Contributed by Brian Hiortdahl, Overland, KS

Warm-up Question

What are you hoping for this Christmas?  What are you expecting?  Are your hopes and expectations the same, or are they different?

A Step Forward or Backward?

photo by marco rubino /shutterstock

Last month, a coalition of powerful world nations struck an initial deal with Iran, setting limits on its nuclear program while easing economic sanctions against the country.  Reaction to this breakthrough step has been mixed, with some praising it as a step forward toward stability, transparency, and peace, and others condemning it as a step backward that allows Iran to become more volatile, establishes a worrisome negotiating precedent, and makes the world more dangerous:

Discussion Questions

• Do you think this historic deal is a step forward or backward?  Why?
• What do you think Jesus would have to say about this development?
• Is there a comparable situation in your local community?  Who or what threatens peace and safety in your school or your neighborhood or your church?  What should be done about it, and who needs to talk together to work on a just solution?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, December 15, 2013 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Isaiah 35:1-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

John the Baptist wasn’t sure whether he could trust Jesus or not.  John held high ethical standards of righteousness and high expectations of a purifying Messiah who would clean house, clearly and decisively separating good from evil.  John’s undiplomatic clarity helped land him in prison when he preached against the adulterous shenanigans of the royal family, so he was unable to experience Jesus’ ministry firsthand.  He did get rumors and reports, however, of Jesus’ teaching and healing, which were full of power but not punishment.  John focused on an ax lying at the root of the trees; Jesus preached about sowing seeds.  John warned about a winnowing fork and a consuming fire; Jesus blessed the humble and warmed the heart.  John’s preaching was direct and confronted political power brokers; Jesus told strange stories that invited people without power into mysterious hope.

John sent his students to Jesus, therefore, with a typically direct question: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”  Jesus sent back a typically indirect, what-do-you-think reply:  “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”  He then praised John to the crowds and pointed to a new reality, “the kingdom of heaven,” which would surpass anything John could imagine, even though he was the greatest prophet ever to prepare its way.

John is left to wonder:  Is Jesus a step forward, or a step backward?  Is his bottom up, lift the lowly approach the surprising way that God has chosen to right the world, or is it an exercise in naive futility?  Is he bringing peace or being too soft?

Discussion Questions

•  Read Matthew 3:1-17 and 4:12-23.  What do the preaching of John and Jesus have in common?  How do they differ?  What does each preacher teach us about God?
• Would you rather have Jesus or John at the negotiating table with Iran?  Why?
• How is Jesus portrayed in media and popular culture?  What are our present day expectations of him, and are they realistic?
• If someone asked you about Jesus, what would you tell them?
• Traditionally, the season of Advent stresses the second coming of Jesus.  What do you think Jesus will look like when it happens?

Activity Suggestions

• As a group, make a list of typical holiday expectations.  Do these lead to hope and joy or to disappointment?
• Write a letter to your senator expressing your opinion about the deal with Iran, grounding your position in your Christian faith.

Closing Prayer

Come, thou long expected Jesus.  Prepare us for the kingdom of heaven, set us free from misguided expectations, and open our eyes to see the surprising gifts of grace you bring to us and to all the world.  Amen.

Contributed by Jocelyn Breeland, Fairfax, VA

Warm-up Question

Should a woman with Down Syndrome be allowed to decide where she will live?

Critical Choices

Jenny Hatch had a job she loved and had found a new place to live. Her parents had other ideas, but like most other 29-year-olds, Jenny thought her wishes should take precedence. However, because Jenny has Down Syndrome, it wasn’t that simple.

Jenny’s mother and stepfather, Julia and Richard Ross, petitioned a court to be declared guardians of their adult daughter. They wanted to decide where she lived, what medical treatment she received, and who she could see. They felt Jenny would be safest living in a group home.

Jenny had lived in several group homes and didn’t like them. She said they treated her like a child and took away her cell phone and computer. Jenny wanted to live with Kelly Morris and Jim Talbert, friends who also employed Jenny at their thrift shop.

Many people with disabilities find group homes to be a useful option. The best group homes provide needed services for people with disabilities, while supporting their right to make decisions concerning where they live and work, their relationships, and the community activities in which they will participate.  Jenny, however, did not believe a group home was the best choice for her.

