Description: Through this unique approach to a seasonal small group, you can facilitate a fresh encounter with the familiar scriptures of Jesus’ birth.
Get Ready
- Prep Time: You should start planning for the series a month or so before Advent. Each week, you will need approximately 30 minutes to create a handout for that week’s study.
- Volunteers Needed: No additional volunteers are required. (TIP: If you have more than 10 people interested in joining a small group, you may wish to create multiple groups, which would require a facilitator for each small group.)
- Supplies: Handout for each week, Bibles (NRSV is a good translation), pens or pencils.
- Reserve the Space: Find a space on parish property large enough for your group. It should be a comfortable space, but one that allows for sharing.
- Ideal Group Size: Three-10 participants. If you have more than 10, consider having multiple groups.
- Who is this for? All young adults (and beyond!)
- When is a good time for this? Once a week during the four weeks of Advent. Before or after a weekend liturgy is ideal.
- Publicize the Program: Emphasize the short-term commitment entailed in this program. It’s only four weeks! It’s also a nice way to add a new spiritual practice to one’s life as we approach Christmas and the calendar year concludes.
Prayer for Program Planner: God among us, open my eyes and heart to encounter your Word anew, so that I may support others in meeting You anew today.
Community Building: The aim of this type of Bible study is not learning all the facts and figures of Jesus’ birth, but rather inviting young adults, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discover the truth and relevance of the birth narratives of Jesus in a new way. By inviting young adults to share the personal resonance of the scriptures with the larger group, they have the opportunity to build community through personal sharing.
