cell outlines 2016 SERIES 8

Transcription

1 cell outlines 2016 SERIES 8 These Cell Outlines are written by Youth and Children s Ministries. They are available every month from our web site. For more information and other Cell resources, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/children-and-youth-resources

2 OVERVIEW ADVENT Introduction It s not long now until Christmas! Only about four weeks. How much have you got to do? Have you got presents to buy and wrap, Christmas cards to write, parties to go to, decorations to put up?! Are you starting to feel Christmassy, to get excited, looking forward to a special day spent with family and friends? In the Christian calendar the four weeks before Christmas are known as Advent. The word advent, from Latin, means the coming. Advent marks the start of the Christmas season and is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas, the coming of Jesus to earth when he was born as a baby in Bethlehem. It is a time of spiritual reflection as well as excitement and anticipation. It s a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus birthday and to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. During advent, many church services include a short advent ceremony, often using an advent wreath or candles. An advent wreath comprises of a circle of greenery which symbolises continuous life and the never-ending circle of God s love. There are four candles, traditionally three purple and one pink, or all red. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus and one candle is usually lit every Sunday of advent. During the last week before Christmas all four candles are lit. Often a fifth white candle, called the Christ Candle, is added to the centre of the wreath for lighting on Christmas Eve. There are varying suggestions as to what each candle can represent. For the purposes of this month s cell groups, our candles are going to represent hope, peace, joy and love. In the cell groups this month we are going to have our own Advent Ceremonies where we will light the candles of advent together. This will allow us to take some time out of our busy December schedules to prepare our hearts for celebrating the real reason for Christmas. Each candle that we light together will symbolise our prayers of thanks and worship to Jesus for coming into the world. We hope that the times you have in your cell groups will be like a little oasis of calm amidst all the hustle and bustle and frenetic activity of this month. A time to be still, to reflect and to worship. A time to remember again together why this time of year is so special!

3 OVERVIEW Leader s Notes December is a busy month for everyone so these cell groups are deliberately short and uncomplicated. As stated above, the hope is that they will provide a little oasis or sanctuary of calm where you can reflect together on the real reason of Christmas and prepare fully for celebrating the birth of Jesus. Explain that you are going to use these simple cell groups as a time to come together before God, remember again what Christmas is really about, pray and worship. These cell notes have been written as short Advent Ceremonies that the whole group can participate in, using an advent wreath with four candles. The Advent Ceremonies have been written with six voices, plus the group leader. The idea is that each person in the group becomes a voice, so you need to allocate parts to your group members accordingly. Feel free to adapt these as you wish. If you have more than six in your group you may wish to write some more parts. This year advent begins on Sunday 27th November. To fit these cell groups into advent it would be ideal if you could do the first ceremony during the week of 27th November 3rd December; the second ceremony during 4th 10th December; the third ceremony during 11th 17th December and the fourth ceremony during 18th 24th December. You will also need to have an advent wreath. The following websites give instructions on how to make one. You may wish to do this before your first cell group, or make it together with your group. If the budget allows, it would be good for everyone to make their own wreath that they could take away and use at home It would be great to encourage your group members to replicate what they are doing with you in the cell group at home with their families. For this reason, the Advent Ceremony readings have been provided separately from the Leader s Notes. This means that you can print out the copies of the ceremonies that you can all follow through together during the group, and afterwards the group members can take away with them. Sources:

