Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Isaiah 2: 2-4.

1. Pastor Mick said that today we are focusing on the “not yet” aspect of Advent. What is this “not yet” aspect? How does this connect with the Dickens’ theme of the (Holy) Ghost of Christmas Future?

2. What is Isaiah referring to when he talks about the “mountain of the Lord”? How will it be exalted? Why will all nations stream to it?

3. What does it mean to “beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks”?

4. What does Shalom mean?

5. Read Isaiah 11: 6-10. How does this text point toward true Shalom?

6. Read Revelation 21: 1-4. How is this text related to the two Isaiah texts today?

7. In the Revelation text John says, “There was no longer any sea.” How did Pastor Mick say this was congruent with the Isaiah 11: 6-10 text? Have you ever thought of that before? What do you think about it now?

8. Pastor Mick reminded us that he began this series by sharing the quote, “The past is prologue.” Do you think this series has demonstrated that quote to be true? Why/why not?

9. How does your understanding of Christ’s Second Advent (2nd coming) impact the way you live your life today? Are you more excited or afraid of His Second Advent? Why?

10. How can you experience Shalom right now?

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.