Read Luke 1: 39-45.

1. What does the word “theotokos” mean? Why is Mary called

“theotokos”?

2. What did Mary and Elizabeth have in common? What

differences were there between them?

3. Why do you think Mary “got ready and hurried” to visit

Elizabeth?

4. What are all the ways Elizabeth talks about “blessing” in this

passage? How do you think Elizabeth’s words made Mary feel?

5. What happened when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting? Why is

this significant?

6. What does it mean to choose joy? Why is important to

remember to choose joy?

7. What does it mean to be a joy-bringer? How is this related to

being a Christian?

8. How can you be a joy-bringer to people in your life?

9. How can you be a “theotokos” in your own unique way?

Prayer for the Week:

Lord Jesus, just as Elizabeth’s son leaped for joy in your presence,

we also find our joy in you. Remind us daily to choose joy regardless

of our circumstances. Help us to not only choose joy, but also be

joy-bringers to the world around us. Inspire and empower us to be

“theotokos” in our own unique ways, bearing witness to your love,

mercy and grace in this hurting and broken world. May all that we

say and do bring you honor and glory. We pray all of this in your

precious, holy and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Read Luke 1: 26-38.

1. Where and to whom did God send the angel Gabriel to announce the

coming Christ child? What is significant about the person and place

God chose?

2. Why was Mary “greatly troubled”?

3. What does it mean to “find favor with God”?

4. Has God ever called you to something that left you “greatly troubled”?

If so, what was it?

5. Mary’s reactions range from fear to confusion to acceptance (see

v. 29, 34 & 38). Can you relate to her reactions? Why/why not?

6. Read verse 37. What does this mean to you? How might this be a

source of hope in uncertain times?

7. Read verse 38. Can you relate to Mary’s response? Why/why not?

8. How might our lives look different if we simply “let it be” as Mary

does? What does it mean to “Let it be to me according to your

word.”?

9. What are some promises in the Bible that you need to remind yourself

of and embrace more often?

10. How can you share the Good News of God’s promises with others and

help them to trust in these promises?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God, we confess that we are often troubled and

confused, much like Mary was at first. Please help us to also be like Mary

in moving quickly to acceptance, trusting in your promises and the power

of your Word. Remind us daily of your incredible love, mercy and grace.

Help us to embrace all the plans you have for us and empower us to help

others do the same. Remind us that everybody needs a little Jesus, and as

His followers, we are the messengers you have chosen to bring Good

News to the world. Let it be to us according to your word. We pray all of

this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life?

 Read Isaiah 11: 1-9.

What stands out to you in this passage?

How does the image of the shoot from Jesse’s stump inspire hope?

What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today’s world?

 Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6.

How does this reinforce Isaiah’s vision of a righteous leader?

What kind of hope does this bring during Advent?

 Read Micah 5: 2-5a.

What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus’ birth?

How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage?

 Read Psalm 72: 1-7.

How do justice and peace go hand in hand?

What are ways we can reflect the values of God’s kingdom?

 Read Luke 4: 16-21.

How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy in His ministry?

How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed?

 Read Ephesians 2: 13-18.

How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace?

What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them?

 Read Revelation 21: 1-5.

How does Isaiah’s vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation?

What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ’s return?

How does Isaiah’s vision challenge us to live differently during Advent?

What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ’s peace and justice?

 Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in your

relationships, community, or personal life.

 Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child who

leads us.

Prayer for the Week:

Loving God,

You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank You

for the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion.

We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and a

little child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the world

feels broken and divided.

Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act with

His heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring.

May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Make

us bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithful

enough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do.

Fill us with the hope of Isaiah’s vision, the joy of the angels’ song, and the peace of

Christ’s eternal reign.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray.

Amen.

Read Isaiah 9: 1-7.

1. What does the word “Advent” mean? Why do we celebrate it every year in

the church?

2. Advent is often referred as the season of the “already” and the “not yet.”

What does that mean?

