First Sunday of Advent B

The following resources are in the form of a video presentation

  • The readings for the day
  • (a useful commentary on these readings here )
  • A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex
  • Prayers of Intercession
  • Final Blessing
  • Closing reflective music

Having listened to the readings and helped by Fr Alex's reflection on them, you might want simply to reflect yourself on what you have heard and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.

If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.
The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the coming of our Saviour. How we do it this year might be different. If we are not coming to church services, perhaps we might join with other parishioners on a Monday evening at 7pm for the four Advent sessions? Details are in the Cluster News.

1. Find a quiet space and time this week and put yourself consciously in God’s presence. Try to clear your mind of everyday thoughts and tasks needing to be done; ask God to come into your heart. “Stay awake” to what might come into your mind.

2. Do you have a favourite Advent hymn? Find a version of it on the ‘net and sing along with it. What feelings and memories does it bring up? (Share with your group if you are in one)

3. Start to think how you are going to play an active part in the life of the cluster this Christmastide.

Preparing for next week

For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel,

the text can be found here .

Preparing for next week’s gospel:  Second Sunday of Advent YEAR B

Mark 1:1-8 Make his paths straight.

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

The message today is one of preparation: hills to be levelled, valleys filled and roads to be made straight. I suppose we might see it as “decluttering our lives” so that we can focus on the coming birth of someone who will change the world forever after.

1. Tell about a time when someone helped you to see the need to change something in your life. (Share in your group)

2. We have been asked to think about this question “What gives you hope this Christmas?” Find time to reflect on this, maybe write something down – maybe even send in a short 20 second video clip of your thoughts and feelings to southedclust@btinternet.com to give others hope who might be struggling at this time. Put "Hope" in the subject line.

3. Join others in the cluster on Mondays at 7pm for Advent Session 2 where we share our hopes and dreams with each other.

To join: email cluster.alpha@outlook.com with the subject heading "Advent" for a zoom link.

End of Prayer resource