Sunday, December 18th Readings

4th Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Precious Lord

I await Your coming!

I prepare for Your arrival!

Quietly

Peacefully

May I be ready!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 7:10-14

Do you believe God’s plan included Jesus coming to earth from the beginning? Why or why not? What does this tell us about God if it was or was not?
God gave a sign to Ahaz. Do you think God still sends signs to people on earth?
Where do you see signs of God? (in the World? Community? Church? Family? Yourself?)

Romans 1:1-7

What makes Jesus’ life story so different than other great men in history? Who is responsible for sharing His story?
How does the “Spirit of holiness” emerge from your life?
Saint Paul describes himself as a slave for Christ. What do you know about Paul which validates this statement? Do you exhibit any of these qualities?

Matthew 1:18-24

What do you learn about Joseph in this scripture?
What do you learn about God in this scripture?
What would have happened if Joseph didn’t listen to God and followed through with his intention of divorcing Mary?
Emmanuel means “God with us”. Jesus was born unto us to be with us always. How is this lived out in the Gospels? How is this lived out today?

General Questions for Journaling

How do you share your faithfulness to God to your children and/or grandchildren, or other children in your life?
If it was your job to give the sermon or homily on Christmas, what would you say?
What characteristics does Joseph possess that you value in a man? Husband? Father?
How is sleeping on a decision an act of prayer?
Can you recall a dream you had where God spoke to you?
Are there any big decisions you need to discern at this time? How are you creating space for you to work out the problem and allow God into the decision making?
Do you feel weary? What causes you to feel weary?
Do you think God ever gets tired? Why or why not?
Have you ever ignored a sign from God? Share.
Is there someone in your life who steals your peace? What can you do to share it with them instead of being angry they disrupted it?
Define obedience. What are some examples of obedience? How are you obedient? To whom? To what?
Are there things that stand in your way of having a positive attitude? What causes the negative to overcome?
When you think about Christmas, does it give you peace and joy or are you overwhelmed with stress? What can you do to let go of some of your stress?
What message do these scriptures send which you need to hear this year? What sign is God giving you?

Closing Prayer

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: the serenity of a new day.

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: the smell of a newborn child.

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: there is joy in waiting.

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: there is peace in knowing.

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: the promises made and kept.

Leader: Lord, let me not forget

ALL: I am yours!

Challenge for the Week: Signs are made to welcome people home, to say happy birthday, to attach to a car announcing, “Just Married”, to share good news. You might also see signs at sporting events with catchy phrases, hoping to catch the eye of the camera man so your message can be seen. While some signs share a positive message, there are some that reflect negative messages such as signs displayed during a protest or boycott. Whatever the message on the sign, the purpose is the same; for it to be seen and for people to take notice. This week as you make final preparations for Jesus’ coming at Christmas, imagine you are holding a sign right now. What does your sign say? What do you want it to say? What message do you want Jesus to see when He comes? Then if you are able, actually create your sign and put it up somewhere you can be reminded of how you want to catch Jesus’ attention J

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 11th Readings

3rd Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Teach me to be patient,

so I might better appreciate

all you give to me!

Help me to slow down,

so I might see the goodness

all around!

Use this season of Advent,

to teach me to wait and

be still so YOU can come!

AMEN

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

What signs does God give to support His promise of freedom from slavery for the Israelites? What signs does God give to support His promise to you for eternal live?
What signs are there that God is present in the world today? What signs are there that God is working in your life?
Describe the “splendor of God”.
How is God bringing abundance into your life right now?

James 5:7-10

Compare how a farmer prepares and waits for his harvest to how God prepares and waits on His people.
List qualities of impatience. What good do these qualities bring to a situation? Where can patience be found when you begin to run out?
What do you need from God right now? Is there something special you are waiting on?

Matthew 11:2-11

What are your deepest desires? What do you go to God to “heal” for you?
How are you deaf, blind, or lame in your faith? What can God do for you to make you whole?
How do you proclaim God’s goodness? Share details of the last time you did.

