Advent Pregnancies

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-56

• Sermon Summary

  On the second Sunday of Advent, Yelena explores Mary’s journey of faith as she responds to the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth. Drawing on Walter Brueggemann's insights, Yelena wants to explore the human-divine relationship as a partnership requiring courage to assert and confidence to yield. Listening, discernment, and trust are three practices that can help us bring our full humanity into that partnership. Through Mary’s story, we see her listening to God, seeking wisdom in community with Elizabeth, and ultimately trusting God’s promise, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

• Discussion Guide

  Community is shaped by the conversations we share. These questions and reflections are a tool to help you meaningfully engage with the themes of this week's teaching.

  With a lot of our groups going on a Christmas break starting in early or mid-December, I have more of a reflective approach to sermon discussions for those of you who are still planning to have one or two meetings during Advent.

  Start your meeting with the Advent Liturgy for the week (written by Bobbi)

  Then reflect on the sermon for the week along these lines:

  • What was new to me or caught my attention?

  • Reflect on how Jesus’ humanity reflected in the message connects with your experience of life and being human.

  • Share an encouragement or an inspiration for your own spiritual journey in this sacred season:

  • What are you waiting for this season?

  • Where are you feeling the pull toward peace, love, joy, and hope?

  • In what way is this season meaningful for you this year, or this week?

  Download the PDF for detailed instructions for each week.

• Service Songs & Prayers

  CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 37

  MUSIC Curated by Kevin Borst
  Hillsong Worship - Joy To The World
  Phil Wickham - Away In A Manger
  Chris Tomlin - Holy Forever
  All Sons & Daughter - God With Us

  ADVENT LITURGY: Wilderness (Peace)
  Written by Bobbi Salkeld
  
  Every year, we rehearse the four themes of Advent by lighting a new candle in the Advent wreath. We watch the glow of Advent grow brighter and brighter as we get closer to Christmas.

  Today, we focus on peace.

  In our Advent preparation, we pay attention to the wilderness.

  We hear the prophet Isaiah speak to people exiled and far from home,

  “In the wilderness prepare the way for God;

  make a highway for justice and peace.” (Isaiah 40)

  We hear John the Baptist, from the wilderness, echo the prophet,

  “Prepare the way of God,

  make straight the path of God’s coming.” (Mark 1)

  Into the wilderness of feeling lost and afraid, God arrives.

  As we light the second candle of Advent,

  we perceive in this second flame God arriving with peace.

  Light candle

  Prayer

  Come, Advent God,
  and bring us your deep peace.
  Amen.
  
  SERIES BUMPER
  Approach