3. In what ways does this passage from Isaiah also represent the “already” and

the “not yet”?

4. Read Isaiah 9: 2 and John 1: 5 & 9. How do these passages relate to one

another?

5. Why is the “Light” so important? Why do you think some people resist the

Light?

6. Read Isaiah 9: 6, Luke 2: 10-12 and Luke 1: 32-33. How do these passages

relate to one another?

7. How do these passages from both the Old and New Testaments reinforce the

idea of “already” and “not yet” for the Advent season?

8. Why do we need “a little Jesus” (baby, child) rather than a big, strong,

ruthless warrior king?

9. Are you willing to give “a little Jesus” to those who are struggling in life or

simply having a bad day? Why/why not?

10. Do you believe a little Jesus can change someone’s day, or even their whole

life? Why/why not? (Hint: think about mustard seed of faith)

Reflection:

Lord Jesus, you are the Light shining in the darkness of this fallen, broken and

sinful world. We desperately need your Light and your Love to drive out the

darkness of hate all around us. We know that your love-light can sometimes be

overwhelming to people at first. Remind us to shine your Light gently enough for

people to first receive it, then brightly enough for them to walk in it. Help us to

all walk in your love-light together. And remind us, no matter where we are on

our faith journeys, that “Everybody Needs a Little Jesus.” We pray all of this in

your holy, precious and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Read Hebrews 4: 14-16.

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be fully human and fully divine? Why is this

important?

2. There’s an ancient expression that says, “He was as we are, and therefore He

will help; He was not as we are, and therefore He can.” What does this mean

to you?

3. What is the word “therefore” there for in today’s passage?

4. Read Hebrews 4: 13. What does this tell us about our need for Jesus?

5. How does the word “therefore” connect our human need with divine mercy

and grace?

6. Does verse 14 speak primarily about the humanity or divinity of Jesus? What

about verse 15?

7. In what ways do Jesus’ humanity and divinity help us? Why do we need Him

to have both of these natures?

8. Pastor Mick mentioned the “He Gets Us” ad campaign that has been popular

lately. What does it mean when we say “He Gets Us”? How does He “get”

us? How do we “get” Him?

9. How might today’s passage be a good lead-in to the Advent and Christmas

seasons? In what ways do we see the humanity and divinity of Jesus during

Advent and Christmas?

10. Next week we begin our Advent series entitled “Everybody Needs a Little

Jesus.” How does little Jesus (baby Jesus in the manger) reveal the humanity

and divinity of Jesus and our need for him to have both of these natures?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus the Christ, the Son of man and the Son

of God. Thank you for loving us so much that you would send him from the light

of heaven to the darkness of this world to put on flesh and dwell among us.

Thank you for entering your own creation in such a way that you not only relate

to us, but save us from ourselves. How comforting it is to know that you get us.

Even more comforting is the knowledge that Jesus gave his life to pay the price

for our sins; a price we could never pay on our own. Forgive us for the times

when we might take this for granted. Help us to live lives of gratitude so that we

might give you honor and glory as we invite others to know you as we do. We

pray all of this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, our King of kings,

Lord of lords, and Great High Priest. Amen.

Read Malachi 3: 6-10.

1. Today’s passage begins with God describing the Israelites as “descendants of

Jacob.” What is significant about this reference to Jacob? (Hint: remember

last week’s message and Genesis 28: 22)

2. Pastor Mick said the Israelites seemed to have some form of spiritual

amnesia. What did he mean by that? How do we sometimes struggle with

this same malady today?

3. Pastor Mick shared a Tony Campolo story regarding “lowering the blinds.”

Why were the blinds lowered? How does this relate to the Israelites not

tithing? How do we sometimes “lower the blinds” in our world, too?

4. God said the Israelites were robbing Him? In what way were they “robbing

God”? Is the modern church still guilty of this? How do we know?

