace!

Challenge for the Week:  Take time to reflect on the past year.  There have been good things and bad things happen; how have these things affected you?  What do you have to look forward to in the New Year?  Are there things which you are dreading to face?  What have you learned this year that can help you overcome any obstacles in the coming year?  Are you making resolutions half-heartedly for the sake of “tradition” or are you spending time to make a change for good?  Spend time in reflection on the scripture readings of the birth of Jesus, focusing on each of the people in the story from the Innkeeper to Joseph to the Angels to Mary to the Shepherds, each person has a message for you…what is it and how can it help you make resolutions for 2023?

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, December 25th Readings

Nativity of the Lord – Christmas

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Let this Christmas season

be eclipsed by Your Son, Jesus.

May I find peace in the things

that don’t go the way I want them to.

May I give thanks for what I have

without comparing it to others.

Let the wonder of His love

be shown in my words and actions.

Not only towards others

          but towards myself as well.

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 62:11-12

  • What reward does Jesus bring to you this season?
  • How do you hold remembrance for loved ones, especially during Christmas?

Titus 3:4-7

  • The birth of Jesus can be a metaphor for many things; what will it be in your life this year?
  • Jesus’ birth is an opportunity for you be renewed. How might you be renewed?
  • What has been poured out into your life this past year? Write a prayer about it.

Luke 2:15-20

  • Where or from whom did you first hear about Jesus? Do you remember what you thought or how you felt? Explain.
  • What message do you share about Jesus’ coming? Give a specific example.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Identify things in your home that proclaim your faith. Are they there only during Christmas or all year around?
  • What gift do you want Jesus to bring you this Christmas?
  • Make a promise to yourself (tie a ribbon on your pinky finger as a reminder) that when you encounter a difficult person/conversation/situation where you’d normally engage in a negative way, to instead show mercy, kindness, or walk away.
  • Choose one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to focus on. Either choose one for the entire year or pick one per month to focus on increasing in your life.
  • Where can you be light for someone this season?
  • Is there a situation in your life that you’ve been hiding; what does shining a light on it do? Consider if it is time to do so.
  • What is your favorite childhood memory about Christmas?
  • What tradition/traditions have you carried from your childhood that you still participate in today?
  • Do you have a nativity scene? What does it look like? Where did you get it?  ow is it displayed? Describe what it means to you.
  • When you reflect on the nativity scene, where do you picture yourself?
  • If you were there when Jesus was born, what would you say to Mary and Joseph?
  • How do you feel about the story of Jesus’ birth?
  • How is Jesus’ birth similar and different from any birth? Explain.
  • What song or songs of the season do you need to listen to so you feel the Christmas spirit?

Closing Prayer – Psalm 97

Leader:  A light will shine on this day

ALL:  the Lord is born.

Leader:  The Lord is king

ALL:  let all the earth rejoice.

Leader:  The heavens proclaim

ALL: the glory of this baby king.

Leader:  Light dawns and justice reigns

ALL:  there is peace and gladness.

Leader:  Give thanks to His holy name

ALL:  give thanks and praise.

Leader:  A light will shine on this day

ALL:  the savior is born!

Challenge for the Week:  Christmas is filled with family traditions and celebrations.  One of those traditions may include going to Church, but is that the only way you celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Think about the family traditions you have when you celebrate a birthday of someone in your family?  What do you do?  Who do you invite to celebrate?  How do you make the person feel special?  What do you do for a friend when it is their birthday?  How can you do the same for Jesus?  What family traditions do you have, or can you start to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Who can you invite to be a part of the celebration?  How do you make Jesus feel special at the birthday party?  Take time to plan out how you will celebrate Jesus’ birthday this year!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com.

Discipleship 5K: A Physical and Spiritual Journey to the Cross by Heather Neds, author of the Weekly Scripture Journal is more than a book, it is a guide to becoming a stronger disciple.  Grab and copy and start the journey!

Sunday, January 2nd Readings

Epiphany of the Lord

Opening Prayer

Savior

May I rise each morning

with the fire of Your spirit within me.

