Advent 2

We’re one week in and we’ve already contemplated the deep season of Waiting that we have been called into. Advent is a long journey - not just 4 weeks, but for thousands of years generations of Christians have been waiting for Christ to come again. We wait, but not without hope. Now this week, we see that we are called to wait, but while we wait we have peace in our hearts from God, and are called to be peacemakers in the world. Let’s dive into the theme of Peace this week!

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Anchor Texts:

Isaiah 40:1-11 ESVUK - Comfort for God's People

Matthew 3:1-3 ESVUK - John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Matthew 11:28-30 MSG - “Are you tired?”

Questions to Ponder:

1. What is the difference between the “comfort” offered in Isaiah 40 and our desire to be “comfortable”?

2. This about your relationships with others and your relationship with God. What do you need “comfort” for in your life right now?

3. Read the Isaiah 40 and Matthew 3 passages. What does it mean for the world if John is the one Isaiah prophesied about?

4. Pastor Nate talked about how the ultimate exile and slavery we need to be saved from is from the power of Sin, Death and the Devil - now consider the lyrics to the carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. What does “tidings of comfort and joy” mean in light of meditating on Isaiah 40 together?

   1. Here are two alternate versions of the lyrics which may also help you think about the words:

   2. (1775 version) God rest you, merry gentlemen,
      Let nothing you dismay,
      Remember Christ our Saviour
      Was born on Christmas-day
      To save poor souls from Satan's power,
      Which long time had gone astray.
      And it is tidings of comfort and joy.

      (1961 verson) God rest you merry, gentlemen,
      Let nothing you dismay,
      For Jesus Christ our Saviour
      Was born upon this day,
      To save us all from Satan's power
      When we were gone astray:
      O tidings of comfort and joy,
      comfort and joy,
      O tidings of comfort and joy.

The Theme in Song:

Here’s a great, very Irish version of the classic carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”! Keith and Kristen Getty are always a wonderful choice if you’re looking for excellent songs arranged and performed well!

Another song referenced this week is the wonderful, simple song “I’ve Got Peace like a River”. Here’s a version that’s been taken to the next level - listen and soak it in!

The Theme for Kids:

This week, we’ll let “navigator Nate” instead of Pastor Nate explain the second week of advent to the kids!