Second 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 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 this Monday 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.

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:  Third Sunday of Advent YEAR B

John 1:6-8, 19-28

There stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me.

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Both John the Baptist and Jesus call for us to witness to a message that challenges our largely comfortable lifestyles.

  1. Describe one element of your Christian witness that you consider to be good.
    What element needs more work? (Share in your group.)
  2. John tells the people that the Messiah is present, hidden in their midst. For you, where/who is the face of Jesus, hidden in the ordinariness of everyday life?
  3. There is still time to tell the cluster "What gives you hope this Christmas" ...
End of Prayer resource