Prepare for Christmas

Sun – Mark 13:24-37

Mon – Micah 4:1-5

Tues – Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Wed – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Thur– Romans 13:11-14

Fri– Jeremiah 33:14-16

Sat – Isaiah 64:1-9

OPENING PRAYER:

God, we hope for you. We wait to see clearly your presence around us at all times. Until then, help us to keep awake and to share the hope we receive in you with others. Amen.

Quote

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.”
~ Emily Dickinson

BREAKING THE ICE:

What is something you are hoping for this Advent/Christmas season?

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:

Read Mark 13:24-37

1. Do you find this passage hopeful or scary? Note specific phrases or images that lead you to the emotional reaction you have to the passage.
2. Mark 13:24-27 is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” Apocalypse is Greek for revelation. What is revealed about who God is and what God is up to in this passage?
3. Jesus’ instruction in vs. 34, 35, and 37 can be translated in a variety of ways: keep awake, stay alert, keep watch. Which one resonates the most for you and why?

NEXT STEPS:

1. In all that is uncertain about our lives today, what gives you hope? How do you share hope with others?
2. How are you keeping awake (or staying alert) during this Advent season as spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ?

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, thank you for your faithful promises to us. Enliven our spirits with a vibrant hope that energizes us to stay alert and live as your people in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sun – Mark 1:1-8

Mon – Isaiah 40:1-11

Tues – Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Wed – 2 Peter 3:8-15a

Thur – Romans 15:4-13

Fri – Psalm 43:3-6

Sat – Psalm 27:1-4

OPENING PRAYER:

Lord, we thank you for your prophets who speak forth what you are about to do in the world. Open our eyes and hearts that we might hear your word for us as we study the gospel today and grant that our time together would prepare our hearts to receive you once more. Amen. 

Quote

“I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism – a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit – will change you from the inside out.”    – Mark 1:8, The Message (Eugene Peterson)

BREAKING THE ICE:

What are some of the things you do to get ready during the Advent/Christmas season? What brings you peace in the midst of preparations?

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:

Read Mark 1:1-8

1. Gospel means “good news.” What is good news in this passage?
2. Some Bible versions (CEB, The Message) translate “repent” as being about changing your heart and life. What insight does this understanding offer you about John’s message and role?
3. What is the difference between baptism with water and baptism by the Holy Spirit?

NEXT STEPS:

1. What does the invitation to repent mean to you personally? How does it apply to your life or the life of your church community?

2. John the Baptist is an eccentric character. What can you learn or have you learned about repentance, truth, and God from people who are different from you?
3. In what ways can you shift from “getting ready” for the holiday celebrations to getting your heart and spirit ready for Jesus to come anew?

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

Merciful God, prepare us to be a people of peace who witness to the Good News of your forgiveness and love. Show us how to act on the change you bring in us from the inside out when we come to you. Remind us that each of us are chosen, forgiven, and beloved. Amen.

Sun – John 1:6-8, 19-28

Mon – Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Tues – Psalm 126

Wed – Luke 1:46b-55

Thur – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Fri – 1 John 1:4-7

Sat – Isaiah 60:1-3

OPENING PRAYER:

Emmanuel, open our hearts and minds as we gather to study your Word and prepare our hearts for Christmas. Help us see the ways you are shaping our story within your larger narrative. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Quote

“God is still writing your story. Quit trying to steal the pen. Trust the author.” -unknown

BREAKING THE ICE:

What is giving you joy today?

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:

Read John 1:6-8, 19-28

1. John testifies to the light. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” What does this image mean to you?
2. How does Jesus fulfill the expectation of the Messiah/Christ (v. 20) and the prophet (v. 21)? (See Deuteronomy 18:15 for more information about the prophet.)
3. John says he isn’t worthy to tie Jesus’ sandals in v. 27. But he is worthy to share Jesus’ story and prepare the way for Jesus. What is the place of humility and of confidence in John’s ministry?

NEXT STEPS:

1. How do you see your own story as worthy of being told? What helps you know and believe that your story is part of God’s story?
2. What gives you a glimpse of the light of the world in this season?
3. Name something God is doing in your life. Share a piece of your testimony.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

O God who brings us joy, fill us with gratitude for the ways you shape the stories of our lives. May we remain faithful and open to sharing our story and testifying to your great love and grace. Inspire us to share good news this week. Amen.

Sun – Luke 1:26-38

Mon – Luke 2:1-20

Tues – 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Wed – Luke 1:46b-55

Thur – Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Fri – Romans 16:25-27

Sat – Matthew 1:18-24

OPENING PRAYER:

Amazing God, you show up in our lives, inviting us to trust you with our stories. Help us hear your message not to be afraid. Help us hear your message that we are favored and loved. Help us respond by serving you with courage. Amen.

Quote

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you’ll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey.”
– The Princess Diaries

BREAKING THE ICE:

What is your preferred love language (or languages)? (Google “Five Love Languages” for more info.)

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:

Read Luke 1:26-38

1. Look at the words the angel speaks to Mary. What stands out to you about God’s message to her?
2. God finds favor with Mary and honors her, and yet we know her life will have grief and challenges. What does this suggest about what favor/honor means to God vs. what it means to people?
3. Read verse 38. If Mary didn’t have a relationship with God, how might her response have been different?

NEXT STEPS:

• What can we learn about courage from Mary?
• The way society viewed and labeled Elizabeth who has no children and Mary who is unmarried and pregnant is not true of them and doesn’t reflect God’s vision or purpose for their lives. What is a label you’ve identified with or a judgment you’ve experience that is limiting or less than God’s vision for you? What do you think God’s message is to you as you lean into God’s vision for your life?
• What would your life look like if you truly embraced the fact that you are favored by God? What would be different? Would kind of courage would that give you? (Or what is different because you know you are loved by God? How has that given you courage?)

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK:

Glorious One, thank you for your Word, which fills us with courage. Guide us to trust you with our relationships, decisions, and innermost thoughts this week. May we serve you with heart, mind, soul, and strength. Amen.

Sun – Luke 2:22-40

Mon – Luke 3:1-6

Tues – John 3:16-21

Wed – Luke 2:41-52

Thur – Matthew 2:1-12

Fri – Matthew 2:13-18

Sat – Matthew 2:19-23