advent 2018 Family Advent Guide

advent 2018 Family Advent Guide

Advent is a special time in the church year. IT S A TIME TO WAIT & PREPARE OUR HEARTS TO CELEBRATE THE GREAT JOY OF CHRISTMAS We wait on this side of history with hope and expectancy! Let s remind ourselves to be grateful and to express our thanks in worship. THIS BOOKLET IS FOR YOU TO USE IN YOUR CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS For each week in Advent, there is a simple service of scripture reading, songs, and prayer. Included are services for Christmas and Epiphany.

Gather Supplies A Bible and bookmarks An Advent Wreath and Candles- Four for the Sundays in Advent (traditionally placed around the wreath) and one for Christmas (in the center of the wreath). Matches/ Lighter This Family Advent Booklet Optional- A guitar or piano for the songs (you can look up chords online). P lan & Prepare Plan a TIME each week that works for you and your family. Try to pick a LOCATION that is away from typical everyday distractions (TV, computers, phones etc.) QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES. Each service starts with some suggested questions and activities to help make your time together more fun and engaging. This is a way to ease into the service for the evening. Look ahead and choose the questions or activities that would work best for your family. A LEADER, A READER, AND A CANDLE LIGHTER FOR EACH SERVICE. The selected leader for the evening hosts the service by reading the guiding reflections. The reader or readers read the suggested Bible passages. MARK THE BIBLE PASSAGES. Choose a Bible translation that you are most comfortable with and decide who will read the Bible passages and prayers. DECIDE WHO WILL LIGHT THE CANDLES. This is especially exciting for children! The first week there is only one candle to light. You may also want to decide who gets to snuff the candles at the end. REVIEW THE RECOMMENDED CHRISTMAS SONGS (OR CHOOSE YOUR OWN). Each song is chosen to represent the scripture story for the week, but you may want to choose one that is more familiar. If you don t know the tune of the song you might try reading the words to the song as a poem instead of singing together. The hymn numbers listed are from the hymnal we use at UPC called The Worshiping Church.

First Sunday of Advent: The Prophecy Candle QUESTIONS 1. One of the names for Jesus is Emmanuel, which means God with us. What do you think it means to have God with us? 2. What are some of your favorite Christmas memories from the past? 3. How does Christmas bring you hope? 4. What do you hope for this Christmas? 5. Who are some people you could encourage and bring hope to this Christmas? What are some creative ways you might be able to share hope with them? ACTIVITY If you have a nativity scene, put out the stable and talk about this special place that is being prepared for the baby. Each week you can add some of the figures as the story unfolds. Make a Friendship Bracelet to celebrate Advent. Watch this YouTube video for simple instructions (https://youtu.be/yujvdp5bj78). Consider choosing colors that represent Advent. For example, Purple/Dark Blue- Sovereignty of Christ & Repentance, Pink-Joy & Rejoicing, White-Purity & Light of Christ. Word a day (or week) challenge. For each day (or week) in Advent, meditate on a word and what God might be telling you through that word. For example, you might choose words like: wait, rejoice, sparkle, or neighbor. Find a creative way to be reminded of that word and how God is speaking about it to you. Take a photo to represent it, draw or create something, have a conversation at the dinner table about that word. Do it together as a family, or on your own. WORSHIP Leader: It is the season of Advent. We take time to remember God s gift of hope as we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Light the Prophecy Candle Leader (as candle is being lit): We light this candle to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Reader: Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7