5. God knows that tithing can be a hard concept to embrace. What does He say

to do in such cases? (Hint: this is the only time we’re allowed to do this)

6. Are you willing to “test God in this”? Why/why not?

7. What do you think would happen if everyone “tested God in this”? What

does God say will happen?

8. In verse 10 God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there

may be food in my house.” What does “food in my house” look like in

modern times?

9. Allow yourself to dream a bit. What would you like to see us do at Grand

Lake UMC if God opened the floodgates of blessing? How can we make that

happen?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging all the blessings You

have so generously poured into our lives. Forgive us for the times we have failed

to respond with an attitude of gratitude. Grant us wisdom to discern Your call on

our lives to be generous and give us courage to faithfully live it out. In the midst

of our fears and doubts, inspire and empower us to “test you” in this, knowing

that if we do, you will bless us beyond measure. Help us, in turn, to use these

blessings to bless others. May we never draw the blinds on those in need, but

instead see them clearly and do all in our power to help them. Remind us that all

we need to do is be faithful to you, and you will be more than faithful to us. For

this we give you thanks and praise. We pray all of this in the precious, holy and

strong name of Jesus. Amen.

Read Genesis 28: 10-22.

1. What does the word stewardship mean? How does it apply to our

faith lives?

2. What does the word tithe mean? Why does God command us to

tithe?

3. Why does Jacob vow to give God a tenth at the end of today’s

passage? What can we learn from Jacob in this regard?

4. In what ways is tithing more of a spiritual decision than a financial

decision?

5. What did Jacob realize when he awoke from his dream?

6. How is God present with us today?

7. How might the “step up to tithing” chart be another form of stairway

that connects heaven to earth?

8. Read Numbers 18: 21-24. What was God doing in this passage? How

does this relate to the way the church is resourced today?

9. What do you think about the statement, “God’s plan for tithing is not

just about fulfilling a legal obligation, but about recognizing God’s

provision and expressing faithfulness, gratitude and generosity.”?

10. Do you have an overall positive or negative feeling toward tithing?

Why do you think you feel the way you do about it?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging all the blessings

You have so generously poured into our lives. You are the source of every

good and perfect gift, and we thank You for Your endless provision, love,

and grace. Help us to always give with joyful hearts, not out of obligation,

but out of an abundance of love and gratitude. Teach us to live lives of

generosity, that we may reflect Your character in all we do, and bring glory

to Your name. We trust in Your promises and give thanks for the ways

You will continue to bless and guide us. May we always walk in Your

provision, knowing that You are our ultimate source of every need.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read Hebrews 12: 1-3.

1. In verse 1, what is the word “therefore,” there for?

2. Why is Hebrews chapter 11 sometimes referred to as the Roll Call of

Faith? Look through that chapter and see how many names you can

find.

3. What is meant by the “great cloud of witnesses”? Who is in your

“cloud” that helps cheer you on in your faith?

4. What kinds of things can hinder your faith? How can you prevent

them from hindering you?

5. What kinds of sin can easily entangle you? What can you do to

prevent getting all tangled up?

6. What does it mean to fix your eyes on Jesus? How can you best do

that? What happens when you don’t?

7. What does this passage teach us about the source, and power, of joy

in our lives?

8. What did Jesus pray from the cross? What can we learn from this

prayer?

9. What does the Table (Communion) mean to you? Who is invited to

this Table? Who is present?

Prayer for the Week:

Almighty God, we thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who came

before us and help us in our faith. Grant us wisdom to avoid all the things

that weigh us down and distract us from Jesus. Fill us with joy, regardless

of circumstances, so that we can endure and persevere in our faith.

Inspire and empower us so that we do not grow weary, but always keep

the main thing the main thing. The main thing, of course, is Jesus. We

pray all of this in his precious, holy and strong name. Amen.

1. What does the word “faithful” mean to you? What does it mean for

God to be faithful?

2. What does it mean for God to be faithful in his promises? Can you

think of examples in the Bible of God being faithful to his promises?