4 ONE HOPE You will need Pens/paper Bibles Advent wreath/candles Copies of the Cell Introduction for everyone Copies of the Hope Advent Ceremony for everyone WELCOME Read the cell introduction together to introduce the season of advent and the meaning of the advent wreath. Make your advent wreath together if you haven t already done so. WORD & WORSHIP Follow the Hope Advent Ceremony together with your group. (This is attached below so you can print out copies for your group without all the leader s notes.) Additional notes for section 2 - Who Am I? Do this little quiz first - before handing out the advent ceremonies to everyone. You will need to print out and cut up the following who am I? profiles, and give one to a different group member to read out in turn. After each reading see if the group can guess who the person is. Allow time for discussion about the person if necessary. Person one: I am an old man who was waiting and hoping for many years. Long ago, God revealed to me that I would not die before I had seen the fulfilment of God s promise to help the nation of Israel out of their suffering. Somehow I sensed I was waiting for the Messiah, but what or who he would look like I didn t know. So I waited, and hoped, and prayed. One day I felt that I absolutely must go to the temple, and there I saw him. A baby in the arms of a young girl, with her husband beside her. This was he! At once I took him in my arms - the fulfilment of all of God s promises to me and to the nation. From this point on I knew I could die in peace. (Read about me in Luke 2.) ANSWER: Simeon Person two: I too am an old man, waiting for the fulfilment of God s promise. I m ashamed to say though, that I doubted that God could bring about what he said. When an angel, a messenger of God, told me I would have a son, I questioned him instead of praising and thanking him. The angel told me that my son would be like Elijah and bring people back to the Lord, to prepare them for hearing a very special message. The message was that all their hopes would be fulfilled in the Messiah, and that God would deliver us; that God wasn t slow in keeping his promises, just be patient. In my unbelief the Lord struck me dumb I literally couldn t say a word until after my miracle baby, that my wife and I had so longed for, was born. I could speak again just in time to name my son! Then I believed! My hope in God and in the Messiah was fulfilled. (Read about me in Luke 1.) ANSWER: Zachariah Person three: I am an old woman who spent many years alone, patiently waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. My husband died not long after we were married and, for around sixty years or so, I spent nearly every day at the temple, praying and fasting, and waiting for God s promise. When I saw that young couple come into the temple that day with their new baby, I knew that God was faithful. All my hopes had been realised. God had set his long awaited plan in action. The Saviour was here! (Read about me in Luke 2.) ANSWER: Anna

5 ONE Person four: I am one of a group of people who had studied the ancient prophecies of old. When we saw the sign we knew exactly what it meant, but could hardly believe that it was happening. We didn t know what we would find at the end of our journey, but we could only hope that travelling all that way would be worth it when we got the, even though we weren t sure where we would end up! We expected to find a new King, so we took gifts with us suitable for royalty. We followed the sign and ended up in the small town of Bethlehem, in the home of a young family with a small baby. As we entered somehow we just knew. We knelt before the child as if he were a royal king and gave him our gifts. Here was the fulfilment of the hope of all the prophecies. (Read about us in Matthew 2.) ANSWER: The Wise Men Additional notes for section 4 - Prayer and Blessing. If you feel that your group will find it too difficult to write and pray out their own prayer, you could give each person a line of prayer to read as below, taken from the handout. Other prayers: WITNESS Lord, thank you that I can have hope through Jesus. He is my advocate before the throne. Thank you that I can approach the most holy place with confidence. Amen. Lord, the sacrifice of your Son shows your great love and provision. Help me not to worry or be anxious, because you will provide. Amen. Lord, in a world that is constantly letting us down, how great it is that your hope will never disappoint us. Help us to cling to this hope today. Amen. Lord, your promises are amazing, and they are all yes in Christ, we praise you for this. Teach me your promises and help me to hold on to them. Amen. Lord, thank you for the hope that you have given me. Help me to be ready to share this hope with those around me. Prepare me for the harvest that you have. Amen Encourage the group to each light their own advent wreath at home and explain to their family about this season of hope. For Next Week For next week ask everyone to bring a Christmas object that reminds them of the Christmas story and / or inspires their faith at Christmas time.

