A 10 WEEK STUDY FOR ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY

Produced by St Asaph Cathedral

Advent is a very important and at the same time often neglected season. The constraint of time often means that it comes upon us unawares. I am very grateful to all the people who have complied this advent resource for the cathedral chapter and we offer it from the mother church as a resource to parishes, deaneries and mission areas to use as part of our journey to Christmas. With every blessing, Nigel Y Tra Barchedig / The Very Reverend Nigel H Williams (Deon Llanelwy /Dean of St Asaph)

INTRODUCTION AND LEADER’S NOTES Definition of Advent: - ‘Advent’ simply means ‘coming’ as in Christ’s coming both at His birth and His second coming in power and glory to bring His Kingdom into fruition. It is a period of expectation, anticipation & preparation. Advent Wreath: - The wreath means ‘victory’ as in Christ’s victory over sin. The wreath is circular with no beginning and no end symbolizing Christ’s eternity. The evergreens mean He is ‘ever with us.’ Advent Candles: - The 4 outer candles represent the 4 centuries of waiting between the last prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. 3 are usually purple and represent royalty, 1 pink candle represents joy, whilst the white candle in the centre represents purity. Alternatively some wreaths have 4 red candles again representing royalty. All the candles represent the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. Advent 1:- Words from the Eucharist in Advent Minister Who does this first candle on this First Sunday of Advent represent? People It stands for the Patriarchs, the ancestors of Jesus; for Abraham and Sarah, for Isaac and Jacob; and for King David, whose city was Bethlehem. Advent 2:- Words from the Eucharist in Advent Minister Who does this second candle on this Second Sunday of Advent represent? People It stands for the Prophets, who spoke God’s word to his people; for Isaiah and Micah, Zechariah and Malachi. They told of the Saviour God promised to send. Advent 3:- Words from the Eucharist in Advent Minister Who does this third candle on this Third Sunday of Advent represent? People It stands for John the Baptist, who prepared the way of the Lord. He stood by the Jordan baptising the people. Repent, he said, for the coming of the Lord is near. Advent 4:- Words from the Eucharist in Advent

Minister Who does this fourth candle on this Fourth Sunday of Advent represent? People It stands for the Virgin Mary, full of grace. The angel told her she

would be the Mother of the Lord. Within her womb she carried Jesus, God’s own Son.

WEEK 1 The Candle of Expectation and Hope as the Patriarchs are promised Christ’s coming. INTRODUCTION Definition of Advent Symbolism of the wreath Colour of 1st candle Words spoken at the lighting of the 1st candle Candle also referred to as the candle of Expectation and Hope STUDY Q1. WHO ARE THE PATRIARCHS? Q2. WHO WAS SARAH? Q3. WHO WAS KING DAVID?

Let us read a little about each character and identify how they were full of expectation and hope. READ Gen 12: 1-3 Q4. Pick out the 7 ‘I will’s’ God promised Abram. See Peter’s interpretation of this verse Acts 3: 24 - 26 See Paul’s interpretation of this verse Galatians 3 : 6 – 9 Abraham knew that someone greater than himself would come into the world through his race and be a blessing to the world. READ Gen 17: 15 -22 and Gen 21: 1-4 Abraham’s 2nd son was Isaac. God repeated His promise to Isaac. READ Gen 26 : 1-6 Q5. How did Isaac show he believed God? Isaac had twin sons Esau and Jacob READ Genesis 28 : 10 – 15 NB. God’s promise again in v14 So God had now appeared to 3 generations of the same family promising that one day through one of their offspring all people would have the opportunity of being blessed. READ 2 Samuel 7 : 11b -16 SEE ultimate fulfilment in Matt. 1 : 1 Q6. How can we today be full of expectation and hope? Our Gospel reading this week helps us answer this question. READ LUKE 21 : 5 -36 Discuss which verses should raise our expectation of Christ’s 2nd coming. Q7. Which verses give us hope?

