The season of Advent is observed by the church during the darkest time of the year. The length of daylight is at its shortest; the contrast between light and darkness is most pronounced. Nature provides a visual metaphor. In the Gospel of John, light in the darkness signifies God coming into the world, Jesus as God incarnate. A lighted candle breaking the darkness as we sing “Silent night, holy night” on Christmas Eve reminds us that Jesus is the light, God with us, who breaks down all the darkness that we know—in the world, in our communities, in our homes, and in our minds. He is the hope of the world, the One who comes to bring humankind and all creation out of hopelessness. From Advent into Christmas and Epiphany, through Lent, Holy Week, remembering the dark hours of Jesus’ trial and death, the darkness again broken by the brilliance of Easter morning, we move through each season of remembrance, asking important questions: in whom do we place our trust, on whom is our hope founded? The Scriptures remind us of what takes place to enlighten, to assure us that God keeps his promises. In Jesus, God came to live among us, so that we could see his glory, and come to understand the fullness of grace and truth. Good news, indeed! -Margaret Heely |
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Take on the seasons—
—as times to read, to learn, to study and discuss together the Scriptures, testaments old and new, literally testimonies from witnesses who passed along what they saw and heard, as John the Gospel writer records, “…to testify to the light, so that all might believe….the true light which enlightens everyone…..” (John 1:7-9) |
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| The Light Will Shine: A Study for Advent 5 Sessions by Carol J. Miller A great walk for a group to take through the biblical texts that lead to the birth of Jesus. Stop along the way to consider history and where history is headed. Why was Jesus born? What is the role of the Messiah, and why do we need one? Visit Epiphany—one of the earliest celebrations in the church, which highlights that God’s coming into the world means that God is to be revealed to all people and is for the entire world. Then look forward to consider the final advent and the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. Sample Resource Book Session Sample Leader's Guide Session |
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| Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel's Messiah 10 Sessions: 4 for Advent & 6 Lent
by Carol M. Bechtel Beginning with words from Isaiah 40 “Comfort, Comfort My People,” hear lectionary readings of biblical texts that were set to music in one of the most popular works of all time. The first 4 sessions of this study (Part I of Handel’s oratorio) are designed to be used in Advent, focusing on the biblical texts about the prophecy and birth of the Messiah. Sessions 5-10 are designed for use in Lent, with the biblical texts about the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the redemption of the world through faith (Parts II and III of the oratorio). Or use all 10 sessions in Pentecost to help participants appreciate this musical presentation of the gospel. Either way, this study presents great opportunities to delve into the study of old and new testament texts made familiar by music and to hear how musical settings for biblical texts help to amplify and convey their meaning. Sample Resource Book Session Sample Leader's Guide Session |
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ISAIAH Study the work of the prophet as faithful witness; a truth teller who speaks about what matters to God. Take a close look at this Old Testament book, the longest and the 2nd most quoted (after the Psalms) in the New Testament. Passages from Isaiah are included in each liturgical season of the church year, from Advent to Pentecost. Get a better understanding of the prophet’s message by exploring how that message was conveyed, and how it draws our attention to who God is and the works of God that are the basis for our hope and trust. |
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| ISAIAH – Part I HOLY, HOLY, HOLY 7 Sessions
by Boyd Lien Focusing on the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, Holy, Holy, Holy begins with passages we hear every Advent and Christmas. How do we understand prophetic literature and the challenges that reading Isaiah’s words present? Gain insights from themes of light and darkness, righteousness and justice, as well as the inclusion of songs and singing. Sample Resource Book Session Sample Leader's Guide Session |
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| Part II DO NOT BE AFRAID 6 Sessions Do Not Be Afraid (Part II) explores chapters 40 – 55. Following a period of devastation and sorrow for Judah, Isaiah 40 begins with God’s words of comfort. God’s faithfulness is affirmed. Good tidings that the Lord is coming are met with some puzzlement as he is depicted not as a mighty warrior, but as a shepherd. The people’s tears and laments are met with oracles of salvation. Part III YOUR LIGHT HAS COME 5 Sessions Your Light Has Come (Part III) delves into the final section, chapters 56-66, speaking to those who are coming home after living in exile. Their long experience of darkness is ending. Failures and sins are no longer the focus. Instead, the prophet presents the image of wanting to be shaped by the potter’s hands. Be astounded at the prophet’s vision of God’s mighty acts, the growth of his kingdom as all people gather, visions of a redeemed community with God’s creation of new heavens and new earth. God makes all things new! Sample Resource Book Session Sample Leader's Guide Session |
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| Hosanna: A Spiritual Journey Through Holy Week 5 Sessions
by Carol J. Miller Another opportunity for a “group walk” through all four Gospels and the writings of the apostle Paul as participants read and discuss together the events in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A study to use during Lent to help people understand the events that are being commemorated during Holy Week services. Or use this study at another time as an opportunity to focus on God’s message in the resurrection of Jesus, how the church is the body of Christ made visible in the sacrament of Communion, the Eucharist. These events explain why Jesus truly is the light of the world, and why all who follow him will not be walking in the dark. We have the light that gives life. (based on John 8:12) Sample Resource Book Session Sample Leader's Guide Session |
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The Bible—THE book of the community, by the community,
and for the community! |
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