Read about John the Baptist
John preached boldly in the wilderness and lived a lifestyle outside of the norm for that time. Think back to a time when you needed to act boldly in your life of faith.
What did you do and how was it received?
Children of Castrovirreyna, Peru
A christian ministry coordinates with educational institutions and health facilities to promote social and behavioral change that advances good nutrition and hygiene habits. Home visits raise awareness about anemia and parasites, teach children about the importance of hand washing and improve household hygiene practices. For children, anemia blocks correct brain development, limiting their learning and opportunities in the future.Their generosity means the children of Castrovirreyna will grow up strong and healthy, thriving in their homes and leading their communities in the future.
Watch a Video of the ministry.
DISCUSS
- What captured your attention in the video?
- What did you learn about the Castrovirryena community in Peru?
- How would your life be different if you had one road in and out of your community?
- Deysi hopes that her baby grows up to be kind and happy. What are the hopes and dreams you have for yourself and your family (immediate, extended and/or church family)?
https://lwr.org/downloads/advent-2022-small-group-study-guide-week-2
In today’s gospel, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
His voice cries out in the wilderness, an unexpected place to hear God’s word. John was considered a wild man — eating locusts and honey, living on the margins of society, called to live a different way. When we think of
repentance, we often think of feeling sorry for things we’ve done wrong. And that’s certainly part of repentance, but John is inviting us to think more deeply. Repenting is a chance to turn away from the values of this world which leave us dissatisfied —status, wealth, power — and allows us to reframe our thinking in preparation for Jesus’ birth.
In Advent, we are called to make room for Jesus to enter our lives. We hear John’s message of repentance and confession in preparation of the coming Savior and are reminded that his is a message for us as well. We too are called to repent and confess our sins so that Christ’s love can come into us and
transform our lives for the sake of the world. Jesus is coming not to condemn us for our sins, but rather to help us to see his face in our neighbor’s. This Advent, we have an opportunity to think differently about how we help bring Jesus’ promise of a better future to our communities, whether here in the U.S. or in places like Peru. Read together Matthew 3:1-12.
Christmas Quiz
