Christmas Day!

God of love, Father of all,
the darkness that covered the earth
has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh.
Make us a people of this light.
Make us faithful to your Word
that we may bring your life to the waiting world.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From The Roman Missal)

Advent Wreath

Light 4 preceding candles
Light the center white candle

Today is Christmas. Today, we light the four candles. (three purple candles and the pink candle). We also light the center white candle.
The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope.
The second Sunday, we lit the candle of love.
The third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy.
The fourth Sunday, we lit the candle of peace.
Today, we also light the center candle. This candle represents Jesus. When we light this candle, we remember Jesus' birth. Our waiting  has ended.

Advent Week 4: Saturday

Birthday Cake for Jesus

Birthday parties are fun, and one of the best parts of the party is the cake. What is special about this cake is not the taste or the design, but the story.

You will need:

1 box of white cake mix (or your favorite white cake recipe)

1 box of chocolate cake mix (or your favorite chocolate cake recipe)

Vanilla frosting

food coloring: red, green and yellow

birthday candles

optional: heart candies, yellow star, large red candle.

Prepare cakes according to the box/recipe directions. Divide the white batter in half. Drop several drops of green food coloring in one half, and red food coloring in the other half. Pour into 8″ round cake pans and bake according to recipe directions.

The chocolate layer reminds us that we are sinful.

The red layer reminds us that Jesus shed his blood for our sins.

The white frosting reminds us that Jesus has given us a clean heart.

The green layer reminds us to grow in Christ.

The yellow decorations remind us of heaven.

The candles remind us Jesus is the Light of the World.

Advent Week 4: Friday

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground;
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around,
and glory shone around.

2. "Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind.
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to all of humankind,
to all of humankind."

3. "To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign,
and this shall be the sign:"

4. "The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid."

5. Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God on high,
who thus addressed their song,
who thus addressed their song:

6. "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to earth
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!"

Family Application:  Go back through your Jesus and coffee moments.  If you haven’t already write down some of the memories you have made as you gathered as a family this Advent season.  Talk tonight about how you can continue this family time after Advent is over.

An example of a gift  There are a lot of children who are stuck in the hospital during the holidays.  Make a bag of goodies for them or call and see if there is anything that they are wanting special this holiday season.  Make sure that it is okay and then deliver them to the children.

Family Craft Project—  Decorate some cards and maybe even the bag for your goodie bags for the children in the hospital.

Advent Week 4: Thursday

Family Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-20Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸ And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; ¹¹ for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.¹⁷ And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; ¹⁸ and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Family Application: Count up the number of times the word peace is in the Scripture reading.  What does it mean to have peace?  How can we bring peace to others?

An example of a gift  Look their toys and books to find some that are gently used.  Take them to local doctors offices and donate them. 

Family Craft Project— Make some pen flowers for the nurses stations  and take them with you when you take the toys and books.  Here is a quick how to on making them.

How to Make Flower Pens

Need:

Þ ballpoint pens 

Þ floral tape

Þ artificial daisy flowers 

Þ hot glue gun

1. Wrap floral tape from the top of the pen all the way down to the writing point of the pen, then replace the pen’s cap.

2. Put a generous drop of glue in the top of the pen, where the plastic end cap used to be.  You can use your favorite craft glue, super glue, or a hot glue gun.

3. Stick the artificial flower stem down into the pen. 

http://livingwellmom.com/2014/05/adorable-diy-flower-pens/

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”  Henri Nouwen

Advent Week 4: Wednesday

Family Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-20American Standard Version (ASV)

⁸ And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping ^[a]watch by night over their flock. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: ¹¹ for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is ^[b]Christ the Lord. ¹² And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth ^[c]peace among ^[d]men in whom he is well pleased.

¹⁵ And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this ^[e]thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. ¹⁸ And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these ^[f]sayings, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

Family Application:  Share with each other a time when you were scared about something you had to do.  Maybe it was the first day of a job, going to a new class, having a new babysitter for the first time or meeting someone new.

An example of a gift  Today give back to the men and women who risk a lot to keep our town safe.  Take some treats to the fire station and police department.  Since it is the holidays they maybe over run with homemade sweets so think outside the box and take them something like fresh fruit or even a gift basket of crackers and cheese.

Family Craft Project— Make something for the fire station and police department workers. Maybe a card or a poster saying thank you.

Dear Lord we thank you for the men and women who serve on the fire department or police department.  We thank you for the protection they give us.  The peace they bring to our town.  We pray for their families and for friends who love them.  We ask that you put a hedge of protection around them today.   Amen.

