Thursday, December 3, 2015

Advent is Upon Us! During Advent, we wait expectantly to celebrate the birth of Christ. As we wait, we reflect on the amazing gifts God has given us through Jesus, gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. It is exciting to remember that the God of the universe loves us so much that He would send us His only Son Jesus through whom we are able to receive such divine gifts.

During Advent, we reflect on each of these gifts through the lighting of the Advent wreath. Last week in Advent Family Sunday School, we talked about the origin of the Advent Wreath, discussed what each candle represented, and made our own family Advent Wreaths. I hope you will hang up your family Advent Wreath and continue talking with your children about Advent at home, and if you were not able to attend Advent Family Sunday School, I still encourage you to talk about Advent and the true meaning of Christmas with your children. 

One great way to do this is to designate one day during each week to do an Advent devotional together as a family. To guide you, here are four short devotionals that include scripture, questions, and prayers you can read as a family for each week of Advent. 
Advent Wreath Coloring Page Picture listed in:
Advent Week One (this week): HOPE

Scripture
Read Psalm 39:7 as a family.

Questions
What kinds of things do you hope for?
What does it mean to have hope in Jesus?
What is one way you can spread the hope of Jesus to others?

Prayer
God of hope, as we begin Advent, we can get carried away with decorating, parties, and presents. Lord, help us to keep our focus on you and to remember that you are hope of the world and the true reason we prepare and celebrate. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Advent Week Two (begins 12/6): PEACE

Scripture
Read Isaiah 9:6 as a family.

Questions
What do you think it means to have peace?
When is a time you have felt peace?
Why do you think we call Jesus the Prince of Peace?

Prayer
God of peace, sometimes our actions are not peaceful. Help us to quiet our minds, mouths, and bodies, to be still and invite in the peace that can only come through You. Guide us in all that we say and do, that we may show Your love and peace to those around us. Amen.

Advent Week Three (begins 12/13): JOY

Scripture
Read Luke 2:10 as a family.

Questions
Have you ever experienced joy? Share that story.
What is the joy we celebrate at Christmas?
Do you think we can celebrate the joy of Christmas all year? How?

 Prayer                                                                                                                                                   
God we know that some days, we do not act like there is anything to celebrate. Turn our eyes upward and outward, focusing not on ourselves, but on you! Fill our hearts with joy we pray. Amen.

Advent Week Four (begins 12/20): LOVE

 Scripture
Read Romans 8:39 as a family.

Questions
Who do you love?
How does it make you feel that because of Jesus nothing can separate us from Gods love?
How can you show love to others?

Prayer                                                                                                                                                        
God, creator of Love, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to show us unconditional love, a love that can never be taken away and a love that will never end. May all that we say and do be done in love and to the glory of Your Holy name. Amen.


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