The earth is a gift from God.
The world around us is full of beauty and wonder—a gift from God to be treasured, not taken for granted. To flourish is to live in a way that helps creation flourish too. That might mean making small everyday choices with care, or noticing the sacred in the soil, the sky, or the sea. It also means honouring the gifts God has placed in us and in others. This week we’re invited to look with fresh eyes: at the world, our resources, our responsibilities—and to ask, how can I live more gently, thankfully, and in step with God’s good earth?
Mini-adventures
Pick one of these challenges to try out this week. As you do it, pay attention to the ways in which God might show up, and make notes on this page.
- Write about or draw something that tells of a recent experience where you’ve felt God was with you, or felt something ‘out there.’
- Take some photos that tell a story about a time you were with someone else and how you felt about that time together.
Get talking
Luke 2:1-20 - The nativity story
- What comes to mind when you think about the Christmas story? How have you heard it described before?
- How does the humility of Jesus’ birth challenge our cultural ideas about power, success, and importance?
- If God chose to step into the world, what might this suggest about the importance of the world and how we should look after it?
- How might God be inviting you to respond to this passage?
Get inspired
- What do you notice in this artwork?
- How does it make you feel?
Church song
I had a dream that I was standing on a hill side (StF 203)
Secular song
Get deeper
So, you’ve got your fingers dirty in the mini-adventure. And explored the Christmas story, when God came into the world as a human. But why does it matter that God came among us in the person of Jesus, with a real body? That’s the big idea we’ll be unpacking together this week: the Incarnation.
- Jesus was born humbly and empathises with people who struggle. How might this make you think differently about your spending, generosity, or priorities?
- God understands human joys and struggles. How does knowing this affect the way you deal with your recent challenges?
- God cares about creation. What practical action can you take this month to help the environment or care for God’s creation?
Prayer
Loving God,
You are the Father who runs to meet us,
the Mother who embraces us with open arms.
Thank you for your boundless love and forgiveness,
even when we wander far from you.
Holy Spirit, guide us home.
Help us to return to you with open hearts,
and to celebrate when others do the same.
Teach us to love without judgment,
to forgive as we have been forgiven,
and to welcome all into your grace.
May we reflect your mercy in our lives,
and share the joy of your reign with everyone we meet.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.