Advent II, The Journey to Bethlehem (Dec. 8th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Micah 5: 2, 4-5

As we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, we focus on the Journey to Bethlehem. Today, your child and their classmates talked about the hardships suffered by Mary and Joseph as they traveled. The children are often incredulous about the fact that Mary traveled so far while very pregnant. The donkey that accompanied them played an integral role in their safe arrival in Bethlehem, didn’t he? After discussing that the Prophets pointed the way toward Bethlehem, we travel alongside Mary and Joseph (and the donkey!) on this exhausting and trying journey. The trip is full of uncertainty, wonder, and excitement. Of course, we know that things continue to be challenging once they arrive in Bethlehem- we can only imagine! But this week, we draw our attention to the journey. God was with Mary and Joseph along their way and he is with us as well when we travel through strange, confusing, and often difficult times. What a beautiful example Mary and Joseph are to us- they walked out in faith onto a terrifying and uncertain path, knowing thay God was by their side and giving them strength to sustain the passage! Again, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home during this Advent season. 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. Remember, there are many resources available for checkout in the trinityKids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for Mary to go on such a difficult journey?

I wonder how Joseph was feeling about all that was happening? Do you think he was nervous or scared?

I wonder what other people passing along the way though when they saw Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem?

I wonder if Mary and Joseph were thinking about the words of the Prophets while they traveled along? I wonder if Mary was remembering what the angel told her about this baby?

Prayer:

“Dear God, we are so very thankful for the story of Mary and Joseph. It’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to travel on the road to Bethlehem, but we know that you were with them. We are on a journey too, and we are glad that you are with us also. Help us to think about you during this Advent time; we want our hearts to be ready for Jesus’ birthday on Christmas! Thank you for your son and for loving us so much. Amen.”