Sing or Read: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Hymn 133) Come, come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! Come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heav nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! Come, Thou Dayspring come and cheer, Our spirits by Thine advent here, Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! Come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind; Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease, Fill the whole world with heaven s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! Reader: Luke 1:26-38 Leader Prays: God of all peoples- your plans are always for our good. You told your plan to Mary and she was willing to do her part. Help us to see your plan for us and help us to do what you ask. Amen Sing or Read: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. Leader prays concluding prayer: Eternal God - through long generations you prepared a way for the coming of your Son, and by your Spirit you still bring light to illuminate our paths. Renew us in faith and hope that we may welcome Christ to rule our thoughts and claim our love, as Lord of lords and King of kings, to whom glory forever. Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent: The Bethlehem Candle QUESTIONS 1. What kinds of songs do you like to sing to yourself when no one is around to hear? Or what kinds of songs do you often find yourself singing in your head? 2. Read Luke 1:39-56 3. What does Mary sing about? What does she thank God for in her song? 4. How do you think Elizabeth might have encouraged Mary? 5. How can you encourage someone or show your love to someone this week? ACTIVITIES Draw names within your family and do something special (secretly) for them during the week. At the end of the week guess who had each name. Add hay to your nativity scene: on yellow strips of paper write down ways you have encouraged others this week and place them in the manger. Help your family collect food or toiletries and drop off your donations in the red barrels by the main entrances at UPC. WORSHIP Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles Leader (as candle is being lit): We light these candles to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Reader: Malachi 3:1 Sing or Read: Away in a Manger Away in a manger no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky, looked down where he lay; The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love you Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me Lord Jesus I ask you to stay, Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Read more: Luke 1:39-56 Leader: Mary decided to put her hope in God s promise to her. She would give birth to the Son of God. But the angel had given her a sign to know that this promise came from God: Her relative Elizabeth was also going to have a baby. Was the promise true? Mary hurried to the town where Elizabeth lived along with her husband Zechariah. Leader Prays: Our God you are the Giver of all good gifts. Open our eyes to see all the ways you give us what we need and help us give thanks to you. Amen. Sing or Read: O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie, Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, The everlasting Light, The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above; While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, Proclaim the holy birth. And praises sing to God the King, And Peace to all on earth. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given. So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel. Leader prays concluding prayer: Loving God you taught us that the night is over and the day is at hand. Keep us awake and alert, watching for your kingdom, and make us strong in faith, so that when Christ comes in glory, we may joyfully give him praise. Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent: The Shepherd s Candle QUESTIONS 1. Read aloud Mark 1:3-4. God sent John the Baptist (Jesus cousin) to spread the news that his gift of Jesus was on the way. God wanted people s hearts to be ready to receive and celebrate Jesus. 2. Name some ways we send and get news (TV, computer, newspapers, person-to person etc.) 3. If the birth of Jesus happened today, how would we hear about it? 4. What does Jesus birth mean to you personally? 5. Why do you think God wanted people s hearts to be ready to celebrate Jesus? 6. How can we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus? ACTIVITIES Make a God s Blessing Box: wrap a shoebox, tie a bow around it, and make an slit in the top. Write your blessings on pieces of paper that you can place in the box throughout Advent. Keep the box near your nativity scene to remind you of the ways God is showing you love and hope. Add the shepherds and animal grazing nearby to the nativity scene. Add more hay (ways you have encouraged others this week). WORSHIP Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem, and Shepherd s Candle Leader (as the candle is being lit): We light these candles to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Song or Read: O Come all Ye Faithful (Hymn 173) O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels! Christ the Lord. Sing, alleluia, All ye choirs of angels; O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav n above. Glory to God In the highest glory!