6 ONE Advent Ceremony: Hope 1. Begin with the following Bible readings Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 53:1-6 Luke 1:26-28 Mark 13: Who Am I? Four people will each read out one of the following profiles and the rest of the group must guess which character of the Christmas Story they are describing. Person one: I am an old man who was waiting and hoping for many years. Long ago, God revealed to me that I would not die before I had seen the fulfilment of God s promise to help the nation of Israel out of their suffering. Somehow I sensed I was waiting for the Messiah, but what or who he would look like I didn t know. So I waited, and hoped, and prayed. One day I felt that I absolutely must go to the temple, and there I saw him. A baby in the arms of a young girl, with her husband beside her. This was he! At once I took him in my arms - the fulfilment of all of God s promises to me and to the nation. From this point on I knew I could die in peace. (Read about me in Luke 2.) ANSWER: Person two: I too am an old man, waiting for the fulfilment of God s promise. I m ashamed to say though, that I doubted that God could bring about what he said. When an angel, a messenger of God, told me I would have a son, I questioned him instead of praising and thanking him. The angel told me that my son would be like Elijah and bring people back to the Lord, to prepare them for hearing a very special message. The message was that all their hopes would be fulfilled in the Messiah, and that God would deliver us; that God wasn t slow in keeping his promises, just be patient. In my unbelief the Lord struck me dumb I literally couldn t say a word until after my miracle baby, that my wife and I had so longed for, was born. I could speak again just in time to name my son! Then I believed! My hope in God and in the Messiah was fulfilled. (Read about me in Luke 1.) ANSWER: Person three: I am an old woman who spent many years alone, patiently waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled. My husband died not long after we were married and, for around sixty years or so, I spent nearly every day at the temple, praying and fasting, and waiting for God s promise. When I saw that young couple come into the temple that day with their new baby, I knew that God was faithful. All my hopes had been realised. God had set his long awaited plan in action. The Saviour was here! (Read about me in Luke 2.) ANSWER: Person four: I am one of a group of people who had studied the ancient prophecies of old. When we saw the sign we knew exactly what it meant, but could hardly believe that it was happening. We didn t know what we would find at the end of our journey, but we could only hope that travelling all that way would be worth it when we got the, even though we weren t sure where we would end up! We expected to find a new King, so we took gifts with us suitable for royalty. We followed the sign and ended up in the small town of Bethlehem, in the home of a young family with a small baby. As we entered somehow we just knew. We knelt before the child as if he were a royal king and gave him our gifts. Here was the fulfilment of the hope of all the prophecies. (Read about us in Matthew 2.) ANSWER: 3. Lighting the Candle Group leader: The Advent candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of his son Jesus. Light the first advent candle with the words: The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope. We light this candle to remind us that our hope is in Jesus and to watch for his return.

7 ONE Group leader: We use the word hope all the time. Usually it means wishing for something, or wanting something that ultimately might or might not happen. But this is the world s hope. Christian hope is totally different. Voice one: The hope we have in Jesus is based on the cross and in God s promises. We know that he will never let us down. Voice two: The Bible describes hope like an anchor, which is firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). When there is a storm at sea and we feel we are getting blown around everywhere, hope in God s promises keep us secure. Voice three: My hope is in knowing that Jesus has forgiven me and that I am accepted by him. Voice four: My hope is in knowing that what God has promised will definitely be fulfilled. Voice five: My hope gives me boldness and courage, I know that God will stick with me no matter what. Voice six: My hope gives me peace for the future. God will outwork his plans for me, and it will be the best! Continue to speak out your own My hope is statements if you want to. 4. Prayer and Blessing Group leader: That first Christmas Jesus was the hope of so many people, even an entire nation. This Christmas let s take time to remember and celebrate the light of hope we have in Jesus today. Let s thank God together for the expectancy and hope we have in the coming of Christ. Allow a few moments quiet for people to complete the following prayer, either in your thoughts or to write it out below. Then take it in turns to pray your prayers out loud. Lord Jesus, we thank you for the hope you give us Finish by all standing in a circle and placing your hands on the person either side. Loudly and confidently read the following blessing over each other. I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)