How about in your own life?

3. What does it mean for God to be faithful in provision? Read

Matthew 6: 25-34. What does this tell us about God’s provisions for

life?

4. God is faithful in presence. How was God present in the lives of those

in the Bible? How is God present in your life and the world today?

5. Read 1 John 1: 9. What does this tell us about God being faithful in

forgiveness? What is required of us? How does the thief on the cross

validate this truth? (see Luke 23: 32-43)

6. What does it mean for God to be faithful in discipline? Why is God’s

discipline good? (hint: read Hebrews 12: 5-6)

7. Read Romans 8: 28. What does this tell us about God being faithful

to his purpose? What does this mean for us in everyday life? How

does this give us hope?

8. Read Philippians 1: 6. What does this tell us about God’s work of

transforming us into what we are created and called to be?

9. Does recognizing God’s faithfulness in all of these areas help you trust

God more? If so, what impact might that have on your life?

Reflection:

Almighty God, what can we say, except great is your faithfulness. Even

when we are not faithful to you, you remain faithful to us. You keep the

promises you make to us. You provide for us. You are present with us.

You discipline us, and forgive us, and transform us, all in accordance with

your ultimate purpose for us. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your faithful-

ness. Remind us that we can trust your goodness in all areas of our lives

because you are always faithful. Help us, in turn, to be more faithful to

you. Help us to live the way you created us to live, so that we might truly

change the world through your love and power. We pray all of this in the

strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

One God, now and forever. Amen.

1. What does it mean to you that God is just? How does God’s justice shape your view

of His character?

2. How do we reconcile the idea of a loving God with the reality of His justice? In what

ways do God's love and justice work together rather than contradict each other?

3. God’s justice is perfect, unlike human justice. How does this challenge the way you

think about fairness and judgment in the world today?

4. How should knowing that God is just influence the way we respond to injustice in the

world? What practical steps can you take to promote justice in your community?

5. The Bible often speaks of God defending the oppressed and standing against evil.

How does this aspect of God's justice inspire or challenge you in your own life?

6. How can we trust in God’s justice when we see wickedness seemingly going

unpunished? What scriptures or truths help you maintain hope in God's ultimate

justice?

7. What role does repentance play in our understanding of God's justice? How does

recognizing our own need for forgiveness impact the way we view justice for others?

8. How can we as Christians live out God's justice in our daily lives? What attitudes or

actions might need to change in order to better reflect God's heart for justice?

9. In what ways do mercy and justice coexist in God’s nature? How does understanding

God's balance of mercy and justice affect how you relate to Him and to others?

Prayer for the Week:

Righteous and Holy God, We come before You this week, in awe of Your justice and

humbled by Your perfect ways. You are a God who loves deeply and yet judges rightly.

Help us to hold both Your love and justice in our hearts as we seek to know You more.

Thank You for being a just God who stands for truth, protects the oppressed, and

opposes evil. When we see injustice in the world, help us not to lose hope but to trust

that You will one day set all things right. Teach us to be agents of Your justice, working

to bring fairness, mercy, and compassion to those who suffer around us.

Lord, we confess that there are times when we have failed to live out Your justice in our

own lives. Forgive us when we have acted unjustly toward others or turned a blind eye

to those in need. Help us to repent and seek Your forgiveness, trusting that Your mercy

and justice meet at the cross.

As we go through this week, give us the courage to stand for what is right, even when

it’s difficult. May Your Spirit lead us to be people who reflect Your justice in our words,

our actions, and our relationships. Let our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, as we

seek to love and serve others in truth and grace.

When we feel discouraged by the brokenness of the world, remind us that Your justice

is perfect and will prevail. Help us to trust in Your timing and Your ways, knowing that

You see all and are working all things for good.

In Your perfect balance of justice and mercy, guide us, Lord, and make us instruments of

Your peace.

In Jesus' name, Amen.