Advent I- The Prophets (November 27th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Isaiah 35: 1-10

This week, we begin the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent is also a special time to learn more about the world as it was when Jesus was born and to better understand the importance of his coming. The first week is spent focusing on the Prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming. When explaining the role of a prophet to children, we describe them as people who were so so so very close to God that they were listening for his whisper, his shout, his command at all times. They were listening carefully so that they could share what God had to say with the rest of the world. Simply put, “Prophets are the people who know the most important things. They know which way to go. They are the ones who showed us the way. The prophets were so important because they helped the world begin to get ready. Without their words, we may not have been looking toward Bethlehem. Now we can go to Bethlehem too.” This week, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for the prophets to hear God’s whisper… his shout… his command?

I wonder if the prophets were surprised that Jesus would come in the way that he did?

I wonder what it must have been like when the prophets shared what they heard with the people?

Do you think everyone believed them? Do you think some people were confused?

Many people expected God to come in a different way- like a soldier in an army. Do you think they were surprised when the prophets said he would come as a little baby?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for the prophets. We are so glad that they showed us the way to go. They pointed the way to Bethlehem. Thank you for this special time of getting ready for Christmas. Help us to remember that Christmas is a holy time of celebration- it’s Jesus’ birthday! Please remind us that Christmas is not about presents, but about the coming of your son into the world. Amen.”  

The Ten Best Ways to Live (October 30th & November 6th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 6:4-6

The Ten Commandments are such a pivotal message in the Old Testament. As Moses returned from Mount Sinai, he brought with him and whole new way of being in the world. God’s framework for our lives, in communion with him and one another are so important. When we teach the children about them, we divide them into two main groups. We must consider ways that God tells us to love him and ways that God tells us to love one another. This is the way we phrase the scripture (with a few notations about how they are explained): 1. Do not serve other Gods. (He is our one true God, the creator of all things and our Father.) 2. Make no idols to serve. (God should come first in your life. Always. Nothing should be more important than him.) 3. I am God… do not speak my name lightly. (When we speak to and about God, we must remember that he is powerful, mighty, and BIG. We should be respectful.) 4. Keep the Sabbath holy… to rest and remember the gifts of creation. (Even God rested! We should find time to be quiet and calm.) 5. Honor your father and your mother. (God gave us these people to protect, care, and provide for us. We should always treat them with love.) 6. Do not kill. (Remember that even Jesus treated those who tortured him with peace and love. God doesn’t want us to kill others and take away his gift of life.) 7. Do not break your marriage. (God intends for families to stay together. He knows that families need one another, husbands & wives must love and respect one another and care for their families.) 8. Do not steal. (We should never take something that doesn’t belong to us.) 9. Do not lie. (When we are honest with our words and our actions, we are following God’s plan for our lives.) 10. Do not even want what others have. (We must be grateful for what we have and be thankful instead of jealous.)

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how it feels to be free, to be able to do anything you want to? 

I wonder how it feels to be able to do anything you want, but you don’t know what to do?

I wonder if it’s hard to be free?

I wonder how Moses felt going up the holy mountain?

I wonder what Moses and God talked about?

I wonder if it’s hard to love God and love people?

Prayer:

“Lord, we are thankful for your Law. You have given us a way to live our lives. Thank you for teaching us how to love you and how to love each other. Help me to say ‘I’m sorry’ when we make a mistake and break a commandment. I love you and I am so glad that you are alongside me each day and night. Amen.” 

Christmas Pageant!

Save the Date for this Annual Event! 

Christmas Pageant

December 17 

Children 4 years old through Fifth grade will sing, 
act out the Advent Gospel, and enjoy a celebration reception.

Rehearsals will take place on:

Sundays, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 at 2:00 pm

Friday, Dec. 1 at 6:00 pm (Dress Rehearsal)


((Please sign up in the trinityKids Gathering Room.))