8 TWO PEACE You will need Pens/paper Bibles Advent wreath/candles Copies of the Peace Advent Ceremony for everyone One T-light candle for everyone Somewhere comfortable for everyone to lie down. WELCOME Ask everyone to share their special Christmas object and why it reminds them of the Christmas story. WORD & WORSHIP Follow the Peace Advent Ceremony together with your group. (This is attached below so you can print out copies for your group without all the leader s notes.) Additional notes for section 3 - time of peace. Section three a time of peace has been included to allow everyone an oasis of peace during this busy festive period. Ask each person to find a comfortable place, and to lie down and relax. Put on some reflective music and encourage them to contemplate the peace of Jesus and all that that means to us, especially at Christmas. Ask them to pray silently and ask the peace of Jesus to invade their hearts and minds. They could also bring to Jesus situations in their own family or community that need his peace. If your group would find it helpful you could read out some of the following scriptures during this reflective moment. You could also allow time afterwards for people to share their thoughts and feelings on this topic. Begin this time by reading out the following words: Jesus said Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27) We light this advent candle today to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning of the world. We thank him for the peace that he brings, the inner peace that tells us that we are united with him and with each other and ask that he would prepare us for the outer peace that will come when he returns to the world. Additional Bible readings. Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT) Matthew 11:28-30 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear and this burden is light. (CEV) John 14:27 I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (NCV) John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (NLT) John 20:19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! Peace be with you, he said. (NLT)

9 TWO Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (NCV) WITNESS Encourage the group to each light their own advent wreath at home and explain to their family about this season of peace. Maybe they could even follow the ceremony through with their family. Challenge your group to take five minutes each morning to sit in silence and allow the peace of Jesus to fill them. Then take his peace with you as you go about your daily activities, and try and give some to other people too! For next week Ask each person in the group to find a piece of music (any kind) that makes them feel happy and bring it with them to share with the group next week.

10 TWO Advent Ceremony: Peace 1. Begin with the following Bible readings Isaiah 9:6 Luke 2:1-7 Luke 2:8-20 Philippians 4: Lighting the Candle Group leader: The Advent candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of his son Jesus. Light the advent candles with the words: The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope; the second is the candle of Peace. We light this candle to remind us that Jesus brings peace to all who trust in him. Voice one: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) Voice two: But why is Jesus called the Prince of Peace? There doesn t seem to be a lot of peace in the world today. Every night when we turn on the news, we hear about wars and conflict. Every day when we open a newspaper, we read about other people s pain and suffering. Voice three: Even Jesus was born into a time of turmoil. Herod, threatened by the birth of the child people were calling a king, ordered the murder of all male children in and around Bethlehem aged two and under. The people of Israel were in great distress. Voice four: But we know and believe that when Jesus comes he brings healing and good news to all who suffer. We know and believe that in this time of chaos and despair throughout the world, our God who loves peace will teach us what to do. Voice five: Let us each light a candle and take a minute to pray that God will bring peace to our lives, our families, our communities and to the world. (At this point everyone takes a T-light candle and lights it from candle two on the advent wreath. Then place it beside the wreath.) Voice six: We light these candles for every child of God who has lost their family, their home and their innocence to war. We light these candles as people who long for Jesus and the peace of God for ourselves, our families and communities and for the whole world. Lord Jesus, show us how we can be peacemakers in our own relationships, our own families and workplaces, and in the world. Help us to be peacemakers in your name. Now allow a few minutes of quiet for everyone to say their own inward reflective prayers for peace. 3. Time of peace. Everyone should find a comfortable place, to lie down and relax. Put on some reflective music. Use this time of quiet to relax and to contemplate the peace of Jesus and all that that means to each one of us, especially at Christmas. (The group leader may read out some scriptures during this time.) Group leader: (When everyone is comfortable begin this time of reflection with the following words.) Jesus said Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27) We light the candle of peace today to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning of the world. We thank him for the peace that he brings, the inner peace that tells us that we are united with him and with each other and ask that he would prepare us for the outer peace that will come when he returns to judge the world. Bible verses for the group leader to read out during the time of reflection. Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT)

11 TWO Matthew 11:28-30 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear and this burden is light. (CEV) John 14:27 I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (NCV) John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (NLT) John 20:19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! Peace be with you, he said. (NLT) Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (NCV) Allow time after this reflective period for people to share their thoughts and feelings as they wish. 4. Closing Prayer All read this closing prayer together and out loud. Loving God, thank you for the peace you give us through Jesus. Show us how to be peacemakers in our own relationships, our own families and workplaces, and in the world. Help us to remember the flame of this candle of peace as we go about your business every day. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive your peace. We ask in the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen.

