As Alongsiders we join follow the rhythms of the historic church calendar in solidarity with so many around the globe. December begins the church calendar with the season of Advent, a time of waiting, expectation and preparing our hearts for God to be born into the world for and through each of us. Below are are reflections given at our Sunday Gatherings for the 2025 Advent season.
ENGAGEMENT
• How do I experience God's abundance/presence?
• Who is missing at my table? OR Who is at my table that l've been missing? Who are the "enemies" I've been unwilling to make space for?
• What does it cost me to practice the kind of peace that creates belonging rather than just comfort? Why do I avoid it?
ENGAGEMENT
• When have you experienced joy that felt like defiance - joy that refused to let despair or injustice have the last word? What did that feel like? And what made it possible?
• Who are you tempted to throw stones at right now - either literally or metaphorically? And what would it look like to throw them a party instead? Or at least to stop throwing stones?
• Where might you be standing outside the party right now, too busy keeping score or nursing resentment to join the celebration What would it take for you to go inside?
ENGAGEMENT
• What invitation might God be extending to you right now - not to comfort, but to becoming a space where something holy could be born? What's your particular "door" that God is knocking on?
• When have you experienced being welcomed exactly as you are, without having to earn it or clean up first? What did that feel like? And who might need that kind of welcome from you right now?
• What would it look like for you to practice Mary's "yes" this week? To leave one door open, even if you can't control what that might cost or where it might lead?