Week: Voices of Advent
As usual, 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 excited to be celebrating Your birth this Christmas. Help us to be still amongst all that takes place today, 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 birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, more than 2000 years ago.
Read by Asaph
Luke 2:6-7
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.
Luke 2:6-7 (NCV)
Babies are fragile and vulnerable, and they need their parents or other caregivers for absolutely everything. And that is exactly how Jesus, the Saviour of the world, came into the world – as a fragile, vulnerable baby. Isn’t that incredible?
Jesus could have arrived with a full set of teeth, able to walk, talk, and poop without a nappy – but instead He arrived just like us, helpless and messy. He became a human being, and as he grew up he showed us the best way to be a human being.
Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: If we could ask Jesus for one special gift this Christmas, or to do one thing for us, what would it be?
Jesus said, ‘Ask, and you will receive.’ (Matthew 7:7 GNB) He wasn’t promising that we’d receive everything we ask Him for (not everything is good for us), but He was encouraging us to not be afraid, but go ahead and ask.
What do we want to ASK Jesus about right now. Let’s quietly talk with Him about it.
Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Let’s think of ways that we can give to the other people who we’re with this Christmas time – how can we give our time and attention, our help, our encouragement?
Lord Jesus, we’re so grateful that You gave everything to us – You gave yourself as a fragile, vulnerable baby, and You gave us Your whole life from that moment onwards. We ASK You to help us give ourselves generously to the people around us too.
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 2:6-7
While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.
Luke 2:6-7 (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to God together.
Lord Jesus, we say YES to celebrating Your birth and receiving You in our homes and hearts today.
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!
