Growing In Faith Together
December 2, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thess 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
GATHERED BY GRACE
God's people live in great expectation… a "righteous Branch to spring up for David"…. "the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints."…"to stand before the Son of Man." With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and our Lord’s presence in each day.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What is your greatest longing this Advent season?
* Where do you find hope?
* Jesus describes chaos inflicted by people on people as well as natural disasters. But the ultimate word is that Love wins. In what ways does that truth affect your attitudes and actions right now?
* Where do you look for or see signs of God’s kingdom? We are advised to “keep alert.” For what do you think we should be alert?
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 your power, Lord Christ, and come.
Throughout the Day: I put my hope in you, O God.
Blessing to Share: Abound in love for one another.
For mealtime say responsively:
Show us your ways O Lord: Teach us your paths.
Advent Mealtime Prayer
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Amen.
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 2: Give your waiter or waitress a huge tip.
December 3: Be a courteous driver.
December 4: Check in on someone you know is alone.
December 5: Send someone a small gift anonymously.
December 6: Hold the door open for someone.
December 7: Make eye contact and smile at those you encounter.
December 8: Run an errand for someone.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Support a holiday meal for a family in need. The Crisis Center is seeking donations of $25 per meal per family. Think of all the holiday cheer you could spread!
Make checks out to and send to
Project Holiday – Crisis Center,
1121 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, IA 52240-4528.
If you are not in this area, I'll bet you can find a similar program where you abide.
December 2, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thess 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
GATHERED BY GRACE
God's people live in great expectation… a "righteous Branch to spring up for David"…. "the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints."…"to stand before the Son of Man." With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and our Lord’s presence in each day.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What is your greatest longing this Advent season?
* Where do you find hope?
* Jesus describes chaos inflicted by people on people as well as natural disasters. But the ultimate word is that Love wins. In what ways does that truth affect your attitudes and actions right now?
* Where do you look for or see signs of God’s kingdom? We are advised to “keep alert.” For what do you think we should be alert?
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 21:25-36
Monday Psalm 90
Tuesday Revelation 22:12-16
Wednesday Luke 11:29-32
Thursday Luke 1:68-79
Friday Malachi 3:16-18
Saturday Malachi 4:1-6
Sunday Luke 3:1-6
Next Sunday: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.
Throughout the Day: I put my hope in you, O God.
Blessing to Share: Abound in love for one another.
For mealtime say responsively:
Show us your ways O Lord: Teach us your paths.
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:
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Amen.
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 2: Give your waiter or waitress a huge tip.
December 3: Be a courteous driver.
December 4: Check in on someone you know is alone.
December 5: Send someone a small gift anonymously.
December 6: Hold the door open for someone.
December 7: Make eye contact and smile at those you encounter.
December 8: Run an errand for someone.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Support a holiday meal for a family in need. The Crisis Center is seeking donations of $25 per meal per family. Think of all the holiday cheer you could spread!
Make checks out to and send to
Project Holiday – Crisis Center,
1121 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, IA 52240-4528.
If you are not in this area, I'll bet you can find a similar program where you abide.