Advent discipleship group: week 3

ADVENT 3    To witness to him

We light the first, second, and third Advent candles

Opening prayer

Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true:

to you be praise and glory for ever.

Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth

as a burning and shining light.

May we your servants rejoice in his light,

and so be led to witness to him

who is the Lord of our coming kingdom,

Jesus our Saviour and King of the ages.

Blessed be God for ever.

Conversation starter

Optional props: running shoes.

Have you ever been enlisted to a group, other than the Church? And have you ever enlisted others?

Bible passage

You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he will also deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:1-13

Explore

Who told you about Jesus, that caused you to respond?

How does it feel to have been entrusted to bear witness to Jesus?

How would you summarise the gospel?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, light of the world,

John told the people to prepare,

for you were very near.

As Christmas grows closer day by day,

help us to be ready to welcome you now.

Amen.