Week before 30 November 2025
Welcome (10 minutes)
Snack idea: Wrapped chocolates (like Celebrations or Quality Street)
Invite people to pick one and reflect silently on how much care goes into even a small wrapped gift. What makes a gift meaningful?
One person reads this prayer aloud:
Gift-giving God,
as we gather in this season of Advent, help us to give and receive peace.
Shape us into people who bring hope, not just at Christmas, but every day.
Unwrap what’s hidden or held back in us, so that we can shine with your light.
Amen.
Bible (5 minutes)
Read Matthew 24:36–44 and this summary:
In Matthew 24, Jesus talks about how we don’t know when he will return. He compares it to a surprise visit, a bit like a thief in the night, or the flood in Noah’s time. His message is clear: stay awake, stay ready. Keep living well.
We don’t need to be fearful: this is an invitation to let God shape us and prepare us. Just as we get gifts ready to give at Christmas, we can get our hearts ready to share peace, love and joy with the world.
Discussion (30 minutes)
Use these questions to help everyone join in, even if they’re not used to Bible study. Keep things informal and open. Rephrase or skip questions as needed for the group.
1. Peace as a gift
- Where do you notice kindness or calmness in your community?
- What small thing could you do this week to bring a bit more peace to where you live?
2. A city for all people
- What would help your church or neighbourhood feel more welcoming?
- How can we include people who often get left out?
3. Becoming a gift
- When have you felt like a gift to someone else?
- What’s one thing you could do this Advent to help someone else feel loved?
4. Peeling back the packaging
- What’s one thing that might be ‘getting in the way’ of you being your best self right now (eg worry, busyness, fear)?
- What positive gift might God be growing in you?
Craft activity (30 minutes)
Advent tags
You’ll need:
- Blank luggage tags or card pieces
- Pens, markers, stickers
- String or ribbon
- A small bare branch or indoor plant for display (optional)
Instructions:
- On one side of the tag, write something you want to ‘peel away’ this Advent (eg impatience, anxiety).
- On the other side, write something you want to grow (eg hope, peace, courage).
- Tie the tag to the display or keep it in your Bible or on your fridge as a reminder.
Reflection: God is gently preparing you to be a gift to others. What are you letting go of? What new gift are you receiving?
Group prayer (10 minutes)
Go around the group (if comfortable) and say: “Thank you, God, for the gift of…” and name one gift you’ve received or want to offer this Advent.
Closing prayer
God of gifts,
thank you for the love you’ve planted in each of us.
Help us to live each day awake and ready –
ready to notice, ready to care, ready to shine.
May we be your gifts in our families, our communities and this world.
Amen.
Take-home invitation
This week, deliver a card or message to someone in your street or workplace. Let them know they are noticed and appreciated – a gift to the community. You can order gift cards from methodistpublishing.org.uk/Christmas
Please note these are a priced item.
