Step by Step

Third Week of Advent

In the midst of all the excitement; the wonder of being visited by angels, the good news of great joy that a son was coming,  daily life was still going on for Joseph and Mary.  There was work to be done, and rules to follow.  Just like today, as our excitement for Christmas grows, we still get up, go to school, do our chores, and follow the rules.  Even thought we can hardly wait, we must.

In that time, an order went out that everyone had to be counted.  This meant that Joseph had to make a long journey to the hometown of his family 80 miles away!  This was a long trip.  It probably took about 10 days, so that if you began walking today, you would have to keep walking until Christmas day to complete the journey!

So Joseph and Mary set out to walk the long valley.  It was a road home in many ways, but it must have been hard, and a little bit scary along the way.  

Joy was near.  The end of the long journey that began with a visit from the angel was upon them.  So much to look forward to, so much to rejoice.  Step by step.

Prayer: 

Dear God, Step by step,  nudge me toward you.  Guide me with your loving hand.  Joy is near! Amen

Luke 2:1-5

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.     

Sunday - Sing 

Verse 3 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Monday  - Create

Make joyful outdoor ice ornaments like these

Tuesday - Dream

Try making a  homemade band - here

Wednesday - Love

Ask these 5 questions:

Does life ever seem hard?

Is there anything in your life that is painful?

Who can help you be strong and joyful, even when life gets hard?

Who did Jesus turn to when he needed help?

How is love connected to joy?

Thursday - Share

Write joyful post it notes and place them randomly in a hymnal pew pad on Sundays

Friday - Pray

Prepare and celebrate the birth!  Create a paper lantern here

Unexpected Company

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace

Unexpected Company with Big News

Last week, we read about a man named Isaiah who delivered a message from God promising a son, a shepherd to guide the people!  It came a long long time ahead of the birth of Jesus.  God's people were waiting!  Finally, the time was near.  God sent a new message to Mary and Joseph who were engaged to be married.  This was a big message for the world!   So big that God sent his angel to them to deliver the news directly:  

"Greetings, most favored one, and do not be afraid.  God has chosen you among all women.  Very soon you will have a baby, you will call him Jesus" 

Mary bowed before the angel Gabriel and told him she would be true to God and that she wanted to do as God wished.  When she got up the angel had gone. 

Joseph was worried when he found out that Mary was expecting a baby. He wondered if he should put off their wedding altogether. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: 

'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' 

The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Saviour' because he would save the people. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had told him to do and took Mary as his wife.

The time was finally here.  The promise God made way back through Isaiah was coming true!  Peace on earth was near.  A time when people of good will could come together and experience a new beginning.  

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We pray that your dream for a peaceful world will come true.  Thank you for your promise, thank you for your hope, thank you you for your love.  Amen

Sunday - Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel (Verse 2)

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,

Who ordered all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

and teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel!

Monday - Dream

Turn off all the lights, or have your kids cover their eyes with cloth, and listen to the world around them.  What do they hear?  How do they feel?

Tuesday - Love

Practice creative conflict resolution here

Wednesday - Share

Ask these 5 questions:

How would you describe yourself in three words?

How would you describe a friend? 

How would you describe a stranger?

How can you change a stranger into a friend?

What keeps you from that action?

Thursday - Create

Create a "stained glass" peace window and post it in your front window to promote peace to those around you. Inspiration here

Friday - Pray

"A day in the life of St Francis" here

Help your children write a prayer like the Peace Prayer,  based on the things they want to do to help each day.

Isaiah 9:6

"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."