Week Four

Finding time to make room this Christmas

SEEDS TO SOW: CONSIDER DOING A REFLECTIVE LECTIO DIVINA READING *

Optional weekly challenge: Do all three from the previous weeks and add a Lectio Divina - reading. Check out Laura’s Lectio Divina reading on Genesis 32 to get the idea. Read Matthew 1: 18-25 in this style.

Read Matthew 1: 18-25

Finding time for grace!

Why did God find time to reassure Joseph in this way?

Read Isaiah 52: 7-10

Finding time to pass it on!

The sequence here builds from a single messenger, to an initial response (from the sentinels), to a wider response in verse 9, to the very ends of the earth.

Why do you think the message of peace and good news builds like this gradually rather than instantly going to verse 10?

Read Luke 2: 1-7

Finding time to make room this Christmas!

Room was made amongst humanity for God. Room was made in a busy Bethlehem. Room was made in the straw. Room was made in Mary’s heart.

Where are we making room this Christmas? Whom are we making room for? If we’re in a group looking at this material it may be that we inspire one another to make room in new ways! If you’re looking at the material on your own it may be that this is something to write and journal about. In either case we can pray to God to inspire us to make more room in our lives this Christmas.

* SEEDS TO SOW: We are experimenting with adding a new Seeds to Sow phrase at the beginning of each section. These are open-ended and optional prompts and are designed for people wanting to develop their own resources in response to the themes. Perhaps if you are using this material as a group you could use these prompts to inspire a time of prayer, or drawing, or creative writing? They are a short and sweet, simply a starting off place for you and your imagination. Tailor and develop as suits your group.