In the end, a judge in Newport News VA ruled that, while Jenny could not live alone, her preferences should be considered. The judge named Morris and Talbert Jenny’s temporary guardians.

Disability rights activists are hailing this as a landmark decision. They hope that other courts will recognize that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Jenny can make decisions for themselves.

Discussion Questions

• Are Jenny’s parents right to be concerned for her welfare?
• Jenny Hatch is said to have an IQ of 50. Based on this, do you believe there should be limits on her ability to make choices about where she lives,who her friends are, and how she spends her free time, including her access to a computer or cell phone.
• People with disabilities face many barriers to inclusion in community activities and often require accommodation or support. How open is your congregation to people with disabilities? What accommodations are in place, or would be needed, for people with disabilities to engage in the life of your congregation?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, December 8, 2013 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Isaiah 11:1-10

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

There must have been great relief for the people in Jerusalem, Judea and around the Jordan who heard John’s words. The time of the Messiah had come, and he would surely wipe out their oppressors and restore Israel.

Matthew tells us that many came to be baptized and confess their sins. But there is also evidence here that the coming of the Christ would not be exactly what the people were expecting.  The Pharisees and Sadducees, although known for their adherence to the Law of Moses, tradition, and ritual, were in for a big shock. By all appearances, these were the most righteous of all. Yet John questions their sincerity and warns them that the one to come will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Some Jews of the time believed that Abraham was so virtuous that he secured a place in the life to come for himself and his descendants. John tells the leaders not to come to him merely going through the motions of confession and baptism and relying on their ancestor Abraham for their salvation. Instead, they must truly repent.  John warns them that absent true repentance the one who is coming will cut them down like trees which do not produce good fruit.

For modern Christians, this scripture offers insight into the purpose of Advent and how we should spend the weeks leading up to Christmas. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and we must prepare our hearts with repentance to receive the gift of Christ. This cannot be empty ritual.  We risk the fate of the chaff, separated from the wheat and destroyed in the fire.

Unlike John’s audience, we know the good news of the New Testament in which Jesus shows us how to open ourselves to God’s love and live joyfully according to God’s plan. This greatest gift, the presence of God in our world and lives, is what we spend the season of Advent preparing our hearts to receive.

Discussion Questions

•  John invited the people to confess and be baptized. Is there something similar in the way we observe Advent today?
• The Pharisees and Sadducees allowed tradition and ritual to distract them from sincere practice of their faith in all spheres of their lives. Are there similar distractions in your life?
• How do we “prepare the way of the Lord?”
• Are our Advent preparations only within our own hearts and minds, or is there something about the way we act in the world that is also a way of preparing?

Activity Suggestions

Write your own Advent hymn:

Without looking at a hymnal, make a list of all the Christmas hymns you can think of. Then make a list of all the Advent hymns you can think of. Odds are, your list of Advent hymns is much shorter, even though there are numerous examples in our hymnals. For some reason, many Advent hymns have failed to capture the imagination and stick in the mind the way Christmas songs do.   Here’s your change to change that.

First, consider the message of your hymn. Will it focus on what the arrival of Jesus will bring to the world? Will it focus on how we prepare ourselves for Christmas? Perhaps both, or something else entirely?   Write down some ideas for your hymn and begin to write the poem that will be the lyrics.

Set your words to music. The easiest way is probably to use an existing familiar tune.  The numbers at the bottom right of ELW hymns can help you find possible tunes which match then number of syllables in each line of your poem.

When you’re finished, sing your hymn. Consider including your new song in your worship this Advent season.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Father, as we anxiously await the celebration of Christmas, help us to remember to spend time preparing ourselves and our world to receive our blessed Messiah. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Contributed by Jay McDivett, Mequon, WI

Warm-up Question

How have the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan affected your family or friends?

Swords, Ploughshares, and John Lennon: War is Over?”

The U.S. has been engaged in active conflict in Afghanistan since October 7, 2001. While the country’s leaders have been working to bring troops home, with a hoped for deadline of December 31, 2014, recently an agreement was reached to extend an active presence of at least 10,000 U.S. troops long past that date.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the U.S. departure has been followed by an accelerated slide into civil war, which is one major factor shaping plans to stay in Afghanistan for the foreseeable future: We don’t want that country to go down the road that Iraq seems to be on.

