[UPDATE 11/30/14]: Honored to have my work featured on the NOOMA blog this Advent! Click here to obtain a coupon code for a free 3-day digital rental of the NOOMA film that each week’s study is based on. Don’t forget to share your reflections by leaving your comments on NOOMA’s blog!

For those of you looking for an Advent small group study that involves engaging materials, I’ve put together a way for your group to use the NOOMA series. If you decide to use this and are interested in some ideas for reflection questions, let me know and I’d be happy to incorporate that into a future post!

1st Sunday of Advent | 11.30.2014

• Click here for the readings.
• Click here for useful background information on this week’s readings from Loyola Press’ Sunday Connection.

• Isaiah 63-64. We are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.
• Psalm 80. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
• 1 Cor 1. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Mark 13. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.
• NOOMA Shells | 020. Are we so busy that we miss out on what we’re supposed to be doing?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Time, Balance, Values, Importance, Saying No
  • Running Time: 10 min.

2nd Sunday of Advent | 12.07.2014

• Click here for the readings.
• Click here for useful background information on this week’s readings from Loyola Press’ Sunday Connection.

• Isaiah 40. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.
• Psalm 85. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
• 2 Peter 3. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
• Mark 1. John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
• NOOMA Trees | 003. Do our lives even matter?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Life, Significance, Meaning, Eternity, Redemption
  • Running Time: 13 min.

3rd Sunday of Advent | 12.14.2014

• Click here for the readings.
• Click here for useful background information on this week’s readings from Loyola Press’ Sunday Connection.

• Isaiah 61. The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me.
• Luke 1. My soul rejoices in my God.
• 1 Thess 5. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
• John 1. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
• NOOMA Open | 019. Does prayer really help?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Prayer, Pain, Honesty, Expectations, Truth
  • Running Time: 12 min.

4th Sunday of Advent | 12.21.2014

• Click here for the readings.
• Click here for useful background information on this week’s readings from Loyola Press’ Sunday Connection.

• 2 Samuel 7. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
• Psalm 89. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
• Rom 16. Brothers and sisters:
  To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ…be glory forever and ever.
• Luke 1. “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
• NOOMA Rich | 013. Is it possible that God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others?
  • Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
  • Topics: Blessings, Generosity, Giving, Sharing, Money
  • Running Time: 13 min.

BONUS: Before Your Parish Reconciliation Service

NOOMA Luggage | 007. Why is it sometimes so hard to forgive?

• Click here to see trailer and download free reflection guide.
• Topics: Forgiveness, Freedom, Resentment, Betrayal, Revenge
• Running Time: 14 min.