12 THREE JOY You will need Pens/paper Bibles Advent wreath Joy Advent Ceremony for everyone Some instruments (or saucepans) for creating a joyful noise! WELCOME Ask each person to play a part of their song they have bought with them and explain why it makes them feel happy. WORD & WORSHIP Follow the Joy Advent Ceremony together with your group. (This is attached so you can print out copies for your group without all the leader s notes.) WITNESS Encourage the group to each light their own advent wreath at home and explain to their family about this season of joy. Maybe they could even follow the ceremony through with their family. Challenge each person in your group to make time this week to go out for a prayer walk and ask God to fill them with his joy as they look around at his creation. For Next Week Ask everyone to consider a character or moment in the Christmas story that encourages or inspires them. Bring their thoughts to share with the group in the next session.

13 THREE Advent Ceremony: Joy 1. Begin with the following Bible readings Matthew 2:1-12 Luke 2:21-40 Philippians 4:4 1 Thessalonians 5: Lighting the Candle Group leader: The Advent candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of his son Jesus Light the advent candles with the words: The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope; the second is the candle of Peace; the third is the candle of Joy. We light this candle to remind us that Christ is the bringer of true and everlasting joy. Voice one: Let us see how God himself is our guide to the joy of Christmas. We read in Luke that Zechariah was visited by Gabriel, one of God s angels, to explain how he and his wife would be having a baby who would not only be a joy to them, but would also turn the hearts of the people back to God, to prepare the way for Jesus coming. Voice two: A little later in Luke we read how God sent that same angel Gabriel to fill Mary with joy when he came to her and proclaimed: The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. Voice three: To make sure that the Good News of Jesus birth was heard in the community, and to start its trip around the world, God sent an angel into the sky over the hills near Bethlehem. The angel proclaimed: I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 NIV) Voice four: The Good News did indeed, spread around the world. The wise men came from the far East to find this baby and God himself guided them with one of his lights in heaven: When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10 KJV) The wise men were on a joyful journey, knowing that they were going to celebrate meeting the King of the Jews. They knew this was the beginning of a new era. Voice five: In their joy, the wise men presented Jesus with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. If we are truly full of the joy of Jesus at this Christmas time, let us give our gifts of time and talents, skills and energy in service to him. Voice six: Lord, we pray for joy for each one of us; that the longing for happiness you inscribed on our hearts will be fulfilled by Jesus. Help us turn from all the distractions of the season and focus on you, the source of all hope, peace, love and joy. 3. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise! The above phrase is from Psalm 98, in the King James Version. The authors of the Psalms urge us to make a joyful noise in worship! (Psalm 66; 81, 98, 100 KJV) Read the whole of Psalm 98 out loud all together and with as much noise as possible! Shout, clap, bang things, stamp your feet, play your cornet, make a joyful noise unto the Lord! 1 Sing a new song to the Lord! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory. 2 The Lord has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice. 3 God has been faithful, in his love for Israel, and his saving power is seen everywhere on earth. 4 Tell everyone on this earth to sing happy songs in praise of the Lord.

14 5 Make music for him on harps. THREE Play beautiful melodies! 6 Sound the trumpets and horns and celebrate with joyful songs for our Lord and King! 7 Command the ocean to roar with all of its creatures, and the earth to shout with all of its people. 8 Order the rivers to clap their hands, and all of the hills to sing together. 9 Let them worship the Lord! 4. Closing Prayer All read this closing prayer together and out loud. (Contemporary English Version) Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us. This is the joy we pray for each one of us; that the longing for happiness you inscribed on our hearts will be fulfilled by Jesus. Help us turn from all the distractions of the season and focus on you, the source of all hope, peace, love and joy. Help us to prepare our hearts for this gift. We ask in the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen.

