28/11/2021
COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
IT’S TIME TO GO HOME
JEREMIAH 33:14-16
33:14 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
33:15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
33:16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”
LUKE 21:25-36
21:25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
21:26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
21:27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.
21:28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
21:29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees;
21:30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.
21:31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
21:32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place.
21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
21:34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly,
21:35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.
21:36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE:
During the holiday season, I usually feel…”
· Cheerful
· Confused
· Sad
· Hopeful
· At a loss
· Other
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE:
“When I think about going home, I usually feel…”
· Excited
· Meh
· Fearful
· Hopeful
· Comforted
· Other
QUESTIONS:
· How does Jeremiah see the coming of the Messiah? What might it mean for the Messiah to bring about justice and righteousness?
· Advent does not just look backward to the first coming of Christ; it also looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ. Complete the following sentence: “Thinking about the Second Coming of Christ makes me feel…”
· Excited
· Curious
· Fearful
· Overwhelmed
· Other
· How does this spiritual practice of looking forward and looking backward during Advent give us the assurance, the peace of mind, to “stand up and raise your heads” (21:28) as we wait for the Second Coming?
· How does paying attention to what is going on in our lives and in the world around us, enable us to see the gap between the kingdom of God and what we currently experience? How does paying attention in this way enable us to see signs of the coming kingdom now?
· How do the practices of Advent (praying, waiting, and watching) help us to pay attention and be present to others waiting for the kingdom of God?
Prayer
Faithful God, our normal rhythm is rushing. We are thankful for this season of Advent as a reminder to pause, wait, and anticipate your miraculous ways that are often found in unexpected places. May we pay attention this week to signs of your coming kingdom. Amen.
God bless,
Tim
Discipleship Ministries | First Sunday of Advent, Year C – Small… (umcdiscipleship.org)