General Questions for Journaling

On a scale from 1-10 how would you rate your level of patience? Would you say you are a patient person?
Is there a situation where you would not be very patient? Is there a situation where you are okay waiting for something?
Do you think we ever have enough patience?
Why is it hard to have patience when we are going through a hardship?
Has the season of Christmas overtaken your life? What can you do to slow down and remember the reason for the season?
What does “waiting” on the Messiah teach you about the virtue of patience? What habits can you change in order to be more patient throughout the year?
Mary is a model of patience. Write a prayer with Mary in mind and ask her for help to bring patience to your life.

Where can you find signs of God’s love for you?
Identify the ways you know God is in the world right now.
What specifically about the holiday season brings you joy?
Are there things in your life you wish you could un-see?
Are there things in your life you wish you could un-hear?
When you last frightened? What was the situation?

Compare yourself to John the Baptist. What have you done in the past year that could be described as being something “John the Baptist would do?” What can you do this coming year to be more like John the Baptist?
Have you ever done something “good” for someone, only to be reprimanded for doing “wrong”? What was the situation, how was the situation resolved?
Are good intentions always viewed as good? Why or why not?
God needs us to help make the world a better place…What are you being called to do in the world, in your community, at your church, at your work, in your family?
When do you take time for yourself to slow down? How often is it? It is often enough?

Closing Prayer

Leader: We wait for YOU…

ALL: to bring joy and gladness!

Leader: We wait for YOU…

ALL: to bring light to the darkness!

Leader: We wait for YOU…

ALL: to bring healing and wholeness!

Leader: We wait for YOU…

ALL: to bring an end to weakness!

Leader: We wait for YOU..

ALL: to bring mercy and forgiveness!

Leader: We wait for YOU…

ALL: to bring us into your holiness!

Challenge for the Week: It seems as though patience in people is something in the past. You expect to receive what you what the moment you want it. You get irritated when you have to wait for anything. Not so long ago, it took time to bake bread and churn the butter to put on it. This week, challenge yourself to embrace the art of waiting. There is a saying, “good things come to those who wait” but many grow impatient and decide there is no time to wait!

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 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…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader: Through works of mercy…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader: In the gift of peace…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader: As I welcome others…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader: While I sing your praise…

ALL: bring the Spirit of God!

Leader: Set my heart on fire…

ALL: Spirit of God!

Challenge for the Week: Catholic’s celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas in the season called Advent. They create an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy, and anticipation with sacramentals such as the Advent Wreath, special Scriptures, and traditional songs. The church is decorated in deep purples and rose, the colors of Advent, instead of the Christmas colors of red, green, and white. For many, it is easy to take for granted this time of Advent when outside of the church. The world barely takes notice of how the Church on a greater scale is stepping out and pointing the way to Jesus, instead of what is happening in the world during the “busy holiday season”. Inside the Catholic church, the attributes of Advent; peace, hope, joy, and anticipation, are on display and there to remind believers about the true reason for the season. Take time this week to reflect on what role you play in keeping these Advent attributes alive in your life. What can you do to point toward Jesus, creating an atmosphere of peace, hope, joy, and anticipation? How can you be like John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, keeping Advent alive!

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, November 27th Readings)

1^st Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Be still.

Wait.

Breathe.

Wait.

Relax.

Wait.

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 2:1-5

What does “world peace” look like to you? How would you change things in order to have “world peace”.
What does the phrase, “beat your swords into plowshares” mean to you? What does this tell you to do?

Romans 13:11-14

Are there places of darkness in your life? Identify them and make an action plan on how you will shed God’s light into the situation, problem or feeling.
God is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can look back on his arrival, and look forward to his coming again, where do you find God in your present?

Matthew 24:37-44

How can you make God more welcome in your daily life?
How does God come to you each day? Identify as many as you can and praise God for blessing you.