May I run toward the light

and find You waiting with anticipation.

May I soak up the splendor of Your love

until it overflows onto all I encounter.

Let me live forever changed

by Your loving presence!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60 :1-6

  • Where do you see God’s light shining in your life? In your family? In your community? At work?
  • How can you celebrate God’s glory today?
  • What can you do to celebrate God’s glory more often in the coming year?

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

  • Can you measure the love of God? The grace of God? The mercy of God? The forgiveness of God? Explain.
  • Describe how you are a co-partner in the promise of Christ.

Matthew 2:1-12

  • How did the magi know, after their long journey, the baby Jesus was the one they had come to see?
  • What can you learn from the magi in this scripture about faith?

General Questions for Journaling

  • What draws people to love God?
  • Where do people go to search for God? Do you think they find Him there?
  • Where are some places people are surprised to find God?
  • What are some things which might keep people from finding God?
  • Do you think you live up to the potential God has in mind for you?
  • Share a time when you witnessed God’s grace at work.
  • Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to you.
  • Name three gifts which God has given you which are precious to others.
  • Do you think there are gifts you have that have yet to be revealed? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever felt motivated by God to do something which seemed out of the ordinary or ridiculously crazy?
  • Define a pilgrimage. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? If so, share the experience.
  • What has been the furthest distance you have traveled? What was the purpose of your traveling?
  • What do the stars tell you about God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  shine so I might find You in the darkness.

Leader:Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  let your light be a beacon when I am weary.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  spotlight the path I must follow.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

 ALL:  consume me so others see Your glow within me.

Leader:  Lord, you are a shining light…

ALL:  awaken me to Your radiance!

Challenge for the Week:  God is shining His light on you all the time, even when you aren’t feeling too much like being radiant.  Imagine having a spotlight on you all the time, how would you feel, how might you act differently?  Think about what happens when a spotlight is shone someone, the reaction is to shy away from the light, however there are some who desire for it to shine on them always.  Reflect this week on the difference of God’s light verses the light of the world, primarily thinking about the light being a spotlight.  What does God’s light say?  What does the world’s light say?  What are the things God wants to shine the spotlight on vs. the world?  Then consider what you can do to change which light you seek to shine on you and how you can shine God’s light on others so they might seek to shine in God’s light on their own.

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, December 26th Readings

Feast of the Holy Family

Opening Prayer

Jesus

I pray with great anxiety

for there are times when I cannot find you.

I search and I search

and often overlook Your presence.

May I be calmed by Your Word

May I be settled by the sound of Your voice

You are there, calling out to me when I am lost

You will never leave!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Sirach 3 :2-6, 12-14

  • Are there those whom you have trouble loving? How does knowing God loves them, help you love them too?
  • Does the love you have for God look the same or different than the love you have for others? Explain

Colossians 3:12-21

  • Where to do you see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience at work in the world? Give an example of each.
  • How do you express these qualities? How often and to whom?

Luke 2:41-52

  • Can you relate to Mary and Joseph in this reading? Can you also relate to Jesus?  What is the difference?
  • Where do you feel welcomed and accepted? What does it look like? Who is also there?

General Questions for Journaling

  • Where does family rate in your life?
  • How do you express your feelings toward your family? Do your actions or your words express your feelings? Explain.
  • What is the purpose of a family? Do you think your family fulfills its purpose?
  • Does God get center reign in your family? Why or why not?  How do you know?
  • What do you present to God as an offering for your commitment to Him?
  • Have you ever bargained with God? What happened?
  • Recall a time when you lost something of great value to you, what was it and what did you do? How did you feel?  Were you able to recover it?  Where did you find it?  Who helped you?
  • Describe what you remember of yourself as a child. What did you look like?  What were some of your favorite things?
  • How are the things you loved as a child, the same or different than now?  Is that good or bad? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Father God, You gave me my first breath

ALL:  because you love me!

Leader:I listen to and follow Your Word

ALL:  because I love You!

Leader:  I learn to accept and forgive

 ALL:  because You ask me to love others!

