Your Cosmic Interlude

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Scriptures: John 2:1-10

• Sermon Summary

  In the last sermon in our Advent series, Jeremy reflects on the wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11) as a story of anticipation, subtle miracles, and the extraordinary significance of ordinary moments. We saw how Mary’s quiet insistence prompted Jesus to act, using ceremonial jars meant for purification to produce an overwhelming quantity of high-quality wine, symbolizing both divine generosity and the sanctification of everyday life.

  Jeremy argued that small, unnoticed moments—like Jesus’ understated miracle—carry profound cosmic implications.
  Christmas itself is a celebration of God’s transformative presence in the seemingly ordinary, and it frees us to seek divine light in the smallest acts and darkest times.

• 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 103

  MUSIC Curated by Rebecca Santos
  Hillsong Worship - Joy To The World
  Hillsong Worship - Noel
  Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Emmanuel
  Hillsong Worship - O Holy Night

  ADVENT LITURGY: Anticipation (Joy)
  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 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