Enjoying the Company

Company's Coming

First Sunday after Christmas, Year B

There is an inevitable let down after Christmas. This is December 27, only two days after the day that most are still digesting. The other phenomenon that normally occurs at this time is that folks are starting to depart; families are returning home; people are going back to work. That may all be different now, even as we will still be recovering or enduring the pandemic. But there is still a shift in thinking, in focus, in direction in these Christmastide worship experiences.

Week 5: Enjoying the Company

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 and Luke 2:22-40

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal. (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants share what was most memorable in 2020.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read Isaiah 61:10-62:3 and Luke 2:22-40

  • What does it tell us about Jesus that his parents brought him to Jerusalem for the ritual of purification and for what was customary under the law? [Jesus was raised in an observant Jewish home.]
  • What does the Scripture mean that Simeon was looking for the “consolation” of Israel? [He was looking for the long-promised time when God would decisively act in Israel’s history so that justice and righteousness would become commonplace.]
  • Why might have Simeon’s words in verse 32 have been surprising to some? [It includes the Gentiles. Simeon is prophesying that salvation is not just for the Jewish people, but the whole world.]
  • How would you have felt about Simeon’s words if you were Joseph or Mary? How do you think Mary felt after Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul too?
  • How is the story of Anna similar to the story of Simeon? [She too was looking forward to the redemption of Israel.]
  • What do we learn about the ministry of Jesus from these stories? [Jesus’ ministry would be about the redemption of Israel and would radiate to the whole world.]

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Ask for a volunteer to lead the group in prayer or read the following prayer in unison:

Faithful God, thank you for faithful men and women like Simeon and Anna who are intentional about seeking the reconciliation of the world. Help us to be hospitable to all those we encounter, listening to hear their hurts and hopes. Amen.

In This Series...


First Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes First Sunday after Christmas, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday after Christmas, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes

Colors


  • Gold
  • White

In This Series...


First Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes First Sunday after Christmas, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday after Christmas, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes