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Question Resources ​

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Third Sunday of Advent: December 13th

• Reflect: John 1:6-8, 19-28

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews rom Jerusalem sent priests and Levites [to him] to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord," as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

• Set the Scene and Discuss: As you read the passage, set the scene in your mind. John was clothed in camel’s hair and are locusts and wild honey. He was out in the wilderness preaching repentance. Crowds gathered along the bank of the Jordan River to be baptized by him. Spend a few minutes building this scene in your imagination. What does the wilderness look like, feel like, smell like?

 

Monday of the third week of Advent: December 14th

• Reflect: Luke 2:19

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

• Discuss: What did Mary do after the exciting night of Christ’s birth? How can we learn from her example? Do you give yourself time to ponder the word of the Lord? Why is it important to take time to think about spiritual things? What could you change in your life so you can be more like Mary?

 

Tuesday of the third week of Advent: December 15th

• Reflect: Matthew 2:1-3

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

• Discuss: What did the wise men from the East ask Herod? Why did their question trouble the king? Do you ever feel troubled or threatened when someone is better than you? How do you stop feelings of jealousy and competition?

 

Wednesday of the third week of Advent: December 16th

• Reflect: Matthew 2:7-8

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

• Discuss: Who did the king send to find the young child, Jesus? Why did he say he wanted to find Jesus? What were his real intentions? Has anyone ever tried to deceive you or make something evil seem good? How can you discern between truth and lies?

 

Thursday of the third week of Advent: December 17th

• Reflect: Matthew 2:9-10

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star.

• Discuss: What guide were the wise men given so they could find Jesus? Why was a star provided? What kind of guides has God placed in your life to bring you closer to him? Do you use them? Do you rejoice because of them?

 

Friday of the third week of Advent: December 18th

• Reflect: Matthew 2:11

And on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

• Discuss: When the wise men came into the home of Jesus, what did they do before giving him gifts? How often do you take the opportunity to do the same? What is your favorite way to worship? What gifts did they give to Christ? What are you willing to give Him to show your love for him?

 

Saturday of the third week of Advent: December 19th

• Reflect: Luke 2: 25-33

It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

• Discuss: Simeon was a man of great faith who had been told that he would see the son of God before death, and he did. He relied on God’s promises. What promises has God made to you? How do they keep you holding on to faith and hope?