Growing In Faith Together
December 6, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
John called people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing would get in the way of the Lord's coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think it means to “prepare the way of the Lord?
* In the past, how has the message that God is coming to be with you in your “wilderness times” broken through to you?
* What do you think the author of 2 Peter would tell Christians today about how to prepare for the future?
* What message of hope do you want to bring to others?
* What challenging words do you hear today? What encouraging words?
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.
Next Sunday: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up my heart, O God, to prepare the way of my Lord.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: Light two candles and pray: We light the candles of Hope and of Peace. We await the birth of the Prince of Peace, of Emmanuel, God with us. Make us instruments of your peace. Amen
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
GATHERED BY GRACE
John called people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing would get in the way of the Lord's coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What do you think it means to “prepare the way of the Lord?
* In the past, how has the message that God is coming to be with you in your “wilderness times” broken through to you?
* What do you think the author of 2 Peter would tell Christians today about how to prepare for the future?
* What message of hope do you want to bring to others?
* What challenging words do you hear today? What encouraging words?
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 Mark 1:1-8
Monday Psalm 27:11-14
Tuesday Isaiah 4:2-6
Wednesday Luke 1:13-17
Friday Philippians 3:12-16
Thursday Psalm 126:1-3
Saturday Habakkuk 3:17-19
Sunday John 1:6-8, 19-28
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up my heart, O God, to prepare the way of my Lord.
Throughout the Day: Advent God, thank you for this time of waiting and preparing.
Blessing to Share: “O Comfort my people” says our God.
For mealtime say responsively:
Faithfulness springs up from the earth: Righteousness looks down from the sky.
For mealtime say responsively:
Faithfulness springs up from the earth: Righteousness looks down from the sky.
Advent Mealtime Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest;And let these gifts to us be blest.May there be a goodly shareon every table everywhere.Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: Light two candles and pray: We light the candles of Hope and of Peace. We await the birth of the Prince of Peace, of Emmanuel, God with us. Make us instruments of your peace. Amen
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
Service: $25 can provide a holiday meal for a family in need. The Crisis Center is seeking donations of $25 per meal per family. You can donate directly online, or on their Facebook page, or donate to Gloria Dei who will past it on. They are accepting donations through December 31.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Service: $25 can provide a holiday meal for a family in need. The Crisis Center is seeking donations of $25 per meal per family. You can donate directly online, or on their Facebook page, or donate to Gloria Dei who will past it on. They are accepting donations through December 31.