General Questions for Journaling

If you used a mountain as a metaphor for your faith, where on the mountain might you be on your journey to Christ? Draw a picture and identify all of the moments on your faith journey where you have encountered God.
How high do you think the highest mountain is? What would it take to get to the top?
Are there special skills you have which would help you survive a long journey? Are there any skills you wish you had?
How does God instruct you? What makes you sure God is leading you down the right path?
What does peace look like? What does peace feel like?
Children are sometimes rewarded for waiting, reflect on how that translates into your waiting as an adult.
How do you view waiting? Is it positive or negative?
What are some of the things in life and in this world that are worth waiting for?
What do all churches have in common? Are these the things that make them the house(s) of the Lord? Or is there something else?
Are there injustices that you have “fallen asleep” to? Is calling you to “wake up” and do something?
Have you ever felt like you were sleep walking through life? Just going through the motions of your everyday activities? What did you do or can you do to change?
Have you ever felt as though God woke you up to tell you something? What did He say? How did you listen?
An angel of the Lord spoke to many people in the Bible in a dream, has God ever spoken to you in a dream? What did He say? How did you listen?
Who in your life are you anxious to see? Whom do you look forward to spending time with? What about those people make time with them highly anticipated?
How will you prepare your home for Jesus’ coming this Advent/Christmas season?

Closing Prayer

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I give thanks!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I welcome the stranger!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I share what I have!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I offer prayers!

Leader: You call Lord

ALL: and I surrender all!

Challenge for the Week: The message in the scripture is to find unity, a common thread. The differences between people are seen externally and internally. You can even keep a running scorecard in your head with tally marks noting physical differences as well as differences in lifestyle, beliefs, etc. The differences can become so abundant you are unable to see beyond them. But this is not the kind of division Jesus was referring to when He said He came to cause division, He is talking about dividing the sheep from the goats. Jesus shows in the Gospel how despite differences of beliefs or lifestyles, hair color or whatever, you are called into union with HIM and in turn, with others. It is time to step out from behind the wall you have built that keeps you from entering into full communion with Jesus. Stand up for what your faith calls you to do and love others as Jesus loves. It is not easy to do. This week, pick a day to focus on finding the common thread you have with whomever you encounter. It might sound silly, but when you practice seeing the similarities, you might be able to train your brain to stop identifying the differences.

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, November 28th Readings

First Sunday of Advent

Opening Prayer

Father

You created me to love,

so I can give Your love.

You showed me how to love,

So I can spread Your love.

Please continue to teach me, mold me, and open me

until Your love is spread throughout the world!

Amen

Journal/Reflection Questions

Jeremiah 33 :14-16

How do the promises of Christ live out/on in your life?
What has God risen up in your life? How do you show gratitude for it?

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

How can you strengthen your heart? What exercises are needed to build up your heart?
Do you know the instructions God has given to you? If so, what are they? If not, what can you do to learn what instructions God has for you?

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

How do you see/imagine Jesus coming?
How does Jesus return each day of your life?

General Questions for Journaling

What is the difference between full of mercy and full of grace?
How does God bring justice to the world?
Where does your security come from?
When do you feel the safest?
What can you rely on? What is consistent in your life?
How has your life been blessed because of your faith in God?
Do you believe in God because you fear Him? Why or why not?
What do you need to do to be more holy?
Identify a synonym for holy?
What good has come from a recent struggle you experienced?
Are there things which cause your stress? What is it about these things that make you anxious?
Is there something you are anticipating right now?
Write a prayer asking God for strength.

Closing Prayer

Leader: Find me seeking You in my daily schedule…

ALL: I am ready!

Leader: Find me seeking You in the highs and lows…

ALL: I am ready!

Leader: Find me seeking You in the decisions I make…

ALL: I am ready!

Leader: Find me seeking You in the joys and sorrows…

ALL: I am ready!

Leader: Find me seeking You every minute of the day…

ALL: I am ready!