Right next door, the international community is working to find peaceful solutions for what seems to be an escalating and open-ended civil war in Syria. If things continue to deteriorate and heat up, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will be able to avoid participating in yet another war in this divided region of the world.

Back at home, gun violence continues to weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of people all over the country. In the midst of violence abroad and at home, some are trying to find ways to open up space for peace. In Newburyport, MA, pastor Christopher Ney of Kids as Peacemakers and Central Congregational Church is urging people to take a week off from violent video games. Especially in this holiday season, as every gaming system is coming out with their newest games and consoles – nearly all of which include violent imagery – Ney is wondering if it might be time to take a break.

Discussion Questions

• Most of you probably do not remember a time when the U.S. was not engaged in active conflict/war. How does it feel – and how does it matter to you – to grow up during a time of war? How hopeful are you that there will ever be peace?
• How do you feel about Pr Ney’s suggestion of taking a week off from violent video games? What difference would it make?
• How often do you talk about the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, or anywhere else, in your household? What do you think explains how much – or how little – these things are on your minds as a family?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, December 1, 2013 (First Sunday of Advent)

Isaiah 2:1-5

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Biblical Reflection

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a season that is often overlooked in the midst of the Christmas rush. Christmas shopping and frivolity aside, frankly: not a lot of people want to hear the kinds of things that this season asks us to think about. Advent is not “business as usual.” Advent seeks to turn the world upside down. Advent says: “Pay attention! The way things are is not the way things should – or could – or will be.” More than anything, Advent is a reminder that nothing lasts forever. All things – people, countries, fortunes, trials – all things will come to an end.

This is both great and difficult news. It’s difficult because no one wants to talk about how all the good things we enjoy – family, friends, stuff, etc. – will not last forever. But it is also great news – because there is plenty of stuff that we have gotten accustomed to, things that are a part of “just the way things are,” that are not the way things ought to be.

For example: War.

The U.S. engagement in Afghanistan will soon become the longest war in this nation’s history. Especially for those who were born during or after 2001, war is simply a fact of life, especially for those who have family and friends in the armed services. This has been true for many of our brothers and sisters around the world, at many different times in history (just ask anyone from Afghanistan.  This isn’t the first time they’ve raised up a generation or more in the midst of war).

This was also true of our ancestors, the children of Israel. The prophet Isaiah lived during one of the longest stretches of war and international anxiety in the history of God’s people. The book begins around the time that the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrian empire. Isaiah lived in the southern kingdom (Judah), but he and his friends had lots of family in the north. Everyone in Judah and Jerusalem (the capital) lived in constant fear that they were next. Indeed, the southern kingdom met its doom 140 years later. That means the people of Judah lived in a heightened state of anxiety and conflict for several generations. They knew nothing but “wars and rumors of wars.” A strange time to raise your kids, to be sure.

Into this anxious and dangerous time, God sent Isaiah with a vision of massive transformation: The time of war will come to an end. All the weapons of war will be pounded into implements for farming. As my favorite Old Testament professor, Dr Ralph Klein, likes to say (and I’m paraphrasing his own paraphrase): “They shall pound their rifles into lawn mowers, and their tanks into John Deere tractors.” There will come a time when we will have no more use for the stuff that kills – only for the things that help us grow and live.

Lots will have to change in order for this vision to become a reality. Some of that is our work to do. But ultimately, in a world that loves war and violence as much as we do, this Advent vision of soldiers-turned-farmers is something only God can bring to birth. In the meantime, as we wait and watch, we hold onto the promise that someday we will be raising children in a time of peace – here and everywhere. Someday, the fields of Afghanistan will be full of waves of grain, not laced with landmines. Someday, by God’s grace, all the bloodstained clothes will be bleached and sparkling white. Someday, the old John Lennon carol (surely you’ve heard it at Target in the last few days) will actually ring true: “Happy Christmas: War is Over.”

This is what Advent is all about: We sing and pray as if the world is becoming something other than what it is today. And by God’s grace alone – it is.

Discussion Questions

• How does your family observe the season of Advent? How could you observe this season more intentionally?
• What are some things about “the way things are” that you wish could change? What are some things about “the way things are” that you hope will stay the same?
• When you think about things you hope will change, how do you think that will happen? What role do you play in that? What part belongs to others? What part belongs only to God?
• How long do you think it will take for us to live in a world without war and violence? What will make that day come faster or slower?

