Week: Voices of Advent
Each day we will simply pray (P.R.A.Y.) together.
P: PAUSING to be still.
R: REJOICING with a Memory Verse and REFLECTING on some verses from the Bible.
A: ASKING God to help us and others.
Y: saying YES to God’s ways.
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
Lord Jesus, we’re looking forward to celebrating Your birth this Christmas. Help us to be still amongst all the planning and the preparations, to rest in Your presence and remember what and who we are celebrating.
We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:
Read by Asaph
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’
Luke 2:10 (NIV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
Today we are REFLECTING on the journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which would have taken about four days.
Read by Asaph
Luke 2:1-3,5
At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register. This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was now pregnant.
Luke 2:1-3,5 (NCV)
This Christmas, some of us will travel to visit family or friends, and many of us will have a feast and celebrate with presents. Mary and Joseph travelled for Christmas too! They had to make sure their family name was registered with the government – and while they were there, they received the greatest gift of all!
Whether we are with family this Christmas or aren’t sure where we belong, whether we receive lots of gifts or none – we all get to receive Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: If we could journey to any place on Earth (or even beyond Earth!) where would it be?
Mary and Joseph had to register their family name. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul reminds us that Jesus gives us the gift of a new family name too! Let’s pray together using words from Paul’s letter.
Every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name from Jesus. We pray that Christ will live in our hearts because of our faith. We pray that our lives will be strong in love and be built on love. (Ephesians 3:15,17 NCV)
Let’s remember those who may feel lonely because they aren’t able to be with family over Christmas.
Lord Jesus, we ASK You to be with those who are alone – give them the gift of Your presence. We ASK You to be especially close to those who don’t have a family, those who aren’t sure with whom they belong. We ASK You to overwhelm them with Your love in some special way this Christmas.
As we read the Bible again, let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from today’s verses.
Luke 2:1-3,5
At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register. This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was now pregnant.
Luke 2:1-3,5 (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to God together.
Lord Jesus, You are the greatest gift this Christmas. We say YES to receiving You into our hearts and into our homes once again.
After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s say our memory verse together:
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’
Luke 2:10 (NIV)
Let’s put a hand on our heart.
Father God, fill us with Your love. Help us to love You, and everything that You’ve made.
Let’s point to our eyes.
Lord Jesus, help us to see You, and to see others the way that You see them too.
Let’s point to our ears.
Holy Spirit, help us to hear You, and give us courage to do what You say.
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.
Asaph is 9 years old. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his younger sister Adelina, father and mother. He enjoys riding his bike, camping, reading, playing flag football and watching Bible Project videos. Asaph is kind and smart and loves hanging out with friends!
