Calling in the Context of Collapse
Songs Sung and Scriptures Read:
Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6,7 – The Coming of the Messiah
I WILL RESPOND
Luke 1:26-38 – The Birth of Jesus
Foretold
Luke 1:39-56 – Mary’s Faithful Submission
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
Matthew 1:18–25 – Joseph’s Faithful Obedience
SILENT NIGHT
Luke 2:1-7 – The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:8-14 – The Angels Proclaim the Good News
OH HOLY NIGHT
Luke 2:15-20 – The Shepherds Come to Jesus
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
Matthew 2:1-12 – The Magi Leave Their Gifts
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
John 1:1-5 – The Word, The Life, The Light Cometh
-------------------------------
Exegesis –
-These passages bring together the Christmas Story and all of the different figures –
Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, the past Prophets, the Shepherd, The Wisemen
--Reminder of HOPE
- Our God has seen tough times before.
- Our people have seen tough times before.
- We have hope in knowing that what God has done before – God will do again.
--Reminder of Peace – Be the Change We Hope for In the World
- Lament - Cry out to God
- Celebrate God w/Gratitude & Joy
- Embody God’s Vision
ADVENT JOY
1. Find Joy in the fact that Jesus came!
a. When the time had fully come – God sent the Son
b. You are where you are because God decided to show up
2. Find Joy in the places, people and practices that connect you with God and others
a. Get outside or sit by the fire or come to church – wherever you feel deep
connection
b. Make time for people - let that be the gift
c. What spiritual and social practices fill you with joy (gingerbread house, singing,
etc)
3. Find Joy knowing that Jesus is coming again! (Not just in the flesh but in the now!)
a. I don’t believe that God has abandoned us – in fact it might be our time to shine
b. But we can’t do that unless we tap into our faith in this season and remain open to
God doing amazing things – Every time Pharoah was resistant – God went big
Reflection Questions –
1. How can you make space to lean into the Christmas story and the joy of it?
2. Over the coming days what commitments can you make to connecting with the people,
places and practices that help you cultivate joy?
3. How can you get excited about how God is going to show up for us and in us in the new
year? Imagine what it might look like and how transformative it could be?