WEEK 1 The Candle of Expectation and Hope as the Patriarchs are promised Christ’s coming. Mission Area focus: What expectations do we have for the future of our parishes as we move from Deaneries to Mission Areas?

WEEK 2. The Candle of Preparation as the Prophets speak of Christ’s coming. INTRODUCTION Definition of Advent Brief recap of Week 1 study title Colour of 2nd candle Words spoken at the lighting of 2nd candle Candle also referred to as the candle of Preparation STUDY There are 4 major prophets and 12 minor prophets who have writings in the Old Testament. (major only because of the length of their writings) PROPHET means ‘speak for’ Each of the prophets mentioned in the Advent 2 statement anticipate both the 1st & 2nd coming of the Messiah and urge their listeners and readers to prepare for those events. READ a) Isaiah 7 :14 b) Isaiah 11:1 - 5 c) Micah 5 :1 - 2 d) Zechariah 9:9 e) Malachi 3: 1a Q1. Look at each of these references in the light of Christ’s 1st coming. READ a) Isaiah 24 :1 – 3 b) Micah 4 : 1 - 7 c) Zechariah 14 : 1 - 9 and : 20 - 21 d) Malachi 3 : 1 – 4 (O.T. reading for Advent 2) Q2. Look at each of these references in the light of Christ’s 2nd coming. READ 2 Peter 3 : 8 - 15a Q3. Discuss God’s point of view on time Q4. Can you see anything happening in the world today that links with v 10? Q5. Discuss the 4 priorities Peter urges every Christian to have a) Live a holy life v11 b) Be godly v11 (devoted to worship & service of God) c) Look forward to ‘The Day of the Lord.’:12 & 13 d) Speed its coming v12 Mission Area focus: What are our priorities for the next year as a MA or emerging MA?

WEEK 3. The Candle of Joy as John the Baptist hails Christ’s Coming. INTRODUCTION Definition of Advent Brief recap of Week 1 & 2 study title Colour of 3rd candle Words spoken at the lighting of 3rd candle Candle also referred to as the candle of Joy STUDY READ Luke 3 : 1 - 6 Q1. How did John ‘prepare the way of the Lord?’ Q2. How was John’s baptism different from what we know as baptism today? Q3. What does the word ‘repent’ mean to you? READ Advent 3 Gospel Luke 3 : 7 – 18 Q4. From John’s teaching what must we do to experience joy? READ Matthew 3 : 1 – 12 Q5. Look at the letters that make up the word JOY J = JESUS first O = OTHERS next Y = YOURSELF last Discuss how John totally fulfilled each of these steps. Q6. How can we look forward with joy to celebrating Christ’s birth? Q7. How can we look forward to Christ’s second coming with Joy? Q8. Consider the difference between Happiness and Joy? Mission Area focus: How are we celebrating the joy of our Christian life with others?

WEEK 4 The candle of Love as the Virgin Mary carries the coming Christ.

INTRODUCTION

The definition of Advent Brief recap of Week 1, 2 & 3 study title Colour of 4th candle Words spoken at lighting of 4th candle Candle also referred to as the candle of Love STUDY READ Luke 1: 26 – 38 From this passage Q1. How does this reading link with what we learned in week 1? Q2. What phrases from this reading reflect Mary being ‘full of grace’? Continue reading Luke 1 : 39 - 45 (Gospel for Advent 4) Q3. Give 3 reasons as to why Elizabeth is overjoyed at Mary’s greeting. Continuing reading extended Gospel; Luke 1 : 46 – 55. Q4. What is this Hymn of Praise known as in our service of Morning Prayer? Q5. What phrases in this hymn makes you realise how much Mary loved

God? READ John 3 : 16 – 21 Q6. Why did God love the world so much? Q7. How do we know that God still loves the world? Q8. What will be the consequence of those who do not believe that Jesus is

God loves gift to the world? Q9. What will you do differently this Christmastime as you remember Christ’s 1st coming? Q10. What will you do differently this Christmastime as you prepare for Christ’s 2nd coming?

