Advent Week Two: “Exchanging Harm for Peace”
Weekly Supply List:
- Journal or sketch pad
- Pen, pencil, or markers
- Your imagination
- 5-10 minutes a day
- Advent wreath, optional
Weekly Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 (Good News Translation)
1 The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants. 2 The spirit of the Lord will give him wisdom and the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the Lord’s will and honor him, 3 and find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance or hearsay; 4 he will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. 5 He will rule his people with justice and integrity. 6 Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. 7 Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. 8 Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake. 9 On Zion, God’s sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil. The land will be as full of knowledge of the Lord as the seas are full of water. 10 A day is coming when the new king from the royal line of David will be a symbol to the nations. They will gather in his royal city and give him honor.
Invitation: Get some supplies–a journal or sketchbook and something to draw with. Find a comfy seat and have one person read Isaiah 11:1-10, out loud and slowly.
Reflection: What is something that you enjoy doing? Write a word or draw a picture. If you’re doing this with other people, share it with them.
Contemplation: Isaiah says that the new King–King Jesus!—“finds pleasure in obeying God.” Doing what God want is something Jesus loves to do! Jesus only did the things that God wanted him to. What things do you remember that Jesus did? How many can you think of?
Discussion: How can you obey God like Jesus did? Are there specific good things you think that God might want you to do?
Prayer Exchange: King Jesus, we know that you only did what you saw the Father was already doing; we know that you only did things that the Father asked you to do. Make us more like Jesus: May we join you in bringing goodness and healing and love to others; may we enjoy obeying you. Amen.
Contributed by Rodger Otero, Associate Pastor