December 13, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
GATHERED BY GRACE
The church rejoices as the advent of the Messiah draws nearer. The texts for today echo this “we’re almost there” excitement. Isaiah describes a people restored through images of weddings and springtime and oak trees. The psalmist offers up images of a harvest festival, and Paul urges us to rejoice “always.”
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you find joy in the midst of unfulfilled hopes?
* Has 2020 impacted your hope or joy?
* What signs of God’s faithfulness cause you to rejoice?
* In what way do you live confidently within God’s promises? Where do you struggle to “rejoice” in this way?
* As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, who identified his own call with the Isaiah passage, what is the deep hope within us for the world?
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 John 1:6-8, 19-28
Monday Ephesians 6:10-17
Tuesday Psalm 125
Wednesday Mark 9:9-13
Thursday Psalm 89:1-4
Friday Hebrews 1:5-9
Saturday John 7:40-44
Sunday Luke 1:26-38
Next Sunday: 2 Samuel 7:1-11; Luke1: 46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up my will, O God, to tell of your light.
Throughout the Day: Advent God, teach me to bring your light to others.
Blessing to Share: May the God of peace guide and keep you until the coming of our Lord Jesus.
For mealtime say responsively: God is close, the world waits: We will rejoice.
Advent Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Advent Mealtime Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest;
And let these gifts to us be blest.
Guide us on the servant’s way;
lead us to your dawning day. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Light three candles and pray: We light the candles of Hope, of Peace, and of Joy. We excitedly await the coming of the Mighty One. Rejoicing in the mercy and justice of our Lord, we lift our hearts and voices in songs of joy.
Advent Ritual:
Advent Ritual:
Create a Prayer Central for this Advent! Set aside a place where everyone can add prayers graffiti style. Use a large piece of paper, or a notebook, or a white board. Throughout Advent, all in your home can add names of people and places that need prayer, and common themes such as hunger, peace, or love. Encourage all to contribute ideas.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gifts are needed for the children in Domestic Violence programs. If you are in Iowa City, there are donations bins around town where you can drop off your gift donations: Scheels, Bluebird (North Liberty), Lepic Kroeger, and Red's Alehouse. If you are elsewhere, check with the Domestic Violence program in your area for what they might need.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gifts are needed for the children in Domestic Violence programs. If you are in Iowa City, there are donations bins around town where you can drop off your gift donations: Scheels, Bluebird (North Liberty), Lepic Kroeger, and Red's Alehouse. If you are elsewhere, check with the Domestic Violence program in your area for what they might need.