Mission Area focus: How do we bridge the gap beween the way we celebrate Christmas in our churches and the more commercialized Christmas experienced by many who live alongside us?

WEEK 5 Christmas:- ‘Word made flesh’ The 5th candle ‘Christ Candle’ symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the centre as Christ’s light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins!

Aim is to understand God the Father’s gift of His Son to the world READ John 1 : 1 – 18 (Gospel for Christmas 2) Q1. How many titles for Jesus can you find in these verses? Let us look at 3 titles in greater detail. (i). Jesus the WORD Q2. Reread verses 1 – 3 & 14. Identify why He is:-

a. The eternal WORD b. The creative WORD c. The incarnate WORD

(ii). Jesus the LIFE Q3. Reread verses 4 & 5. What does life really mean?

(iii). Jesus the LIGHT Q4. Reread verses 4, 5 & 7- 9. Discus how light

a. Illuminates b. Penetrates c. Exposes Can you relate any of your discussion to Jesus, remembering the symbolism of the 5th candle?

Q5. What does incarnation mean? Q6. What is at the heart of the Christmas message? Q7. What was the reason God gave the gift of His Son to the world? Mission Area focus: How would you word a Christmas banner or card to be circulated around you MA or emerging MA?

WEEK 6 Visit of Magi. Aim is to see what we can learn from the Magi. READ Matthew 2 : 1 – 12

1. To search. 2. To show joy 3. To worship 4. To give 5. To listen To Search

Q1a Discuss the length to which the Magi went in searching for Jesus covering

research, journeying and visit to the capital.

Q1b How does the effort of our search for Jesus compare to that of the Magi?

Q1c The chief priests knew to search the scriptures – do you search the scriptures

when you need to know something?

To show joy

Q2a Verse 10 says the Magi were overjoyed. Discuss why they were joyful.

Q2b Do we show joy when we meet with Jesus?

Q2c What resulted from the Magi’s joy?

To worship

Q3a v2 the reason the Magi searched for Jesus was to worship him. What form did

their worship take?

Q3b Is worship a priority in your life?

Q3c How do you worship Jesus?

To give – three types of gifts were given

Q4a What was the significance of gold?

Q4b What was the significance of incense?

Q4c What was the significance of myrrh?

To listen

Q5a How important is it to listen to God?

Q5b What would have happened if the Magi had tried to return via Jerusalem

Q5c Discuss how listening to God’s direction is above obeying the demands of

modern day culture.

Mission Area focus: how can we be ready to help seekers after Jesus?

WEEK 7 Presentation of Christ and Temple visit at the age of 12 Jesus, although divine, was also human. Being born into the Jewish nation, it was necessary for Mary and Joseph to observe various ceremonies relating to the birth of a son. Through these two visits to the Temple we see something of the preparation for his future ministry and his obedience to both God his heavenly Father and to his earthly parents. Read Luke 2: 22 – 40 Q1. What is the significance of Jesus, the Son of God, going through human

rituals? Q2. What were the attributes of Simeon and what can we learn from them? Q3. What does v 28-32, Simeon’s Song, often called the Nunc Dimittis mean to

us? Q4. What was Simeon’s response in v 34 & v 35? Q5. What were the attributes of Anna and what can we learn from them? Q6. As a consequence of meeting Jesus, what did Anna do?

Q7. What can we learn from Jesus’ development in v 40?

Read Luke 2: 41 – 52 Q8. Why was it important for the Jews to

celebrate the Feast of the Passover and what was the significance for Jesus?

Q9. What lesson do you think Mary and Joseph

had to learn about Jesus’ relationship with them and His future ministry?

Q10. What do you think was going through Mary’s mind in v 51? Q11. What do you think v 52 says about Jesus’ childhood and adolescence and

what can we learn from it?

Mission Area Focus: How can we share care for both the elderly and young people?

