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 piece of paper and something to write with. Find a comfy seat and have one person read Isaiah 11:1-10, written above, out loud and slowly.
Reflection: Isaiah says that one day “the land will be full of knowledge of the Lord as the seas are full of water. Have you ever been to the ocean? Maybe even out on a boat? How did it feel to you being faced with something so big?
Contemplation: Scientists tell us that 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water. And also that humans have only explored 5% of the oceans. Wow! It’s like this with God: We know a lot about him, but there’s so much more to learn. That’s true for you and me–at our best, we maybe only understand 5% of him!
Discussion: Many people don’t know anything at all about God. Zero percent. But God wants everyone to know about him and his love. When King Jesus is in charge, word about him spreads all over like water.
Who is one person that you think doesn’t know much about God? What might you tell that person?
Prayer Exchange: Think of one person who you would like to know about God’s love. Hold that person in your mind and pray this prayer:
Loving God, may everyone in the world hear about you. I pray especially for ____________, that he/she would see how good and powerful you are. King Jesus, show yourself to him/her, and use me if I can help. Amen.
Contributed by Rodger Otero, Associate Pastor