Week: Who are we?
As usual, we start by pausing and taking a deep breath:
In and out.
In and out.
We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.
Pause
On this, the first Sabbath of the Advent season, before we hear the voices of shepherds and wise men, let’s listen to the voices from heaven that Jesus’ disciple, John, describes in the book of Revelation. Let’s particularly listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from these verses.
Read by Max
Revelation 11:15
And there were loud voices in heaven, saying: ‘The power to rule the world now belongs to our Lord and his Christ, and he will rule forever and ever.’
Revelation 11:15 (NCV)
And Revelation 21:3-5
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’
Revelation 21:3-5 (NLT)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
Let’s begin by thinking about what’s going on in our own hearts. What do we feel anxious or angry about? What things do we know aren’t right? Let’s listen as God speaks to our hearts, saying, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’
Father God, thank You that You sent Your Son to save us, to forgive us and to give us peace. May we know the hope and joy of Jesus this Christmas.
Now, let’s think about our family, our friends, our church community. Who do we know is facing difficult changes and challenges at the moment?
Lord Jesus, we want them to hear You too, saying, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ We thank You that You promise to be with us by Your Spirit today. And we also thank You that, one day, You will return and we will be with You forever. On that day, we know that You will wipe away every tear, that every difficult change and challenge will come to an end.
Finally, let’s think about our nation, and about other places around the world… particularly places where there are difficult changes and challenges. Let’s picture Jesus as He sits on the throne above every nation, saying, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’
Come, Holy Spirit. We ask You to make peace in every place, especially during this Advent season.
Let’s press pause and talk about our Sabbath question which is: As our week comes to an end, what was good about it – what are we thankful for? It could be something big or small.
As we finish our time together, let’s say this week’s amazing memory verse one last time.
Genesis 1:27
So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.
Genesis 1:27 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
May this Sabbath bring rest and joy to our hearts and our homes.
May today be a little less go, go, go, and a little more slow… slow… slow…
May we care less about things, and care more for people.
As we relax in God’s love, may we take time to listen and remember that we are all God’s children.
Joy lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her dog. She works for Bridgetown Church where she leads kids as they grow, learn, and have lots of fun. Joy loves gardening, summer camp, eating ice cream, and reading her favourite books, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Max is 9 years old and lives in Melbourne, Australia with his older brother and mum and dad. He often rides his bike to school and enjoys being creative by drawing or building with Lego. Max is also learning how to play the electric guitar and loves turning it up loud!
