Leaders notes and overview
Emmanuel – God With Us
Lectionary Year A
Preface on Sources and Permissions
This guide draws on open-access and academic resources including the Vanderbilt Divinity Library Revised Common Lectionary, the Art in the Christian Tradition Database, and Wikimedia Commons. All artworks are used under Creative Commons or public domain licences. Scripture readings follow the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A). Hymn suggestions come from Rejoice and Sing, Complete Mission Praise, Church Hymnary (4th Edition), and Hymns Ancient and Modern, which are freely available for worship and educational use in faith communities.
Introduction
As you lead this Advent journey—Emmanuel, God With Us—you are helping your group explore God’s presence in promise, justice, joy, and incarnation. Each session brings together Scripture, prayer, art, and conversation.
Art invites reflection in a different language. Shapes, colour, and movement help us explore what Emmanuel has meant to Christians across time—and what it means for us today. As you guide your group, you encourage them not only to read about God’s presence but to see it and respond to it.
Structure and Lectionary Readings (Year A)
Below are the complete Revised Common Lectionary readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day (Proper I), arranged within your five-session format.
Week 1 – Waiting and Hope: God with Us in Expectation
Lectionary Readings:
- Isaiah 2:1–5
- Psalm 122
- Romans 13:11–14
- Matthew 24:36–44
Suggested Hymns:
- Main: R&S 127 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
- Alternative: CMP 102 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Week 2 – Preparing the Way: God with Us in Justice and Peace
Lectionary Readings:
- Isaiah 11:1–10
- Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19
- Romans 15:4–13
- Matthew 3:1–12
Suggested Hymns:
- Main: R&S 134 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
- Alternative: CMP 460 Hark the Glad Sound
Week 3 – Joy and Restoration: God with Us in Healing
Lectionary Readings:
- Isaiah 35:1–10
- Psalm 146:5–10 (or the Magnificat)
- James 5:7–10
- Matthew 11:2–11
Suggested Hymns:
- Main: R&S 137 Hills of the North, Rejoice
- Alternative: CMP 393 Joy to the World
Week 4 – Promise Fulfilled: God with Us in Flesh
Lectionary Readings:
- Isaiah 7:10–16
- Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19
- Romans 1:1–7
- Matthew 1:18–25
Suggested Hymns:
- Main: R&S 150 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
- Alternative: CMP 85 Away in a Manger
Week 5 – Fulfilment and Glory: God with Us Forever (Christmas Day – Proper I)
Lectionary Readings:
- Isaiah 9:2–7
- Psalm 96
- Titus 2:11–14
- Luke 2:1–14 (15–20)
Suggested Hymns:
- Main: R&S 145 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
- Alternative: CMP 1008 The Lord’s My Shepherd (I Will Trust in You Alone)
(If you wish, you can add readings from Christmas Proper II or III as optional extensions.)
Session Components
Each session includes:
- Opening prayer
- Scripture readings
- Hymn suggestions
- Reflection
- Discussion questions
- Artwork meditation Spiritual practice
- Spiritual practice or response suggestions
- Closing prayer
Suggested Hymns & Music
Choose hymns that support each week’s theme.
These are especially suitable during Advent and Christmas:
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (R&S 127)
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (CMP 102)
- Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (R&S 138)
- People, Look East (R&S 135)
- Emmanuel, God with Us (modern)
- Joy to the World (CMP 393)
Recommended Resources
- Book of Common Prayer Online Lectionary (Year A)
- Vanderbilt Divinity Library Revised Common Lectionary
- Art in the Christian Tradition Database (Vanderbilt)
- Visual Commentary on Scripture
- Art & Theology Blog
- Wikimedia Commons (public domain & Creative Commons art)
Guidance for Leaders
Opening and Closing
- Begin with a short litany or a refrain from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
- End with a prayer or silence using the line:
Emmanuel, God with us, dwell among us and in us.
Using Art
- Show the image on a screen or distribute printed copies.
- Encourage quiet reflection before you speak.
- Guide with prompts:
– What stands out to you?
– How does this connect with the Scripture?
– What does this image say about God’s presence?
Using Music
- Choose hymns that resonate with the weekly theme.
- Consider repeating a short refrain during prayer or readings.
Community Engagement
- Invite participants to bring photos, drawings, prayers, or objects representing “God with us” in their week.
- Create a shared board titled Emmanuel in Our Midst.
Service Opportunities
- Week 2: Acts of peace and reconciliation.
- Week 4: Support local families or charities.
- Christmas: Share practical care—cards, meals, blessings.
Preparing Yourself
- Sit with the Scriptures in prayer before each session.
- Preview artwork and music so you can guide confidently.
- Allow 60–90 minutes and welcome silence and reflection as part of the learning.
Closing Prayer for Leaders
Emmanuel, God with us,
You come to dwell among your people in light and shadow, hope and struggle.
Awaken me to your presence, shape me by your Spirit,
and send me out as a sign of your love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.