sacred wait: advent pt.3 - guide

Gather

● Gather and open with prayer. You as the leader can pray, or ask someone else to do

that.

● Here is a prayer you can use:

Lord Jesus, be among us as we meet tonight. Some of us are weary and have had a

challenging day. Some of us need a reset for our faith. We all need to be reminded of

the peace we have in you. So help us to see you anew. And give us your peace. Amen.

Warm-up

● What brings you joy? (Go around and each person name one thing. Then go around

again. And again. Keep going until people have each shared a number of things.

Maybe set a timer for three minutes and see if you can keep going for the full time. Make

it a “joy go round”)

Conversation

Our sermon series is called A Sacred Wait. Advent is about waiting. We wait for the birth of

Christ. We wait for his return. But we also wait for the ultimate hope, peace, joy and love God

has for us.

Read Isaiah 35

● What parts stand out to you the most and why?

● What does this passage say about the nature of God: who he is and how he works?

● What things challenge our joy as individuals? What things challenge the joy of Christians

as a whole?

● Isaiah uses powerful imagery of the wilderness and desert blossoming like a crocus and

flowing with water. What "dry" or "barren" places in your own life or community need

God's restorative touch?

● Verses 3–4 encourage strengthening the weak hands and knees and speaking to

anxious hearts. What are practical steps we can take to encourage and support those

who are weak or fearful in our community?

● How can the themes of hope, joy, and transformation in Isaiah 35 provide comfort during

personal trials or societal crises today?

● When you read about the pilgrims coming home singing with joy, what image comes to

you? Have you ever sung with joy? Have you heard anyone singing with joy? If so, what

is it like?

● Was there a new idea or something that challenged you in the sermon?

● What questions are coming up for you? What convictions are stirring in you?

Closing

● Have each person share one thing for which they are thankful right now. Have each

person share one challenge, concern, or place of adversity in their lives.

● If time, have an open time of prayer for people to pray for one another.. Encourage

people to do so without forcing anyone to have to.

End with prayer. Here is one you can use if you wish:

Gracious God, bless these days of Advent and help us to be joyful in you. May joy fill

our Christmas celebrations. Help us to remember how you came and why you came.

Spread joy throughout Missio and all who make it our church home.

We pray for you to keep watch over us until we gather again. Thank you for this time. In

Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.