Our readings for this 2nd Sunday of Advent are:

1. Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
2. Psalms 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14
3. 2 Peter 3: 8-14
4. Mark 1: 1-8

1. Preparing the way
• Why do you think that God calls on us to prepare a way for Him?
• What are some of the ways that we can prepare a way for God to arrive more immanently in our lives?
• What can we do to prepare God's way in our families this season?
• Other communities that we are a part of?
2. Finding peace in unlikely places
• How would you define peace?
• What does that feel like?
• Does it ever last very long?
• Should it?
3. Eternity in our midst
• What do you think that you're doing today is going to persist into eternity?
• How important are those eternal things to you?
• Why is the rest so important?
4. Are you part of a non prophet organization?
• Do we have any prophets in our midst today?
• How do you think that they got to be prophets?
• Have you ever felt that you really needed to tell someone something, maybe something that would free them from some sort of bondage in their lives?
• Does that make you at all prophetic?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. What is my life preparing me and others for?
2. What things are there my life that take away my peace?
3. Am I willing to follow God even if I don't know how it's going to turn out?
4. Am I able to hear God's voice, no matter where it's coming from?

Street Preacher

"Repent, for the kingdom is near" he said.

Repent of what might I ask?

Anything that holds you back, ensnares you, makes you slow to follow God's voice.

But how do I know if I'm holding back if I don't really hear anything just now?

Your hearing is dulled, your eyes blinded by the cares of this world.

But, if I don't pay the rent, buy food, pay my taxes, I could end up like you.

Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

So it's wrong to be comfortable?

It's wrong to stop questioning, seeking, searching.

But I've found God, or He found me, and we're good.

If there's never any conflict between you and God, you're not really living.

I don't want to have conflicts with God.

Next time you have some really harsh trouble, rant at God and see what comes back.

Ranting at God is disrespectful.

It's an authentic form of prayer.  Give it a try.  Don't forget to listen for the response.