Challenge for the Week: The holiday season brings added expectations. It’s a time when schedules fill up with extra activities with the kids at school, planning and attending gatherings of family and friends and as a Christian, you have the extra stress of trying to keep Jesus as the reason for the season. It appears the scriptures this week with their warning about not getting drowsy is extremely timely! The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is ideally supposed to be spent reflecting on the people and things for which you are grateful and sharing in memorable moments giving gifts everyone loves. In an attempt for people to meet this ideal season, many people can find themselves overwhelmed and stressed out. The Catholic Church provides a solution, Advent. Instead of looking at the long road ahead full of crowded shopping centers and depleting bank accounts, embrace the gift of the Advent Season. When the world is screaming Christmas, look at the red everywhere as a clue to STOP. And open yourself up to the colors of Advent, purple and pink, calling you to slow down and seek refuge from the chaos. When your calendar is so filled with holiday expectations, you risk getting weary and becoming drowsy. This is what the scripture warns you against. Take advantage of the Advent Season to prepare yourself and your family for the coming of Jesus. Look at your holiday calendar and determine what you MUST say YES to and then say NO to anything else that comes up along the way. Be sure to put on your calendar time to participate in Advent activities such as gathering around the Advent wreath daily for prayer. It’s a gift you will be glad you gave yourself and your family.

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, November 29th Readings

First Week of Advent

Opening Prayer

Lord

Shape me! Mold me!

Make me your own!

Let me not wander.

May I remain close.

So I don’t forget you are

with me for all of time!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 63 :16b-17,19b,64 :2-7

When have you hid your face from God? How did God respond?
Eye have not seen and ear have not heard, how can you demonstrate to others how much God has done for you?

1Corinthians 1:3-9

Saint Paul says God is what makes us whole. How do you stay close to God? Describe the feeling of wholeness.
Can you identify how your relationship with God/God’s presence in your life has made your life better?
What do you believe about life on earth and life in heaven? What remains the same? What is different?

Mark 13:33-37

How alert are you on a daily basis about Jesus’ presence in your life?
Who would you say you relate to the most in the Gospel? The man traveling? The servants? The gatekeeper? None of these, because you relate more to the house, time of day or the cockcrowing it’s warning? Explain.

General Questions for Journaling

Compare yourself to a clay pot. What shape do you have? What shade/color? Do you have a large opening or small? Are you tall or short? How much volume do you have? How fragile?
Have you done something you know was wrong but did it anyways? Explain.
Do you act differently when you know others are watching? How is the person God sees different than the one the world sees?
Who are people in your life whom you are glad you met? You might have only met them one time or you get to spend time with them often.
How often do you let the people in your life know they are special to you?
Have you ever tried to stay up all night to experience something great? Imagine a child staying up to see Santa Claus or waiting for someone in labor or to arrive home after a long trip? What helps keep you alert/vigilant?
We expect “instant gratification” so when we want something right now, we can almost always get it right now. Are there things you can’t wait for or have a hard time waiting for?
What are some of the things you prepare for when you have guests?
When have you been spoiled as a guest? What made you feel spoiled?
Share a time you didn’t feel welcome when you arrived at a destination.
What do you need to prepare for Jesus’ coming? Are you ready?
What tells you of God’s presence in your life right now?
What is the difference between being watchful and aware VS. being worried and stressed? Where do you fall on a 1-10 scale?
What is the definition of a gatekeeper? What responsibilities does a gatekeeper have? Are you called to be a gatekeeper of faith?
If Jesus came to your home today, what would he be happy to see? What would you want to hide from him?

Closing Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 80)

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: the power to save!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: and protect what is good!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: upon the right and just!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: bring comfort and warmth!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: with strength!

Leader: Shine forth…

ALL: the light of all life!

Challenge for the Week: In this season of Advent, Christians are called to slow down and take time to “seek” God…think of the traditional Advent Calendar which you open a “door” each day seeking Jesus (or the chocolate candy inside). Are there people in your life which help you see God more clearly? Is there someone who has taught you about God’s love, mercy, forgiveness? When you think of “seeking” God, think about some of the non-traditional places you can find Him. This week consider writing a note to someone who has helped you seek God or write a prayer or poem about how and where you seek and find God in your life or in the world.