Advent discipleship group: week 2

ADVENT 2    Found ready and watching

We light the first and second Advent candles

Opening prayer

Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true:

to you be praise and glory for ever.

Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets,

but in our days you speak through your Son,

whom you have appointed the heir of all things.

Grant us, your people, to walk in his light,

that we may be found ready and watching

when he comes again in glory and judgement;

for you are our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God for ever.

Conversation starter

Optional props: one or more oil lamps.

How do you prepare your home for Christmas?

Bible passage

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

Matthew 25:1-13

Explore

In all the excitement and pressures of this time of year, how do we ensure that we don’t ‘miss the moment’ at the centre of it all?

Oil is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit. It is used to anoint baptism and confirmation candidates, the sick and dying, (mixed with ash) the community on Ash Wednesday, those being set apart for a particular task, and in other acts of blessing. How do such moments sustain us?

Where have you heard a shout, or even a whisper, that Jesus is on the way?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, light of the world,

the prophets said you would bring peace

and save your people in trouble.

Give peace in our hearts at Christmas

and show all the world God’s love.

Amen.