Christ the Lord. Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv n; Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing, Read: Isaiah 40:1-5 Sing or Read: The First Noel Noel, Noel (x2) The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter s night that was so deep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! Noel, Noel Noel, Noel They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night Noel, Noel (x6) Born is the King of Israel! Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! Born is the King of Israel! Noel, Noel Noel, Noel Leader prays concluding prayer: Faithful God your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert watching for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our Judge and Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Fourth Sunday in Advent: The Angel s Candle QUESTIONS 1. In the Christmas Story God chose to announce the birth of his Son to ordinary shepherds. Why do you think God did this? 2. What did the shepherd s do when they returned from seeing Jesus? 3. I wonder how their lives were changed 4. How do you think the birth of Jesus changes the lives of ordinary people? ACTIVITIES Add Mary, Joseph, and the donkey, and more hay to the nativity scene. Write a letter, poem, or song to Jesus and/ or to each person in your family. Wrap it in a gift box with special (maybe white or gold) wrapping paper to be opened on Christmas Day. Pray and thank God for his gift and for each other. WORSHIP Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd s, and Angel s Candle Leader (as the candles are being lit): We light these candles to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Read: Micah 5:2 Sing or Read: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Hymn 173) Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King! Christ, by highest heaven adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favoured one. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die: Born to raise the ones of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King! Leader: An angel visited Mary and she decided to put her hope in God s promise. An angel visited Elizabeth and she was grateful for God s great gift to her. An angel visited Zechariah and told him that his prayers had been answered and he waited until his son John was born. At long last, it was time for Mary to see God s promise to her come true. Read: Luke 2:1-20 Sing or Read: Angels we Have Heard on High (Hymn 146) Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav nly song? Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise. Leader prays closing prayer: Dear Lord Jesus- we love you because you loved us first and came to earth to be with us. We thank you that you are still with us today. Amen.

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: Christ Candle ACTIVITY Place the baby Jesus in your manger at home. WORSHIP Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd s, Angel s, and Christ candles Leader (as the candles are being lit): We light these candles to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Read: Isaiah 9:2 Sing or Read: What Child is This? What child is this Who laid to rest, On Mary s lap is sleeping. Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping. This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring him praise; The babe, the son of Mary. He lies in such a lowly place, Where ox and ass are feeding. The end of fear for all who hear, The silent word is speaking. So bring him incense Gold and myrrh, Come peasant, king to love him. The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him. Leader: This is the day we have been waiting for. It is a day to celebrate and enjoy the gifts that God has given us. When Jesus was born many people were waiting for him although they did not know when he would come. Two people, Simeon and Anna, had been waiting for the Messiah their whole lives. When the time was right Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple. Simeon and Anna were waiting for him there. Read: Luke 2:21-32

Sing or Read: Silent Night (Hymn 164) Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia. Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Silent night, holy night! Son of God, Love s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Leader prays closing prayer: Glory to you, almighty God, for you sent your only-begotten Son, that we might have new life. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for you became flesh and dwelt among us that we might become your people. Glory to you, Holy Spirit, for you direct and rule our lives. Glory to you, almighty God, and to your Son, Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Epiphany January 6 ACTIVITY Move the wise men into the Nativity scene. EPIPHANY IS THE TWELTH DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. It is the day set aside to remember the visit of the Wise Men to Jesus. Its is also a good day to end the Christmas celebrations with one last light of the Advent candles. WORSHIP Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd s, Angel s, and Christ candles Leader (as the candles are being lit): We light these candles to remember that our hope is in Jesus, the Light of the world. Read: Isaiah 60:1-3 Sing or Read: We Three Kings We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. Born a King on Bethlehem s plain Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign. Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, voices raising, Worshiping God on high. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia, Sounds through the earth and skies. Leader: Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. The shepherds saw the angels sing about him and went to see for themselves. Mary and Joseph knew he was to be a king. Simeon and Anna knew he was God s anointed Savior. But Jesus was not just for the people in Judea. The Prophet Isaiah promised that nations would come to worship Jesus.

Read: Mathew 2:1-12 Leader Prays: Holy God, we worship you today with all that we are. You have come to give the whole world light and hope. Help us to know your light and to share that hope with the nations, starting with our neighbors. Amen. Sing or Read: Go! Tell it on the Mountain (Hymn 151) While shepherds kept their watching Over silent flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born The shepherds feared and trembled When lo above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Saviour s birth Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born And god send us salvation That blessed Christmas morn Leader prays closing prayer: God of the nations we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the night that covers the earth and signals the dawn of justice and peace. May His brightness illumine our lives and beckon all nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God forever and ever. Amen.