Week before 7 December 2025
Welcome (10 minutes)
Snack idea: Chocolate orange slices or satsumas (or another easy-peel citrus fruit) Place an orange or stocking in the centre of the group as a symbol of small but meaningful gifts. Invite everyone to share a short memory of something simple they received that meant a lot – a gift that stood out for its thoughtfulness rather than size.
One person reads this prayer aloud:
Gift-giving God,
you are not just a little extra in our lives.
You are the best and greatest gift of all.
As we prepare our hearts this Advent,
help us to become gifts to others – full of love, shaped by your Spirit.
Amen.
Story sharing (10 minutes)
Invite people to say what happened as they wrote and delivered their card last week.
Bible (10 minutes)
Read Matthew 3:1–12 and this summary:
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness with a strong message: “Change your ways – God’s kingdom is coming!” He isn’t afraid to challenge the powerful, calling everyone to show that their hearts have truly changed by the way they live. He uses the image of fruit to describe a life that’s full of good things – love, peace, kindness – gifts that bless other people. John also talks about clearing away what isn’t helpful, like chaff being blown away by the wind, to make space for what really matters.
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. Power as a gift
- Can you think of someone who has used their position (in work, family, church, politics) to help others?
- In your daily life, where do you have a chance to do good or help someone else?
2. Repentance as reorientation
- “Repent” means to change your thinking. Is there a habit or attitude you’d like to leave behind this Advent?
- What helps you get back on track when life feels cluttered or rushed?
3. Fruit that blesses others
- Galatians 5 talks about “the fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- Which of these have you seen growing in your life recently?
- Has someone shown one of these fruits to you in a way that made a difference?
4. The Church as a gift
- What would it look like for our church or group to be a real blessing in the community this December?
- Is there a simple act of kindness or generosity we could do together?
Craft activity (30 minutes)
“Fruit of the Spirit” keepsakes
You’ll need:
- Small wooden discs (or cardboard circles)
- Paint pens or markers
- String (to make keyrings or decorations)
- Fruit-shaped templates (optional)
Instructions:
Invite each person to decorate a disc with one “fruit of the Spirit” word (Galatians 5:22–23). They might choose one they’ve seen grow in someone else or one they want to grow in themselves. Add designs or colour, then turn it into a keyring, decoration or pocket reminder.
Reflection:
These are not just nice words, they’re ways that our lives can become gifts to the people around us.
Group prayer (10 minutes)
Give each person a paper orange or fruit shape with three ‘peelable’ layers (you can prepare these by gluing flaps lightly, or using fruit-shaped sticky notes). On the outer layer, ask them to write something they want to let go of (eg stress, impatience). Peel it back and on the next layer, write a fruit of the Spirit they long to grow in in one segment and a person they want to bless this week in another segment.
Closing prayer
God of love,
peel back the distractions and fears that stop us from bearing fruit.
Grow your Spirit in us – love, peace, patience, kindness.
Help us to be gifts to each other and to the world.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.