Description 

The yearly celebration of the Advent season is a time of both recollection and anticipation.  During Advent we focus on the arrival of Jesus in human history.  We recall his birth, his "becoming flesh," his coming into our world.  And we look forward in faithful expectation to his return at the end of time.  At the same time, we celebrate the fact that the birth of Jesus has ushered in a new era, a time in which God is present here and now in a new and intimate way through the Spirit of Jesus Christ present among us.  This is the mystery of the Incarnation, the central fact of Christian faith, which we celebrate at Christmas.

   In this three-part bible study from Little Rock Scripture Study we will reflect on passages from Scripture which help us remember, recognize and anticipate this encounter with God in our lives as Catholic Christians.

Weekly Themes

How can this be?
Our theme this Advent comes from Mary’s response to Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation: “How can this be?” This question comes from true surprise and wonder, and a willingness for the answer. And God chose to become human, a baby boy born of Mary.
 
This Advent, let us each sit with the same question—How can this be?--and see how God responds.

Week One -- Encountering God in the Incarnate Word.

Advent Week 1: How can this be?    God is faithful.
“Be watchful! Be alert!” Jesus proclaims in the Gospel today.
This can remind us that our Advent waiting is intended to be active anticipation. The Gospel today could sound ominous, but also could be God saying, “prepare to be surprised.”  
Some questions for reflection this first week of Advent:
• Our world can be very scripted and hyper-scheduled. How can I make room to be surprised by God?
• Where or how might God be calling me to “stay awake” in my life?
• How might I be called to reflect upon the statement, “God is faithful”? 
 

Week Two -- Recognizing Our Daily Encounter with the Divine

Advent Week 2: How can this be?    The Lord does not delay his promise.
Our Scriptures today speak of preparing the way of the Lord. We can consider Mary’s preparations for the birth of her Son, seeking God's guidance to be Jesus' mother. We, too, want to make ourselves ready for the Lord's coming by turning to God in repentance. The Lord does not delay his promise, and He seeks to save us through His mercy and peace.
 
Some questions for reflection this second week of Advent:  
• Along with all the practical ways of getting ready for Christmas, how can I prepare my heart to welcome Jesus?
• Where or how might God be seeking to surprise me with his mercy and peace?

Week Three -- Anticipating the Fullness of Encounter with Christ

Advent Week 3: How can this be? God’s justice among the nations.
Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, reminding us to “rejoice!” God brings forth justice, and our souls rejoice along with Mary.
In this third week of Advent, as we journey with Mary, we realize that this baby Jesus is definitely going to change things. In the Gospel, the people seem confused by John the Baptist, who recognizes his role to testify to the Light to come. John’s message shows the need to leave room, and to prepare for delight at Who is to come.

Some questions for reflection:

• Where/how would you cry out for God’s justice among the nations?
• Like John the Baptist, we, too, are called to give evidence to Jesus’ light with humility and love. How might you testify to the light as you continue to prepare for Christmas?
• What would it mean for you to leave room in your soul for delight?

Advent Week 4: How can this be? Nothing is impossible for God.
As we journey with Mary in the fourth week of Advent, our celebration of the Nativity of the Lord is just hours away. Our anticipation heightens. “Behold,” Angel Gabriel says to Mary: God wants to reside with his people, born as a baby. What seems to make no sense, what seems impossible, requires only the consent of this humble girl from Nazareth. Behold, nothing is impossible for God.

Some questions for reflection:

•  “Nothing is impossible for God.” How have you witnessed the truth of these words? How do you need to experience the truth of these word now?
• God’s wanting to be with us—with you--extends beyond Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem—it’s for all eternity. What does this truth mean to you?
• “May it be done according to you word.” How may you be called to offer your own fiat today?

Schedule

Inperson -- Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19.   6:30 pm.
O'Hagan Hall, Sacred Heart Parish

Inperson -- Thursdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 6, 13. 7:00pm.
Scallon Hall, Queen of Peace Parish

Online -- Mondays, December 4, 11, 18. 7:00pm.
Use this link to join the online discussion

Registration

Registration is not required for inperson groups.
Register to participate in the online discussion at bit.ly/advent-bible-study

Sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Northeast Iowa.

December 1-3, 2023. New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, Iowa. 

The retreat will include time for silent prayer, reading of scripture, communal prayer, and free time.  Registration of $175 includes meals and overnight accommodations.  Learn more and register at Eventbrite.com (search for Waiting, Watching and Longing).

Tuesday, December 5th. 7pm-8pm.