Joy

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, Iwill not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my bodyalso will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of thedead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me thepath of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternalpleasures at your right hand.
- Psalms 16:8-11

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“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, yourwhole body will be full of light
- Matthew 6:22

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Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a swordand with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lordof hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day theLord will deliver you into my hand.
- 1 Samuel 17:45-46a

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Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and youwill receive, and your joy will be complete.
- John 16:24

Mixer

What is your favorite holiday treat? Do you make it, or someone else?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-31, 46-55

1. Pastor Jared posed the question: Have you ever been in the middle of a scandal? If so, you are in the middle of the Christmas story. How does this truth make the Christmas story come to life for you?

2. Read Luke 1:26-31. Try to put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What might she have been thinking/feeling? Share a time when God called you to something bigger than yourself and you realized that, only with His help, you would get through.

3. Pastor Jared asked us: Where in your life right now does it feel like something or someone has a boot on your neck? How can you be assured that Jesus has the last word?

4. Read Luke 1:46-48. How much has God’s mindfulness of you resonated in your life? What have you done to rejoice in the Lord through good times and bad?

5. In honor of Advent (“arrival”), take a moment to pray with your group for hope and expectancy.

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Serve

The Holiday Hygiene Kit Drive is underway! If you would like to participate this month, click here.

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Pray

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen