2024

Written by Soul Care | Dec 19, 2024 1:15:00 PM

Welcome to our weekly Friday Check-in for December 20th, 2024 ✅

If you are new to Soul Care, WELCOME!! We are so glad you are here. We have a weekly rhythm of checking in together on Fridays. We use Mindy Caliguire's Page, Person, Plan framework to create a weekly rhythm and prepare ourselves for Sabbath rest.

If you’d like to engage daily Scripture readings and reflections throughout Advent as we prepare for Christ’s coming, join our Advent Group to download the free Soul Care Advent Guide.

Let’s pause for our weekly check in. Take a few deep breaths as you slow down to receive from God. Perhaps sit for a second with palms facing upward, as a physical expression of opening yourself to what God has for you in this moment.

Let's begin with;

Page; An Invitation to Reflection

We’re continuing to meditate on Matthew 5:14-16 throughout this month. Reread these verses, perhaps in a different translation, as you enter more deeply into the presence of our “generous Father”.

Today’s reading from the Advent Guide is Isaiah 9:1-7 (The Message):

But there’ll be no darkness for those who were in trouble. Earlier he did bring the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali into disrepute, but the time is coming when he’ll make that whole area glorious—the road along the Sea, the country past the Jordan, international Galilee.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy.

Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy!

The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants— all their whips and clubs and curses— Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.

The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,

Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days!

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us!

He’ll take over the running of the world.

His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom.

He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going

With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.

Spend a few minutes journaling in response to this passage... even if you’ve already spent time with these verses during the retreat, return to it again and see if anything different stands out to you today:

First Reading: What stands out to you most? Is there a particular word or phrase?
Second Reading: As you read through it again… ask God, “to what area of my life does that particular word or phrase connect?”
Third Reading: And as you read a third time, be asking God, “Is there an invitation for me?” Is there a response of some kind that God is inviting you into?

Next up is;

Person: An Invitation to Connection

Intentionally connect with a friend or relative to discuss the Scriptures above and the reflection questions below.

Finally we have;

Plan: An Invitation to Intention

Let’s practice JOY with intention this week!

Some reflection questions to consider:

What gives you joy? How has joy sustained you through hard times?
What are a few burdens you’re carrying today that God is inviting you to relinquish?
What is one childlike thing you can do this week, releasing your adult “importance” and enjoying the loving heart of God?

Invitation: Find joy in movement this week, as best you can. Make movement a part of your daily activities, such as taking a walk, playing catch, stretching, or dancing in the kitchen.

We are praying this over you, dear one, and we invite you to join in with your own prayers:

Awe-inspiring One, please fill us with joy. Grant what Jesus promised: that His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete and that our grief will turn to joy. Teach us to always pray with joy, giving joyful thanks to God.

Amen.

Thanks for checking in today.

Have a blessed Friday,

Team Soul Care

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