ADVENT GUIDE
Advent, formed from a Latin word meaning coming or arrival, is about the coming of Christ. It s the celebration of the first advent of Jesus and the anxious awaiting of His second. The season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting, and a time to reflect upon the promises of God and to anticipate the fulfillment of those promises. We take time to celebrate that God is faithful, has been faithful, and He will be faithful. There are several different traditions which people use to celebrate the Advent season. One popular tradition involves the use of Advent wreaths and candles. This symbolic tradition is borrowed from the emphasis throughout Scripture of Jesus Christ being the light of the world (Matthew 4:16; John 1:4-9, 8:12). Each week a new candle is lit in anticipation of the final lighting on Christmas Eve. From November 30 through December 24, we are inviting the families of Mountain Park UMC to join together with millions of Christians around the world to prepare for the Christmas season through the observance of Advent. We have prepared this family worship guide for you to use in your homes to celebrate Advent each week. We have included suggested readings, worship songs, family crafts and discussion questions. Participate in as much of the celebration as you like. Inexpensive Advent wreaths and candles can usually be found at stores such as Jo- Ann Fabric, Hobby Lobby or Michael s. No kids at home? Get together with your grandchildren, other couples, and single friends to experience this as a spiritual family. 2
Theme for Sunday, November 30 th CHRIST, THE MAKER OF ALL CREATION Light the first Advent candle. Scripture Reading: Genesis 1, John 1:1-3 When did the Son of God make his first appearance in scripture? If you said the Nativity Story, then guess again. Before the Son of God was born as the baby Jesus, he still existed. In fact, he has always existed. Scripture teaches us that the Son of God is the true maker of everything in creation. It was he who fashioned each one of us into God s image. The creation that God made was designed to work together perfectly. It was a place of peace that brought glory to God. Songs: Glory in the Highest, Come Now Our King Arrange pictures of you, your children, their grandparents and other ancestors around the kitchen table. Take turns pointing out the similarities you and your children have with one another and other relatives. Explain that while our physical appearance may look like our earthly family, we were made to resemble our heavenly Father too. Share about some of those resemblances (like love, patience, etc.) How does the story of creation cause you to worship God? Think about some of the most beautiful places you have ever seen or maybe the stunning images from distant stars and galaxies. How often do you believe the truth in God s word that you, and not anything else, are the crowning achievement of God s creation? 3
Theme for Sunday, December 7 OUR NEED FOR A SAVIOR Light the first candle to represent Christ as the Maker of all creation. Light the second candle. Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:7-3:7 God made Adam and Eve in His image and gave them everything they needed. Adam and Eve lived happily together with God in their beautiful new home until one day they disobeyed God. Eve was deceived by God s enemy, Satan, who disguised himself as a snake, and ate from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had forbidden them to do. Adam s and Eve s disobedience of God was the first sin. Because of their sin, all of us now struggle with living apart from God s plan for us and hurting other people and God s creation. This is our sin. The only way we can overcome this sin struggle is if we are saved from it. But who will save us? Songs: O, Come All Ye Faithful and O Little Town of Bethlehem Blow out your Advent candle and turn out the lights. As your family is sitting in the darkness, talk about when sin and darkness entered the world. Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all sinners. Therefore, we all have sin and darkness in our hearts and need to be rescued. God promised us that He would rescue us from this darkness by sending a Savior, His one and only Son. Light the Advent candle again. Light is more powerful and pierces through darkness. Read John 8:12 aloud. Ask your children who rescues us from sin and darkness. Why was eating from the tree so appealing? (Adam and Eve already had everything they needed). What does this reveal about our hearts? 4
Theme for Sunday, December 14 GOD PROMISES US A SAVIOR Light the first candle to represent Christ as the Maker of all creation. Light the second candle to represent our need for a Savior. Light the third candle. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 This is a prophecy from Isaiah about Jesus. It says He would be a light for the Gentiles (that s us). A child would be born, a Son given, who would rescue us. The prophecy is a joyous promise that God will come to rescue us with justice and righteousness. Throughout the Bible s Old Testament, God made this promise through His prophets, hundreds of years before Jesus was born! Songs: O Come, O Come Emmanuel and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Make a promise to your children about something you will do later in the week... maybe it is to go get a Christmas tree or decorate the tree or make cookies, etc. Emphasize that you are making a promise and they will need to wait for this special activity when they least expect it. Make the connection that God promised to send a Savior to rescue us from sin and darkness. During the week, when your children least expect it, fulfill your promise to them. Re- emphasize the important Promise of a Savior that God promised us in the birth of His Son, which is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Discuss each of the names/characteristics of Jesus in this passage: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. How does your waiting and anticipation increase your joy? Why is it hard to be patient when waiting on God s promises? How can we fight impatience? 5
Theme for Sunday, December 21 THE PROMISED SAVIOR IS THE SON OF GOD Light the first candle to represent Christ as the Maker of all creation. Light the second candle to represent our need for a Savior. Light the third candle to represent God s promise of a Savior Light the fourth candle. Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18 This passage talks about how Jesus is God and how He came to bring light to the world. He who eternally existed as God became human for our redemption. He remained fully God and fully man to bring grace and truth to a broken world. If you receive Him and believe in His name you have life in His name. Songs: Mary, Did You Know? and Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Make a list of names or characteristics of Jesus for every letter of the alphabet. Make an ornament or paper chain with all the names or characteristics to add to your Christmas tree. Why is it important that Jesus was with God in the beginning? (vv1-3) What does it mean to receive Him and believe in His name? (v12) In what ways can you take steps to live as a person sent to reveal Christ to others? 6
Theme for Christmas Eve THE SON OF GOD HAS COME Light the first candle to represent Christ as the Maker of all creation. Light the second candle to represent our need for a Savior. Light the third candle to represent God s promise of a Savior Light the fourth candle to represent that our Savior is the Son of God. Light the center candle. Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7 The long awaited promised Savior had been born in Bethlehem. On that night in a stable, God gave the world His wonderful gift. The baby that would change the world was born. This was a fulfillment of many prophecies about how a Savior would be born to rescue His people. Mary and Joseph named him Jesus, Emmanuel which means God has come to live with us. Songs: Away in a Manger and Silent Night Plan a family birthday party for Jesus. Decide who will come, what you will have, when it will be. Then, explain why your family is throwing the party. Give each child a part to plan. Go to the grocery store together to pick up ingredients and supplies. Let your kids help bake the cake, decorate and be a special part of this birthday party. Happy Birthday, Jesus! Name a time you waited for something that you really wanted. Why would the God of the universe come to earth with such humble beginnings? Take some time to talk about how the Christmas season helps you remember and honor Christ. 7
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