15 FOUR LOVE You will need Pens/paper Bibles Advent wreath/candles Copies of the Love Advent Ceremony for everyone Copies of the Advent Virus Long piece of string / rope or even tinsel - long enough for each person to hold onto when sitting in a circle. Slips of paper and small pegs WELCOME Ask each person to share about their favourite moment or character of the Christmas Story and explain why it encourages or inspires them in their faith. WORD & WORSHIP Follow the Love Advent Ceremony together with your group. (This is attached below so you can print out copies for your group without all the leader s notes.) Additional notes for section 2 - Advent Virus It would be good to give each member a copy of the Advent Virus. Perhaps you could print it / write it inside a Christmas card for everyone. Allow some time after you have read it for discussion: perhaps ask the group Would other people in your life know that you have the Advent Virus? Why or why not? Additional notes for section 3 - Lighting the candle Ask everyone to sit in a circle around the wreath and stretch out a piece of string / tinsel around the group for everyone to hold onto. Make sure there are some slips of paper, pens and pegs close by. WITNESS Encourage the group to each light their own advent wreath at home and explain to their family about this season of love. Maybe they could even follow the ceremony through with their family. Finally give each person a white candle. Explain that this is the Christ candle which they can light on Christmas Eve. As you give it you could say this final Christmas blessing over each person: May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas.

16 FOUR Advent Ceremony: Love 1. Begin with the following Bible readings John 3:16 1 Corinthians 13 John 13: The Advent Virus Take some time to read the following. WARNING!: ADVENT VIRUS Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of the Advent Virus: A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. A loss of interest in judging other people. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. A loss of interest in conflict. A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.) Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. Frequent attacks of smiling. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it. Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it. (Author Unknown)? Would other people in your life know that you have the Advent Virus? Why or why not? 3. Lighting the Candle Group leader: The Advent candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of his son Jesus. Light the advent candles with the words: The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope; the second is the candle of Peace; the third is the candle of Joy, the fourth is the candle of Love. We light this candle to remind us how Jesus, the light of the world, came to show us God s love. Voice one: Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel

17 FOUR and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. Our wait is nearly over today as we celebrate the fourth week of Advent, and the coming of love into the world. Voice two: God is love and at this season we celebrate that love came down to earth in the promised Messiah, Jesus. The Bible tells us that it is because God loved the world so much that Jesus came. The angel tells Joseph that the baby to be born will be called Emmanuel, God with us. Voice three: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) That s how much God loves the world and each and every one of us. Voice four: We can see in the shape of the wreath itself the never-ending circle of God s love, that he is the same and forever in his love towards his people. By all holding onto this piece of string we remind ourselves that we are part of God s love and part of each other. Voice five: This Christmas season we will remember that, just as Christ showed his love by giving his life for us, we show our love by giving ourselves to others, and especially by sharing with others our stories of the light of Christ in our lives. Voice six: Because God loves us and came into the world to be with us, we must love and care for others. Jesus came to show us how to live that love. We are Jesus disciples in the world today. Jesus wants us to love others as he loves us. This candle reminds us that God loves us, and that we must show that love by loving one another. Take a few minutes to write on slips of paper the names of people who you would like to know Jesus love. Peg them onto the circle of string. 4. Closing Prayer The group leader begins the prayer and at the appropriate point everyone in the circle takes it in turns to read out the names of the people they have pegged up on their pieces of paper. Group leader: God, thank you for loving us, and for sending us Jesus to teach us about your love. Help us to remember that your love will never come to an end. Strengthen us to love others as you love us. Today we bring before you our friends and family named on these slips of paper. We pray for Go round the circle in turn and read out the names on the slips of paper that they too would know your love, your joy, your peace and your hope this Christmas. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us. All say these final words of prayer together: Loving God, we thank you for your gift of love, shown to us perfectly in Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive his love. We ask in the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen