Week before 14 December 2025
Welcome (10 minutes)
Snack suggestion: Star-shaped cookies or gingerbread people with icing words like ‘hope’, ‘heal’, or ‘welcome’.
Encourage people to choose one word that speaks to them and keep it in mind for the week ahead.
Place a poinsettia or star decoration in the centre of the group. You could also give each person a small star cut-out to hold or write on later.
One person reads this prayer aloud:
Gift-giving God,
you speak to us through messengers, words and deeds.
Your gift never stops or fails.
You call us to be your heartbeat of love in the world,
to bring good news, lift others up and be a light in the dark.
May Advent be for us a time of giving and receiving.
Amen.
Story sharing (10 minutes)
Last week people wrote the name of someone that they wanted to bless inside their orange. Invite them to say what happened between now and then.
Bible (10 minutes)
Read Matthew 11:2–11 and this summary:
John the Baptist is in prison. He’s confused and starting to wonder if Jesus really is the one they’ve been waiting for. He sends a message to ask, “Are you the one – or should we wait for someone else?”
Jesus sends back a reply that reminds John of the signs from the prophet Isaiah – blind people can see, people who couldn’t walk are walking, the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the poor are hearing good news. These are all things Jesus has been doing – and they are signs that God’s kingdom really has come close. It’s like he’s saying: “Yes – it’s me. The promises are coming true.”
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. When faith feels hard
- John had doubts, even though he was the one who first pointed to Jesus.
- Have you ever felt unsure about your faith or what God is doing?
- What helps you hold on to hope in difficult times?
2. Jesus and good news
- Jesus focuses on healing and lifting people up.
- What does that tell you about what really matters to him?
- How can we follow that example in how we speak or act?
3. Good news for people in need
- What do you think ‘good news’ sounds like to someone who feels left out or is struggling right now?
- Is there something simple we can do this week to be part of that good news?
4. You are a gift
- Jesus’ words to John gave him hope.
- Have you ever received a word of encouragement or support that really lifted you? What’s one way you might offer a gift of hope to someone else this week?
Craft activity (30 minutes)
Healing hands wreath
You’ll need:
- Paper sheets
- Scissors, markers, glue or tape
- Ribbon, string or a wire hoop (optional)
Instructions: Trace your hand on a sheet of paper and cut it out. On the palm, write a word or phrase that describes something healing or hopeful you could offer to others (eg kindness, listening, a smile, support).
Decorate it, if you like. Then tape or glue all the hands together into a wreath shape – a circle of healing and hope made by your group.
Reflection: This wreath shows what happens when we work together to share God’s love – each of us is a gift, but together we’re something even bigger.
Group prayer (10 minutes)
Invite people to silently think of a place or news story where hope is needed. Read a few current headlines (briefly and without commentary). Then offer space for silent or spoken prayer.
Closing prayer
God of healing and light,
we lift to you the places and people who need hope today.
Shine your light where it feels darkest.
Help us to be part of your answer. Amen.