Growing Up, Getting Lost, Being Found
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Scriptures: Luke 2:41-52
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In this sermon, Bobbi reflects on the story of 12-year-old Jesus staying behind in the temple during the Passover pilgrimage. She explores his humanity, showing how this glimpse of Jesus as a boy helps bridge the gap between the infant in the manger and the teacher and saviour he becomes. Bobbi emphasizes the balance between Jesus’ divinity and humanity, focusing on his growing awareness of his identity as the Son of God. Mary and Joseph’s search for Jesus highlights the challenges of understanding him fully, a reminder of the paradox and mystery of Christ.
Bobbi offered us some lessons on growth and faith: moving toward what we don’t understand, staying curious, and embracing both the divine and human aspects of life. She encouraged us to grow spiritually by engaging with hard conversations, learning something new, and embracing the presence of God with the affirmation, “God is with us.”
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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.
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CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 89
MUSIC Curated by Curt Muller
Phil Wickham - Behold
Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Emmanuel
David Crowder - Noel
Hillsong Worship - O Holy NightADVENT LITURGY: Anticipation (Joy)
Written by Bobbi SalkeldEvery 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 joy.
In Advent anticipation, we rejoice in the particular ways Jesus comes into our lives.
The poetry of the Psalms remind us that joy is characteristic of God’s arrival. This is joy that is embodied and unbounded.
The psalmist writes:
When the Divine restored us to wholeness,
It’s like we woke up from a dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter.
Tongues sang songs of joy. (Psalm 126)Into the places of delight in all that is ordinary and extraordinary in our lives, God arrives.
As we light the third candle,
we notice Advent’s brightening joy.Light candle
Prayer
Come, Advent God,
and bring us imaginative joy.
Amen.
SERIES BUMPER
Approach
