Growing In Faith Together
December 16 , 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
GATHERED BY GRACE
Messengers clear the way for the Coming One. Malachi calls us to righteousness and justice. John gives warning about ignoring the truth about our sinfulness, and the brokenness in the world. But John also repeats the promise that God ultimately will not settle for the way things are in the world. God’s salvation will be made known in the one who is to come: Jesus. - Sundays and Seasons, 1517 Media, Year C
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does the "wilderness" look like today? What is God saying there?
* What does it mean to fill valleys and to make mountains low? How can you “make straight” God’s paths to justice and love?
* What does the salvation of God look like personally? What does it look like globally?
* “Each day, a Christian can, through words and actions, prepare the way for the Lord.” How can we do that?
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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up my will, Lord God.
Throughout the Day: Guide my feet into the way of peace.
Blessing to Share: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
For mealtime say responsively:
Shout aloud and sing for joy: The Holy One is in our midst.
Advent Mealtime Prayer
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O sun of justice now draw near. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight. (ELW 257).
Advent Ritual:
Each morning read 1st Thessalonians 3:12: May the Lord make you abound in love for one another and for all. Then at some point it your day, abound in love!
Here are some ideas:
December 16: Instead of just thinking it, compliment someone.
December 17: Ask “how are you?” And mean it. And listen.
December 18: Help someone do a task they don’t want to do.
December 19: Give something awesome away.
December 20: Return a shopping cart for a stranger.
December 21: Pick up litter.
December 22: Fill an expired or about-to-expire parking meter.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of items to give away - gently used clothing, toys, housewares, accessories, etc. Take your box or bag to a Stuff consignment shop and tell them you want it to go on the “SHELTER HOUSE” account. The money raised will support the many services Shelter House offers.
If you don't live in this area, find your local homeless shelter and donate!
December 16 , 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
GATHERED BY GRACE
Messengers clear the way for the Coming One. Malachi calls us to righteousness and justice. John gives warning about ignoring the truth about our sinfulness, and the brokenness in the world. But John also repeats the promise that God ultimately will not settle for the way things are in the world. God’s salvation will be made known in the one who is to come: Jesus. - Sundays and Seasons, 1517 Media, Year C
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does the "wilderness" look like today? What is God saying there?
* What does it mean to fill valleys and to make mountains low? How can you “make straight” God’s paths to justice and love?
* What does the salvation of God look like personally? What does it look like globally?
* “Each day, a Christian can, through words and actions, prepare the way for the Lord.” How can we do that?
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 3:1-6
Monday Zephaniah 3: 14-20
Tuesday Isaiah 12:2-6
Wednesday Philippians 4:4-7
Thursday Psalm 80:1-7
Friday Isaiah 42:10-18
Saturday Isaiah 66:7-11
Sunday Luke 1:39-45
Next Sunday: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up my will, Lord God.
Throughout the Day: Guide my feet into the way of peace.
Blessing to Share: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
For mealtime say responsively:
Shout aloud and sing for joy: The Holy One is in our midst.
Advent Mealtime Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,
And let thy gifts to us be blessed.
Blest be God, who is our Bread.
May all the world be clothed and fed.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O sun of justice now draw near. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight. (ELW 257).
Advent Ritual:
Each morning read 1st Thessalonians 3:12: May the Lord make you abound in love for one another and for all. Then at some point it your day, abound in love!
Here are some ideas:
December 16: Instead of just thinking it, compliment someone.
December 17: Ask “how are you?” And mean it. And listen.
December 18: Help someone do a task they don’t want to do.
December 19: Give something awesome away.
December 20: Return a shopping cart for a stranger.
December 21: Pick up litter.
December 22: Fill an expired or about-to-expire parking meter.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of items to give away - gently used clothing, toys, housewares, accessories, etc. Take your box or bag to a Stuff consignment shop and tell them you want it to go on the “SHELTER HOUSE” account. The money raised will support the many services Shelter House offers.
If you don't live in this area, find your local homeless shelter and donate!