Advent Week 4: Tuesday

Family Scripture Reading:

Luke 2:8-20New International Version (NIV)

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Family Application: Tonight watch a Christmas movie.  There are lots of them out there.  Pick one and watch it together as a family.

http://www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/things-to-do/the-20-best-christmas-movies-for-kids

http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/tp/christmasmovies.htm

An example of a gift  This time of the year for stores is crazy, put together some thank you notes and take them to the cashiers at the local store.

Family Craft Project— Coloring page

Advent Week 4: Monday

Luke 2:8-20 The Message (MSG)

An Event for Everyone

^8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

^13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. 

^15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

^19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

Family Application: Tonight go look up what it means to be a shepherd.  What does a shepherd do?  Why do you think God had them be the first to know about Jesus’ birth?

An example of a gift  Our military who are deployed are far away from their families and could use a letter to remind them we are praying for them and a bit of encouragement. http://amillionthanks.org/send_a_letter.php

Family Craft Project— Make some sheep to put on your Christmas tree or to give away to someone.  There are lots of different ways to make sheep.  Here are a few examples.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of peace. Help us to put peace into practice in our lives and to show others the path to true peace. Remind us to serve as peacemakers and to share the love of God with those in need. Amen

Advent Week 4: Sunday

Advent Wreath

As you read each paragraph light the candle for
each week.

The candle of hope we light in this hour
Proclaims that the Lord is coming in power.
We wait for a future, now hidden from view,
When Christ in his glory will make all things new.

The candle of love tells what we are worth:
God loves us so much, God came to the earth!
An angel brought news of a child who would be
The one who would save us and set us all free.

The candle of joy reminds us to sing,
For God is at work to do a new thing.
The proud will be humbled; the lowly will rise.
God's kingdom is one of delight and surprise.

The candle of peace shines bright with God's plan;
The wolf will lie down and dwell with the lamb.
Our guns and our weapons, our hatred and war,
Will give way to gardens that heal and restore.

Shepherds

The Bible mentions shepherds and shepherding over 200 times. However, the Hebrew word for shepherding is often translated, “feeding.” Shepherds led sheep to pasture and water (Psalm 23:1 ) and protected them from wild animals (1 Samuel 17:34-35 ). Shepherds guarded their flocks at night whether in the open (Luke 2:8 ) or in sheepfolds (Zephaniah 2:6 ) where they counted the sheep as they entered (Jeremiah 33:13 ). They took care of the sheep and even carried weak lambs in their arms (Isaiah 40:11 ).  (http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/shepherd.html)

The Passing of the Peace

The Passing of the Peace is a time when all, including the pastor, exchange signs and words of peace and reconciliation with one another.  This  is  more formal  than the welcome /  greeting above.  It  maybe viewed as an act of seeking and granting forgiveness.  (https://www.umcsc.org/PDF/WorshipNutsandBolts2.pdf)

The people may offer one another signs of reconciliation and love, particularly when Holy Communion is celebrated. The Peace is an act of reconciliation and blessing, based on New Testament Christian practice (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). Its placement immediately before the Offering recalls Matthew 5:23-24. It is not simply our peace but the peace of Christ that we offer. The gestures and words used may vary widely, depending on the temperament and customs of the people and the nature of the occasion. For example, one may clasp another's hand and say, "The peace of Christ be with you," and the other respond, "And also with you." The Peace is not to be confused with the ritual of friendship or welcoming of visitors. If the Confession and Pardon are placed earlier in the service, the Peace may still be observed at this time in the service. (http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/an-order-of-sunday-worship-using-the-basic-pattern)

During this time some churches have the tradition of saying “peace be with you.”  And then the congregation or individual person would say “and also with you.”

Watch this fun video for more information: https://chuckknowschurch.com/archive/69passing-peace

Advent Week 3: Saturday

Saturday game time…

Read each statement and have everyone guess who it is…

1. I visitied Mary and told her she was going to have a baby.  (Angel)

2. An angel appeared to me in a dream. (Joseph)

3. I sent Jesus to each to show people how I want them to live. (God)

4. I am God’s son. (Jesus)

5. My mother laid me in a manger when I was born.  (Jesus)

6. My love for you will never end. (God)

7. I married a man named Joseph. (Mary)

8. My wife’s name was Mary. (Joseph)

9. I sent Jesus to earth to teach people about me. (God)

10.  I was born in Bethlehem. (Jesus)

11. I appeared to Joseph in a dream. (angel)

12. I gave birth to God’s son. (Mary)

Family Scripture Reading: John 1: 9-14

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Advent Week 3: Friday

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Family Application:  Sing together Away in the Manger 

An example of a gift  Today, go outside and if you can see grass pick up trash along a road or at the park.  If you can’t see grass, go to Wal-mart and put carts in the cart return. 

Family Craft Project— Candy cane bomb a parking lot.  Make cards with the candy cane story and put a candy cane and the story on the windows of cars in a parking lot.