Reflection 1 – Hope
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-What do you hope for generally?
-Is there something specific you are hoping for at the moment?
As we approach Christmas, we might be hoping to see friends and family, maybe there is a present we are really hoping for? For Christians true hope is the assurance that God loves them, and they have a home with him after this life is complete.
Many Christians find hope in God, in the Psalms it says, “My hope is in you”. For lots of people God can be relied upon, he can be trusted and seen as an anchor or rock in times of trouble. Therefore, even in the darkest of times or persecution…their ‘hope’ is rooted in God and his loving character. Through Jesus the victory of eternal life has been won and that hope means the future is guaranteed.
-What do you find hope in?
-Could you put your hope in God?
Some music to help you reflect on Christmas, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj7Pr42rliI
Prayer 1
Let us pray,
Lord God,
Thank you for Christmas, for time to celebrate and be thankful for what we have. Help us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to look for opportunities to help others who are in need. Give us strength and courage to share true hope with those around us. Amen.
Reflection 2 – Peace
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-What do you think of when you hear the word peace?
-Many use the word “shalom” to greet each other.
In Luke chapter 2 verses 13-16 we read, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour
rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
There are many examples of conflict going on in the world right now. It can be stressful, and the consequences of conflict can be devastating.
In this reading we hear that the angels are praising God, and they say, “peace on earth”. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we had peace on earth this advent?
-Is there anyone in your life you would like to make peace with?
-Could you help a friend to do this?
In the Bible the word ‘shalom’ refers to peace and it isn’t just the absence of violence it means being whole, having health and good well- being.
As you think about this, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8az2iSPJX0s
Prayer 2
Let us pray,
Lord God,
Thank you for peace and for sending Jesus the “Prince of peace”. We pray for those who live in conflict, give world leaders a heart for peace and harmony amongst the nations. Help us to live peacefully with others and when we argue give us the courage to forgive and to ask others for forgiveness. Amen.
Reflection 3 – Joy
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-What gifts are you going to give people this year? …It might not necessarily be a present. It might be your time. It might be your full attention.
-How do you bring joy to others?
-What makes you joyful?
In Luke chapter 2 we read,
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Sometimes we might feel happy, sometimes we might feel sad. As humans we have many different emotions, and what happens in our lives can have a large impact on how we feel. However, for many Christians they believe joy comes from God and therefore even if everything seems to be going wrong and they are dealing with lots of challenging situations they can still feel joy.
-Do you often feel your moods are driven by your circumstances or how other people react or speak?
This can be a natural reaction… but this reading from Luke says that the good news about Jesus will bring great joy!
-Where does your joy come from?
Perhaps spend some time today thinking about the difference God coming to earth in Jesus makes in your life?
Some music to help you reflect on this - go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4exKwB0WRk
Prayer Day 3
Let us pray,
Father God,
Thank you for the joy of Christmas and for humbling yourself to experience life on earth. Help us to understand the joy that you offer, that even when we are going through tough times, we can still experience joy, because of what you have done for us. Amen.
Reflection 4 – Love
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-Think of the ways people show love.