4th Sunday of Advent

Our readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent are:

1. Micah 5: 1-4a
2. Psalms 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19
3. Hebrews 10: 5-10
4. Luke 1: 39-45

• What it takes to be great
• Greatness is possibly as ill-defined as it is elusive.  We think of a great football player who has stunning statistics on the field.  Or a great violinist who is able to transport audiences with their fervent playing.  You hardly ever hear of someone lauded for being a great family woman, or family man.  "Great integrity" is not a phrase you hear often these days.
• If you could choose, where would your greatness lie?
• How would you be able to tell whether you had achieved greatness in that area?
• Is it possible for someone to be greatly humble, or great in their humility?
• Who gets to tell who the "hall of famers" are as Christians?

• Seeing the face of God
• Matthew 14: 22-34 tells us of Jesus walking on the water, Peter following him out onto the deep, and Jesus rescuing Peter.  In all of that, Peter never lost sight of Jesus.  Probably a good thing for Peter.
• Do you feel as though you are where God wants you, that you are here today because God planted you here?
• If not, where do you think you took a wrong turn in life?
• Do you think that God can take you, just as you are, right where you are, and make something wonderful of you?
• How would you help God in that wonder-making?

• A body you prepared for me
• If you were to meet a complete stranger to pick them up at the airport, and you described yourself to them so that the two of you might have better luck finding each other, how would you describe yourself?  Now, pretend that they are able to see inside of you, discern your character, your strengths, weaknesses, where you are full of courage, and where you can be cowardly.  Now how would you describe yourself?
• How is your body a reflection of who you are?
• How is your body a reflection of who you are becoming?
• Do you like what you see?
• What would it take to like yourself better?

• Leaping for joy
• All of us look for joy, for things in our lives that bring us joy.  We don't often give it much thought.
• What most often brings you joy?
• How long does that joy last?
• Do you think that Jesus felt the joy of the Lord?
• Do you think that joy ever left Him?
• Then what is the difference between the joy of the Lord and what we so often call joy?

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Where is God calling you to greatness today?
2. Where is God inviting you today?
3. How are you and your body coming closer to God today?
4. Where is God offering you joy in unexpected places?

Shalom!