Expressing the Joy of Advent
Prepper Church home | Print this service | Advent candle tips | Resources
Gathering
Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline. If you'd like to participate in communion and lighting of the advent candles, please be prepared to do so.
Service
I. Opening
Welcome and Introduction: Welcome, fellow preppers, to our service for the third Sunday in Advent. As we learn to overcome the challenges of preparing for uncertain times, let us also prepare our hearts for the arrival of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.
Opening Prayer: Gracious Lord, as we gather on this joyous occasion to reflect on the beauty of resourcefulness and the abundant blessings You provide, we invite Your presence among us. Open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of Your Word, guiding us in joyful stewardship and preparedness. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Advent Candles: Today we light the third Advent candle, called “The Bethlehem Candle” or sometimes called the candle of Joy. This candle commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3 (Amplified Bible) The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul.
II. Worship and Praise
Let's enter into a time of worship, reflecting on the value of Joy
Video Link: Twisted Sister - Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Reflection: The Twisted Sister version of Oh Come All Ye Faithful offers a fascinating opportunity to contemplate various aspects of perception, faith, and even societal biases. Here are some points to consider while listening or watching:
- Lyrics and Message Remain Constant: Although the band members appear significantly different from the traditional image of carol singers, the lyrics retain their original meaning of praise, anticipation, and celebration of Christ's birth. This begs the question: Does outward appearance affect the sincerity or validity of a message?
- Judgement Based on Looks: The contrast between the rockers' attire and the religious nature of the song invites us to reflect on their own tendencies to judge people based on appearance rather than their words or actions. Is it fair to dismiss a message based on the messenger's outward presentation?
- Heavy Metal Arrangement: The traditional carol is reimagined with heavy metal instrumentation and lead singer Dee Snider's powerful vocals. This drastic deviation challenges traditional interpretations of Christmas music and prompts us to consider how different musical styles can influence the feeling and understanding of a familiar song.
- Breaking Stereotypes: The Twisted Sister version can be seen as a challenge to stereotypical expectations of who can engage with religious themes or Christmas music. This encourages us to be more open-minded and inclusive in our perceptions of others and their beliefs.
- Starting a Conversation: This unconventional rendition presents an opportunity to engage in dialogue about faith, tradition, and societal prejudices. By sparking discussion and critical thinking, the song can contribute to a more understanding and tolerant world.
III. Communion
Let's partake in communion as we remember the profound sacrifice that began with the humble birth of our Savior.
Communion symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It's for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. We invite you to take communion at home, guiding you through preparation, prayer, and reflection. It's an opportunity to introduce the practice to your family, fostering meaningful conversations about its significance.
During the time of Communion, please share the cup and break the bread as is suitable for your gathering,
IV: Message: “The Joy of Being Resourceful”
In the Advent Week 2 service last week, we reflected on the wisdom in Proverbs (6:6-8 and then 21:20) and other Scriptures about being prepared. We also discussed Matthew 6:25-26 where we learned we are commanded not to worry about the future. Our conclusion was "We should not fearfully prepare for the future out of worry; we should joyfully prepare for the future because God has told us to do so and we know that He has promised in His Word to provide for us."
Therefore, it tracks that being resourceful aligns directly with the Biblical concept of stewardship. We can and should find great joy that we are preparing for the future and trusting in God all at the same time--two commands that come to us directly from Scripture.
Joy in Responsible Resource Management
Scripture: Proverbs 27:23-27 (Amplified Bible) Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And for the maintenance of your maids.
So now, let's ask: Reflecting on the shepherds' simple and resourceful lifestyle, how does their experience connect with the joy of being resourceful in our contemporary context?
Shepherds were the greatest of all survivalists--they not only had to survive themselves, but had weak and timid livestock to also care, protect, feed, and watch over. Sheep don't defend themselves very well against predators. The shepherd's simple lifestyle allowed them to be mobile and agile in defense of their flocks.
As we best utilize these resources that God has entrusted to us, we can see a physical proof here in the world that there is more than enough for everyone. The people of the world tell us we are running out of resources, but a resourceful person not only learns to "make do" but actually maximizes resources to peak efficiency. We can take heart in these blessed skills. We do not worry, but instead work diligently here on Earth to honor the Lord our God.
Joy in Giving Gifts
When we give gifts, we learn there is more than enough!
Scripture: Acts 20:35 (Amplified Bible) In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’
The giving of gifts is another great Christmas tradition. While we know that "it is better to give than to receive" no one really explains that. I believe that when we give to others we are reinforcing to ourselves that we live in a time and place of abundance.
Conclusion
This journey through the joy of resourcefulness has uncovered a profound connection between Biblical wisdom and practical living. The call to prepare for the future is not only a command from God but a pathway to stewardship, diligence and joy.
We honor the Lord through responsible stewardship and dispel unnecessary worry through our trust in Him. The act of giving gifts becomes a testimony to the abundant life we lead, rooted in the joy of resourcefulness. Let this message inspire us to wholeheartedly embrace both preparedness and generosity in our lives.
V: Offering
We trust each local group to manage their offerings locally, guided by faith and the Holy Spirit. Let all our generosity strengthen our community and reach those in need around us.
In other words: do collect the offering, but don't send it to me. You decide what to do with it.
VI: Closing
Closing Prayer: Gracious and Sovereign Lord, we thank You for the insights gained, the joy discovered, and the call to be resourceful stewards. As we conclude this time together, may Your wisdom guide our actions, and may the joy of resourcefulness be a beacon in our lives. Bless us, Lord, as we go forth to embrace both preparedness and generosity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Closing Remarks: As we depart from this time of reflection, may the joy of resourcefulness resonate in our hearts. Let us carry the wisdom of stewardship and preparedness into our daily lives, trusting in God's abundant provision. May the simplicity of the shepherds' lifestyle inspire us to be agile defenders of the resources entrusted to us. Go forth in joy, knowing that in embracing both preparedness and generosity, we honor the Lord.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Feel free to continue the celebration in your local groups, discussing the message, sharing your reflections, and enjoying fellowship. Here are a few points of reflection for the entire service that individuals and groups can discuss informally afterward:
- Reflect on a time when resourcefulness brought you joy.
- Share practical ways you can be a good steward of the resources in your life.
- Discuss the idea that preparing for the future is an act of trust in God's provision.
- How can the joy of giving reflect the abundance we experience in Christ?
- Consider ways to encourage a spirit of resourcefulness in your community.
- Is the Gospel Message of Salvation through Jesus Christ just for a select group of people, or is it for everyone?
- Have there been times when you have “pre-judged” someone based on their appearance and what you’ve heard about them rather than the words that come from their mouth and actions that come forth from their gifts?
Comments
Post a Comment