WEEK 8 Baptism of Christ

Aim is to recognize inner spiritual change in a believer’s life manifested by outer

physical sign.

Q1. From your study of John the Baptist in Luke 3 :7-18 (Advent 3) can you recall

your understanding of baptism?

Read Luke 3 :3-18 & 21-22

Q2. In verse 3 what was John’s ministry?

Q3. In verses 16 & 17 identify 3 main types of baptism.

Q4. What do you think Jesus meant in Mark 10: 38

Q5. What is Jesus calling the disciples to do in Matt. 28: 19 – 20 & Acts 1: 8?

Q6. What does Ephesians 1: 13 say about the Holy Spirit and what assurance are

we given?

Application of the study on baptism

(1) Baptism is an outward sign that we have committed ourselves to a new life in

Christ and want to be totally aligned to Him. We are BORN AGAIN. (John 3: 16).

(2) We have the seal of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who guarantees our

inheritance with God. We have received God’s BLESSING. (Ephesians 1: 3).

(3) As the first disciples received the great commission, so we are to share it with

those who have not yet believed. We are to encourage others to BECOME

BELIEVERS. (Matt. 28: 19 – 20 & Acts 1: 8).

Mission Area focus: How can we best be involved in celebrating Baptisms and welcoming the newly baptized?

WEEK 9 First Miracle

Aim is to see that we can trust in the power of Jesus in seemingly difficult situations and in ways which are beyond our expectations.

Read John 2 v 1-11

At this wedding feast, we see Jesus in three different roles: the guest, the Son and the host.

1. The Guest

Q1. Why do you think Jesus took time at the beginning of his ministry to attend a wedding ceremony?

Q2. What does this teach us about both offering and accepting the gift of hospitality in our ministry for Jesus Christ?

2. The Son

Q3. Why do you think Mary approached Jesus about the problem of the wine running out and did she expect him to do something special to meet the need?

By addressing Mary as ‘woman’ in verse 4 was not disrespectful. What he said to her was a way of making it clear that he was no longer under her supervision.

Q4. What did Jesus mean when he said ‘My time has not yet come’ and what does it teach us about the use of time in our service for Jesus?

Q5. What does Mary’s instruction to the servants in verse 5 say about her relationship with her Son and her understanding or otherwise of his mission?

3. The Host

Q6. What does the servants response to Jesus in verses 7 – 9 teach us about our response to Jesus?

Q7. Who knew that a miracle had taken place and what does that teach us about Jesus’ use of miracles?

Q8. This was the first of Jesus’ miracles. What was the consequence and how can we learn from the disciples’ response?

Mission Area Focus: What opportunities do weddings present?

WEEK 10 Rejection at Nazareth Aim: To show that the Christian path is not easy

Read Luke 4 :14 -28 (includes the Gospel for

Epiphany 3

Jesus had become a well-known preacher and miracle

worker and he returns to the town where he grew up.

Q1 It was Jesus’ custom to attend public worship each Sabbath as an example his

followers should copy. What excuses are made for not attending church on

Sunday?

Q2 Reread v18 and v19. How many and what qualities does Jesus himself fulfil

from these 2 verses?

Q3 What hindered congregations acceptance of Jesus?

Q4 Why did the Jews hate the Gentiles so much?

Q5 Discuss how disbelief, anger, rage and jealousy either hide the truth or lead to

uncivilized behaviour.

Q6 How did Jesus get out of this dangerous situation?

This incident is the beginning of the rejection Jesus received during his 3 year

ministry culminating on the cross.

Mission Area Focus: How can we deepen our own commitment to the body of

Christ in a time of change and uncertainty?

Acknowledgements:

The first part of this Bible Study (Advent) was written for the

Parishes of Llansantffraid and Llanfechain in 2007 /08 by Chris

and Denise Evans and we thank them for extending the work to

take us to Candlemas.

Thanks to Canon Sue Huyton for helping with the Mission Area

links and to the Dean and Chapter for proof reading