G.I.F.T. 12-24-17 Advent 4

Growing In Faith Together 

December 24, 2017

TODAY’S TEXTS 
2 Samuel 7:1-11
Luke1: 46b-55 
Romans 16:25-27 
Luke 1:26-38

GATHERED BY GRACE 
God is active among humans. To Mary, to Paul, to David, assurance of God’s presence is clear. We join them in awe and wonder, rejoicing that God continues to give birth to grace, hope, and new possibilities.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* You too are favored. What extraordinary and grace-filled things have happened in your life? 
* Do you think Mary truly had a choice in responding to Gabriel’s announcement? Why or why not?
* Many of us ask with Mary “how can this be?” How does questioning shape your faith?
* These days of Christmas can be busy and stressful. How will you keep focused on Jesus’ birth?

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday.  Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Luke 1:26-38
Dec 25 John 1:1-14
Dec 26 Psalm 98
Dec 27 Hebrews 1:1-4
Dec 28 Psalm 148
Dec 29 Isaiah 49:5-7
Dec 30 Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sunday Luke 2:22-40

Next Sunday: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Open my heart to receive your Son.

Throughout the Day:  Come now, Lord Jesus, come. 

Blessing to Share: Rejoice, God’s love is revealed.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Our hearts are full of hope: The Christ Child is coming

 Mealtime Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest; 
And let these gifts to us be blest.
Deep within us come to dwell 
that we might all your goodness tell. Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: Light four candles and pray: We light the candles of Hope, of Peace, of Joy, and of Love. The coming Lord is forever faithful.  Christ’s love for us is never-ending. We praise the God who cares deeply for all creation. May we always share the love of Christ.

Christmas Season Ritual: The season of Christmas lasts 12 days – through Jan 5; find a way to celebrate each day. Try writing your own words to the 12 days of Christmas…start with Jesus in the manger and expand through all the characters and more… Or play “name that Christmas carol”- I can name it in 2 notes. Or play "Where is baby Jesus?" With others in different room, a person hides Jesus (from a nativity set, or a drawing) The seekers are guided by the hider with clues like “Mary is getting colder” or “Joey is getting warm”. The person who finds Jesus is next one to hide Jesus.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
Emmanuel, God-With-Us hears the cries of the poor and the sick. Do you know someone that is ill who would like a visit and would enjoy a plate of cookies, or lonely and would like to be invited to dinner? Donate a sleeping bag to the emergency homeless shelter. Take groceries to a food bank.


How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245