Leader:  I hold You close

 ALL:  because I love you!

Leader:  I am blessed

ALL:  because you love me!

Challenge for the Week:  The Holy Family was not perfect in the eyes of the world.  Instead, it was made perfect through the eyes of God.  Think about how your family is also made perfect through the eyes of God.  How does this cause you to see others differently?  Are there people whom you will treat differently with this new perspective?  Perhaps there are some whom you need to forgive and welcome back in.  Allow God to make your family perfect!

GET CONNECTED DAILY!  Find more reflections and prayers at Making Scripture Relevant on Facebook and Instagram.  Join the Weekly Scripture Journal email list by contacting heather@makingscripturerelevant.com

Sunday, January 10th Readings

Baptism of the Lord

Opening Prayer

On the bank of the river I stand;

Ready to encounter YOU! 

Ready to accept YOU!

Ready to be filled with YOU! 

Ready to be engulfed by YOU!

May my own baptism be renewed;

Each time I embrace grace! 

Each time I share mercy! 

Each time I speak YOUR name! 

Each time I study YOUR WORD!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7 OR Isaiah 55 :1-11

  • (Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7)
  • What can learn from David’s steadfast loyalty? Why does God use David as the witness of God’s everlasting covenant? (Isaiah 55 :1-11)

Acts 10:34-38 OR 1John 5:1-9

  • What emotions do you think Peter had when speaking these words to the crowd of people gathered? Imagine you are Peter, how might you feel after denying knowing Jesus and now promoting him as being anointed by God? (Acts 10:34-38)
  • This scripture says following the commandments are not burdensome if you follow Jesus. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. (1John 5:1-9)

Mark 1:7-11

  • Imagine yourself as John the Baptist in this scripture. What would you think and feel? What would do next?
  • What is the purpose of John baptizing Jesus?  Shouldn’t Jesus baptize John?  Reflect on why God chose for this to happen.

General Questions for Journaling

  • Explain, “God’s ways are not our ways.”
  • Reflect on your life and chose one habit, attitude or obstacle which you can focus on seeing it how God sees it.
  • What is your image of heaven? Write a poem or draw a picture of what you hope to see, hear, feel, taste and touch in heaven.
  • Have you ever been asked to testify for something or someone? How did you feel? What were the circumstances? How did your testimony affect the outcome? What was your specific purpose? Where was God in the situation?
  • Imagine a child you know. What words would you use to describe the love you have for that child?
  • How do you feel when you hear the word, commandment?
  • On a scale from 1-10, how strong is your faith?
  • Is your faith strong enough to conquer the world?
  • What would you say your faith is strong enough to conquer?
  • John the Baptist was a Herald for Jesus. Identify one thing you can do this week to also be a Herald for Jesus. Then do it!
  • How do feel God has used you in the past year, month, week? Be specific
  • How can you be more open to allowing God to use you? Are you afraid of what God will ask of you?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Lord, YOU ARE LOVE and

ALL:  I am YOUR BELOVED!

Leader:  YOU know MY HEART and MY SOUL and

ALL:  with ME YOU are well pleased!

Leader:  I am created by God in YOUR image and

ALL:  I am filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

ALL:  I am BAPTIZED!

Challenge for the Week:  Children can’t wait to play in the sprinkler or dive into the deep-end of the pool.  However, adults tend to only go in when necessary, either to help little children or for exercise.  It’s a though adults have turned into the Wicked Witch of the West and a little water will make them melt!  Can you relate?  Why do you think adults are seen sitting on the side-line simply watching instead of participating?  What reason(s) can you come up with that adults resist the joy they had as children when they were submersed, surrounded by water, splashing and giggling?  What are your reasons for not jumping in?  Do you think the same things that keep you out of the pool are maybe the same things that keep you from going deeper in your relationship with God?  Spend time this week contemplating the answer and making the commitment to renew your Baptismal Promises not just in word, but in action too!  There is plenty of fun to be had, dive in, splash in the water, let it wash over you…I promise you won’t melt!