ADVENT

Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122

Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44

Advent teaches us to hope that Christ will come again to make all things new.

to consider:

What are your hopes? Are you hopeful for what is to come? Or fearful? Or do you think nothing will change?

to pray:

For hope that the way things are is not the way they will always be - to live in hope of what is God is doing and will do.
For justice and righteousness to reign in our land, and in all places.
For the kingdom to come on earth as in heaven

Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12

During Advent we envision a time when the Messiah will bring peace on earth, when even the lion and the lamb will lie down together, led by a child.

to consider:

Can you imagine peace on Earth? Does it even seem possible? How might you bring peace?

to pray:

That the promise of God’s peace would become the desire of your heart, that this vision would inspire you.
For peace on earth, between nations, between enemies, amongst family and friends.
That you would be an instrument of God’s peace, that our church would be a community where that peace can be experienced.

Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:46-55

James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

One day the speechless will sing for joy, even the dry ground will rejoice as it bursts forth with new life.

to consider:

What brings you joy? What’s the most joyful thing you can imagine?

to pray:

That places, people, relationships, etc., which seem dry and dead would come back to life.
For all who suffer heartache and despair, that they may know everlasting joy.
That you would see all the reasons you have to be joyful. That complaints would be replaced with thankfulness.
That our church would be a place where we and all people experience joy.

Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25

At Christmas we celebrate the incarnation, that God is Immanuel - “God is with us”.

to consider:

How do you know someone loves you? How do show others you love them? What is the greatest demonstration of love?

to pray:

That you would know - with all your mind, heart, soul, and strength - the love of God.
That all who feel unloved and unlovable would know that God loves them, that God is with them.
That our church would be an Incarnation of God’s love - that we and many others would come to know the love of God through our community.