Begin by singing “O Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Light the Advent candles and discuss each theme. Focus on this week’s theme.

• Q. Why do you think loving others is an important response to God’s kingdom? If the kingdom is God’s presence and love, then how do people come to know that God loves them?

Read Luke 17:20-21 together.

[20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, [21] nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

(Luke 17:20-21, ESV)

• Q. What do you think Jesus means when he says, “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21)?

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 together.

[9] Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, [10] for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, [11] and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, [12] so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

(1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 ESV)

If the kingdom is invisible but inevitable, then we don’t have to do great things for God. We can live simple, quiet lives that bring him much glory. The mission Jesus has given to us while we wait for his second coming is to love “more and more.”

• Q. Is God only glorified in “big” people doing “big” things? Is He also glorified by “small” people doing “small” things? (Remember: the kingdom is like a mustard seed!)
• Q. What do you think it means to “live quietly” (1 Thess 4:11)?

Pray using the A.C.T.S. model.

• Adore God for his love and his power.
• Confess how you have failed to love others- family, friends, neighbors – well.
• Give thanks for Jesus. He loved us and gave himself for us.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love others as Jesus has loved you.

Finish by singing “Let Your Kingdom Come”