Week 1 - November 30-December 6 - Everybody Needs the Light
Light is a necessary part of life. It provides clarity and direction so we can make our way. It provides safety and security. But sometimes, especially at this time of year, we feel burdened by the darkness all around us.
God wants us to walk in His light and make our way through a world that can feel dark and difficult, with Him as our guide. God wants to light our way—but we have to choose to walk in His light.
ADVENT OPENING PRAYER FOR HOPE:
Lord God, As we enter this season of Advent, we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to prepare our hearts, minds, and lives to receive Him with love and gratitude.
Fill us with the light of hope, that we may share Your peace with those around us and reflect Your presence in the world. Guide our discussion today, that we may grow closer to You and encourage one another in faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLICK TO READ THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE READINGS
- First Reading: A reminder to “Walk in the Light of the Lord”
- Second Reading: Encourage us to throw off darkness, put on light
- Gospel Reading: Prepare for Christ’s coming
REFLECTION:
In our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, the 6–9-year-old children learn about “Parousia,” the time when God will be “all in all.” Though often referred to as the end of the world, Parousia invites us to reflect on the unwritten pages of our lives. We share together in the atrium about the “blank page” we have been given. Each day offers a fresh page, “ His mercies are made new every morning” Lamentations 3:22-23, on which we can choose words and actions that help bring about the Kingdom of God. We can BE the light of Christ in the world. This light is for everyone- and we play a role in that Light being spread.
Our Gospel reading encourages us to prepare for Christ’s second coming, and during the liturgy we proclaim the Memorial Proclamation: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” We are remembering that he died, remember that He rose, and looking forward with a joyful hope, when He will come again and be “all in all: "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then the Son also himself shall be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." ( 1 Corinthians 15:28)
But do we truly believe this? Do we believe that Jesus is coming back? Are we prepared? What would I do differently if I knew the Lord would return today? Amid the busyness of the season, may we remember to make space in the “inn” of our hearts for Christ that we may allow him to dwell within us, so we may in turn share His light with others.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOGUE
Take some time to reflect on this week’s message and discuss with your group:
- Do you or your family do anything this time of year to go and see Christmas lights?
Does the darkness at this time of year affect your mood, or do you remain unaffected by it? - When was a time that you were struggling and someone showed you the light or helped you see clearly?
- What feels dark in your life right now? Where do you feel you need the light of Christ to go forward confidently?
- Who do you know that needs the light of Christmas in their lives? What can you do to point them to the Hope that is the light of Christ?
- How can you use the “blank pages” of your life to bring about the Kingdom of God this Advent season?
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” – Isaiah 9:2
PRAY
Ask God for guidance, courage, and light to overcome the darkness in your life and the lives of those we love.
Pray for those who feel that they are in darkness: pray for those struggling with mental illness, those who are sleeping without shelter, those who feel hopeless, that we may bring the light of Christ to them.
Light your first candle in your advent wreath. Say a prayer for the gift of Hope
ACT
Bring a food item to support our St. Mary School “Be a Light in the Darkness: Serving in the Spirit of St. Lucy” food drive benefitting St. Vincent de Paul, sharing God’s light with those in need.
Offer the light of forgiveness to someone who has wronged you.
INSPIRE
Encourage one another to be a light in the lives of others this Advent season.
Send a kind note to someone who may be experiencing loneliness this season.
Light a candle and pray for someone who is struggling.
INTERSESSIONS FOR THE GROUP
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER - ADVENT PRAYER FOR HOPE
Lord God,
As we conclude our small group time together, we thank You for the grace and wisdom You have shared with us. In this blessed season of Advent, keep our hearts anchored in hope—hope that looks to the coming of Your Son with trust, joy, and expectation.
Strengthen us as we go forth, that the light of Christ may shine through our words and actions. Help us carry Your peace into our homes, our communities, and all those we meet. May the hope we celebrate today continue to guide us throughout this week.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
