Study Format

This Upper Room Advent study guide, "Responding to God’s Announcements," includes plans for four weekly sessions during Advent. These are the session themes:

The Annunciation to Mary: Dismay, Turning, Consent

The Annunciation to Joseph: Dream and Action, Discernment and Doing

The Annunciation to the Shepherds: Yearning and Quest

The Annunciation to the Wise Men, Simeon, and Anna: Recognizing the Promise Fulfilled

Two versions of the study guide are offered here. One includes hands-on activities appropriate for intergenerational groups, and one is a discussion-based study appropriate for youth and adults. Each week’s session includes a list of needed materials and directions for the leader.

Intergenerational sessions follow this format:

1. Opening and Introduction to the Advent Study
2. Reflection on The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide
   † With guiding questions from the leader, participants will reflect on The Upper Room meditations for the week leading up to the group meeting.
3. Scripture Reading and Discussion
4. Group Activity
5. Closing Activity and Prayer

Discussion-based sessions follow this format:

1. Opening prayer (included in leader guide)
2. Reflection on the week’s meditations in The Upper Room
3. Scripture Reading
4. Discussion
5. Closing Prayer

Since the fourth Sunday in Advent is Christmas Eve this year, your group may meet for only three sessions. If so, simply omit one of the four sessions or use the fourth session as an Epiphany session in early January.