Morning Worship

Bishop Justus Church of England Bishop Justus Church of England SchoolSchool

  

HopeHope

Season of AdventSeason of Advent

1313thth December 2013 December 2013

Gather

The Lord be with you

And also with youAnd also with you

ReceiveThe Lord says, “Bethlehem , Ephrathah, you are one of

the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler

for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.”

Micah 5 :2While there were in Bethlehem….she gave birth to her

first son,wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger.

Luke 2: 6 & 7 

What are your hopes? What are your hopes for Christmas?Find out about the situation in Israel today ... What do you know about the conflict in the Holy Land? Use the information from the BBC web to fill in any gaps http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special_reports/middle_east_crisis/

What would you hope for if you lived in Israel?What situations seem or feel hopeless to you today?

Image of Church of the Nativitythis today is an area frequented by many visitors to the Holy Land and is the site where Jesus was thought to be born. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Birthplace_of_Jesus.jpg

As the image demonstrates in the Church of the Nativity it is possible to step down to the grotto where a metal star in the floor marks the supposed site of Jesus’ birth. How does this contrast to the bible verse from today?Discuss reactions to these contrasting images; the ornate church with the poor, dirty and lowly stable. How like our world are these contrasts?DostoevskyWrote ‘totally without hope one cannot live. To live without hope is to cease to live.’ how does this make you feel, what does this tell you about the need for hope?

Listento the words of Christ be our light http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiJrLx41QGs which reminds us that despite everything Jesus Christ brings light to seemingly dark situations.  Discuss how Christians understand that Jesus is our Hope?

Engage

Respond

Gracious God,Teach us to live every moment of every day in the light of the eternal hope Jesus Christ who was born for each one us as that Christ-child in the manger. Help us to trust more fully in You and Your promises when all around us seems hopeless.Through Jesus Christ our Lord and SaviourAmen.  

GoOur Lord says I am coming soon.Amen. Come Lord Jesus.