Activity Suggestions

Activity #1: “Swords into ploughshares”

Grab a stack of newspapers, magazines, catalogs, whatever. Invite the youth to find images of violence – movie/video game ads, images of fake (or real) guns, etc. Cut them into pieces and turn them into images of peace, growth, life, and love (crops, food, peace sign, tractors/shovels, dinner tables, etc.). Hang these up somewhere in the church, with a sign/banner that reads: “Swords into ploughshares.”

Activity #2: “A world without war”

Get a map of the world.  (Google image search “world map”; you get things like this: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world_maps/world_physical_2012.pdf)

Circle places in the world where you know there are conflicts, wars, etc.

Gather around the map and invite participants to lay their hands/fingers on a place in the world where there is conflict (and, really, that could be anywhere). Invite them to pray about those places – and particularly children who are growing up there – that those kids and those places might know peace. You may or may not want to listen to John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas: War is Over” while you do this J.

Closing Prayer

God, this world is in love with war. We, however, are not – and neither are you. Help us look for signs of hope, work for moments of peace, and continue to dream about a world without war and violence. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” In the meantime, as much as you are able, keep us safe. Amen

Contributed by Lindean Barnett Christenson, Bozeman, MT

Warm-up Question

• How do you hope to be remembered at the end of your high school (college/current) career?
• How do you hope to be remembered at the end of your life? By whom?

It’s Good to be Remembered

Friday, November 22^nd marks the 50^th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. For much of this month there have been special editions of news magazines on the stands, special segments on the nightly radio and television news, and hours of TV specials replaying highlights from Kennedy’s life, footage from his presidency, and endless talk of conspiracy theories regarding his death. Remembering JFK and his death is evidently important in the US on this 50^th anniversary.

At the same time, the news is full of images and stories coming from the Philippines after super-typhoon Haiyan. The storm system killed hundreds, if not thousands, most of whose names we in the US will never know. Millions have been affected in some way, and the relief and rebuilding efforts will undoubtedly take years – and continue even after the next disaster or tragedy takes over the airwaves. For many people around the world, the devastation of the typhoon will be “old news,” and largely forgotten, sooner than later.

Discussion Questions

• Do you think it’s important for students today to study mid-twentieth century events? Why or why not?
• Do you think it’s important for students today to study current events? Why or why not?
• What do you feel like you should do to remember JFK? Or those suffering in the Philippines? Why?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, November 24, 2013 (Christ the King Sunday)

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Colossians 1:11-20

Luke 23:33-43

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The request from one of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus sounds so different from all the other words hurled at Jesus on his way to death on the cross.

The religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, and even the other criminal being executed by crucifixion all mocked Jesus and scoffed at him. IF you are the Messiah, then SAVE yourself, they said, assuming that of course if Jesus had the power to save himself, he would. But Jesus is a Messiah who saves others only by not saving himself, demonstrating what sort of king he really is.

Somehow, the second criminal saw the truth of what was happening: that he had been rightly condemned for his guilt, but Jesus was innocent. He didn’t demand to be rescued from his fate. He asked to be remembered, not to be forgotten, perhaps perceiving that Jesus would enter his glory not by coming down from the cross but by dying on it. And Jesus promised him a place in paradise.

In baptism we, too, are promised life with God, now and forever – because Jesus died and was raised again. Jesus will remember you, too.

Discussion Questions

• What do you make of the second criminal’s request that Jesus remember him? Is it surprising? Not surprising?
• When you are desperate, do you pray? What words do you use?
• How is “remembering” part of your life of faith? What other Bible stories/verses can you think of that talk about remembering? (“Do this in remembrance of me…”; Remember your creator in the days of your youth (Eccl 12); Remember the Sabbath day, etc.) How does what you remember determine who you become?
• How are the promises of baptism meaningful to you in your day to day life? How does it feel to know Jesus remembers you?

