Growing In Faith Together
Third Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2021
Today’s Texts:
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
Gathered by Grace
The presence of the Lord "in your midst" is cause for singing. The nearness of the Lord in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one "more powerful" than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news--and cause for exultation--for us who are being saved.
Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2008
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does John the Baptist help you to prepare for this Christmas?
* Jesus is coming to “clear his threshing-floor and …to burn chaff with unquenchable fire.” What parts of your life could use some burning?
* How can Paul’s word, “Do not worry” help us at this busy season? How do you working keep your ultimate focus on the coming of Christ?
* Advent is a season of expectation. What are you expecting from God in your life?
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: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: Stir up my will, Lord God.
Throughout the Day: May the peace that surpasses understanding guard my heart in Christ Jesus. Amen
A 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 in Advent 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: Ask “how are you?” And mean it. And listen. Help someone do a task they don’t want to do. Give something awesome away on craigslist. Return a shopping cart for a stranger in the parking lot.
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
December 12, 2021
Today’s Texts:
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
Gathered by Grace
The presence of the Lord "in your midst" is cause for singing. The nearness of the Lord in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one "more powerful" than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news--and cause for exultation--for us who are being saved.
Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2008
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does John the Baptist help you to prepare for this Christmas?
* Jesus is coming to “clear his threshing-floor and …to burn chaff with unquenchable fire.” What parts of your life could use some burning?
* How can Paul’s word, “Do not worry” help us at this busy season? How do you working keep your ultimate focus on the coming of Christ?
* Advent is a season of expectation. What are you expecting from God in your life?
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 3:7-18
Monday Isaiah 11:1-5
Tuesday Acts 28:23-31
Wednesday Luke 7:31-35
Thursday Proverbs 8:1-5
Friday Exodus 6:2-7a
Saturday Isaiah 11:1-5,10
Sunday Luke 1:39-45
NEXT SUNDAY: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45
Prayers for this Week
For the Week: Stir up my will, Lord God.
Throughout the Day: May the peace that surpasses understanding guard my heart in Christ Jesus. Amen
A 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.
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 in Advent 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: Ask “how are you?” And mean it. And listen. Help someone do a task they don’t want to do. Give something awesome away on craigslist. Return a shopping cart for a stranger in the parking lot.
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