Advent, Week 3 (Joy) | A Conversation Starter...

Read John 1:6-8

Think about a time or a situation when things were dark. This could mean things were literally dark – in the middle of the night when a noise scares us, for instance. Or it could be we felt darkness, such as times when we are frightened and feel alone and hopeless. Talk together about a time of darkness.

Now remember how it feels to have light – either physically experiencing light that breaks apart the darkness or feeling comforted and joyful because our feelings of darkness have ended.

How would you describe those feelings?

Is joy a word that you would use at this time?

Who in our world need God’s joy?

What are our hopes for joy in our world today?

How do we help others know that God gives joy?

Advent, Week 3 (Joy)

Readings

• Isaiah 61:1-4, 61:8-11

• Psalm 126

• 1 Thes. 5:16-24

• John 1:6-8, 1:19-28

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Brene Brown on Joy and Gratitude

Advent Week 2 (Love) | A Conversation Starter...

Read Isaiah 40:1

Talk about comfort with your family. Ask your children what they think comfort is? What is it not? [FYI comfort in scripture paints the picture of love in action, and literally being ‘propped up.’ Think of a person so broken, wounded, or in pain that someone strong puts their arm around them and helps them move forward] Ask, “When was a time you felt God comforting you?” Be ready to share an example.

Read Isaiah 40:11

Lead a discussion about sheep and shepherds. How is God like a shepherd? How are we like sheep? How was Jesus the Good Shepherd? Then you can connect the dots to our Advent theme of love for week 2.

Advent, Week 2 (Love)

Readings

• Isaiah 40:1-11

• Psalm 85:1-2, 85:8-13

• 2 Peter 3:8-15

• Mark 1:1-8