Activity Suggestions

• Ask several people who are old enough to remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, and what they remember about that day and subsequent events. If there are other dates important in your community, ask about those as well (the Challenger explosion, 9/11, etc.).
• Using online resources, learn about ongoing relief/repair efforts in places affected by tragedy in the past few years. (Haiti post-earthquake, Japan post-tsunami, Gulf Coast post-Katrina and post-Deepwater Horizon oil-spill, might be places to start). Discuss the leadership and support of those efforts.  Who’s there? Where and how do you see the kingdom of God in those places?
• Create a list of those who might feel “forgotten” in your community and around the world. Brainstorm ways you can remember them (perhaps an ongoing prayer list, sending notes, visiting, collecting resources for disaster victims). Choose one or two and make a plan to follow through.

Closing Prayer

Christ our King, in love you chose to save others by not saving yourself. Remind us again that your kingdom is coming, and that it is among us.  Remind us that in your kingdom the lowly are lifted up, the lost are found, and the last are first. Help us remember you and the life to which you call us. In your holy name we pray, Amen

Contributed by David Dodson, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Warm-up Question

What natural disasters and dangers exist where you live?  How do you prepare for an emergency situation at home and at school?

Tick, Tick, BOOM!

The National Geographic Channel show “Doomsday Preppers” chronicles the lives and practices of “survivalists,” people who put a great deal of thought and effort into preparing for major catastrophes.  These survivalists are concerned about a wide range of disasters, anything from natural disasters to the end of the world.  Their preparations can include anything from the construction of survival bunkers to planting self-sustaining gardens, storing fuel, and hoarding food.

Braxton and Kara Southwick of Salt Lake City were the first “Preppers” to be profiled on the show.  In an interview, the Southwicks offered some insight into their motivation for all of this preparation.  While Braxton doesn’t believe in any specific doomsday scenario, he says that he is generally concerned about changes he perceives in the world.  And while he doesn’t think that the world is going to be ending any minute, he doesn’t regret being prepared.  As he puts it, if you’re preparing for a doomsday scenario, “you’re just as prepared for a hurricane or an economic collapse or a nuclear weapon.”

The Southwicks admit that their prepping may strike others as “kooky”, but they plan to keep at it.  Even if no disaster strikes, they say that they enjoy “prepping” as a hobby.  As Braxton says, “It’s our little pet project. Some people collect China and trinkets. We collect food and other things. We’ll use all our food and fuel eventually.”

(The full interview can be found at http://www.livescience.com/24685-doomsday-preppers-interview.html)

Discussion Questions

•  What would you think about the Southwicks if they were your neighbors?
• Is there such a thing as being “too prepared”?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, November 17, 2013 (Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

Malachi 4:1-2a

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

A “doomsday prepper” would certainly be riled up by Jesus’ words in the Gospel!  In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives his followers quite an apocalyptic view, warning them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.”

Sounds frightening, indeed!  But Jesus isn’t trying to scare his followers.  In fact, he points out that even before any of those things happen, his disciples will find themselves persecuted for following Jesus and proclaiming the Good News of God to the entire world.

Despite these predictions, Jesus doesn’t advise his followers to hoard food or hide from the authorities.  He even tells them “not to prepare [their] defense in advance”.  Those who want to follow the will of God should not try to prepare for every possibility, but to simply trust God and do God’s work from day-to-day.  Imagine living that way!  What would it be like to live each day as if it could be the last chance you have to do God’s work?  What would you do differently?

In the book of Acts, we find that the early Church did live very differently after hearing Jesus’ words.  In Acts 2:44-47, we find, “All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Living for God today can change our priorities.  We value people more than things.  We spend more time with God and less time by ourselves.  We treasure our families – both at home and in our church.  And what’s more, God richly blesses us and gives us more and more to be thankful for.

And so, remember:  Jesus is coming – look busy!

Discussion Questions

•  How does your family set aside time to spend together?  What about your youth group?
• What would you say is the most important thing you did last week?  Why would you consider it important?

Activity Suggestions

Ephesians 6: 13-17 lists the Armor of God, including such things as the Breastplate of Righteousness and the Sword of the Spirit.  Write your own list: God’s Emergency Kit.  Use Ephesians as a model for crafting an allegory or series of images which describes how we are to live each day.

Closing Prayer

God our Protector and Provider, we thank you for the rich blessings you bestow upon our families, our church, and our world.  We are grateful for all that you provide us on a daily basis and we know that we often become too comfortable with your gifts.  Please help us to remember to be your hands to a world in need and guide us to do your will today.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen