Advent Guide 2016

”Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” Alexander Smith

Long ago, there was a man and woman that wished day and night to have a baby. While they worked each day to grow their food, feed their animals, and keep their home warm at night, they talked about what it would be like to have a child in their family. They were certain that the sound of a child’s laugh and voice calling out to them as “Mommy” and “Daddy” would be bring immeasurable joy to their hearts. Even with all of this longing, waiting and wishing, they did not have a child of their own. 

When hope would shrink and sadness would grow, they would hug one another and whisper, “Some day, just hold on.” 

One night as the man sorrowed, God came near to him and spoke good news that he would be the father to a great number of people and through him and his wife, the whole world would be blessed. God made a promise so strong to them then that even now, if you gaze at the starry night sky, you can only begin to see just how far and wide his promise has gone.

Just as the man and woman waited for the promised gift of a child, the world waited for the promised gift of a savior. During Advent we remember the saviors arrival, and we anticipate his promised return. Until then, we whisper to one another with hope as high as the heavens “Some day, just hold on.” 

Dear Children,

The season of Advent is a special time of year for Christians to slow down and remember how the world longed for and waited for Jesus to come and to prepare for celebrating his birth at Christmas. This means the next four weeks will be a time to read, pray, share, and play together as a family as you wait for Christmas too. By remembering God’s promises to his people so long ago and how all things came to be just as he said they would, your faith and hope grows stronger each Advent and Christmas season. I hope that as a family, you build your spiritual connections to God and one another as you explore the greatest story and most precious gift to you together.

Dear Parents,

Let’s be honest, it is also often a time of year that schedules and must-do lists get fuller, especially with children as we try to make things extra special for them. The world, and our families are flush with invitation, enticements, and obligations to give our energy, time, money, and hearts to. Take courage to decide to do as much or as little as is right for your family right now. Take heart in knowing that your children will be most shaped by the priorities you set and invest in. If you haven’t before, it might be worth investigating the traditions of Advent and Christmastide, which naturally slow the holiday season into small chewable pieces, so to speak. This can prevent the extreme highs and lows that adults and children experience this time of year, and can prolong the joy and revelry the Incarnation deserves.

God goes with you and I pray that he guides you in peace as you seek his desire for your family this holiday season. I wish you all goodness and grace this Advent and Christmastide.

With Cheer, Heidi Hansen Grace Kids Director

Table of Contents

How to Use This Advent Guide……………………………………………….. 1

First Week of Advent…………………………………………………………… 2

Second Week of Advent……………………………………………………….. 7

Third Week of Advent………………………………………………………….. 12

Fourth Week of Advent ………………………………………………………… 18

Christmas Eve……………………………………………………………………. 23

Christmastide…………………………………………………………………….. 26

How to Grow Wheatgrass……………………………………………………… 27

How To Use This Advent Guide For each week of advent there are six simple things to do together. You can choose to do one of them each day, or all 6 on one day at a set apart time. Whatever works for you.

Getting Started To emphasize the theme of waiting and God keeping his promises, the overall project will be growing wheatgrass. The small pot of sprouting seeds will serve as the “wreath” for the weekly advent candles, and the Christmas Eve sparkler “Christ candle.” What’s more celebratory than a sparkler?!

Caution: Adult supervision required. Small parts and pieces, and sparkler should be handled by adults or with adult supervision with children over 5 years old.

Contents in each bag Advent guide Puppet show template 6-8 craft sticks How to grow wheatgrass page Organic potting soil Organic non-gmo wheatgrass seeds White pot 3 white candles, 1 pink candle 1 sparkler

What you will need Glue or tape Crayons or markers Scissors Newspaper Construction paper or craft paper for alternate activities

For music that corresponds to each week look at: https://open.spotify.com/user/heidzo/playlist/5UTrDttgQ5P5M1II5GdneC

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First Week of Advent

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Activity Start your seeds to sprout (instructions on last page)

Alternate activity: Individually, or as a family, make a paper prayer chain by interlocking twenty-eight one by six inch strips of paper into circles and writing one name or thing to pray about each day. Countdown to Christmas by taking one ring off each day and praying for what is written.

Poem Read the poem twice and color a picture on the next page of what you pictured in your mind.

The Risk of Birth

This is no time for a child to be born, With the earth betrayed by war and hate

And a comet slashing the sky to warn That time runs out and the sun burns late. That was no time for a child to be born, In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;

Honor and truth were trampled by scorn- Yet here did the Savior make his home. When is the time for love to be born?

The inn is full on the planet earth, And by a comet the sky is torn-

Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.

~Madeleine L’Engle

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Read

Micah 5:2-4 (NIV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,     though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me     one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,     from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned     until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return     to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock     in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness     will reach to the ends of the earth.”

Corinthians 1:4-9 (The Message) Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

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Reflect Share your understanding and personal thoughts with one another.

What is a prophet? Why do you think God gave prophets these special messages about Jesus to share?

What are some things in the world, or your life and heart, that you long to see happen, or healed and made right? What does it feel like to wait for these things?

What does it mean that you have all of God’s gifts in front of you, even as you long for the things you talked about before?

Song Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Light The first white candle, the candle of hope.

Take a few moments to relax and meditate on the truth that God is always with you and He will never give up on you.

Prayer God of hope, thank you for keeping your promises and sending Jesus to be our rescuer. Teach our hearts to be patient and trust you to make all things right and good on earth and as it is in heaven. Amen.

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Second Week of Advent

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Activity Tend your seeds

Start the craft stick puppets with just Joseph, Mary, and the Angel of the Lord. Read the passages in Luke Chapter 1 and Matthew Chapter 1 about Mary and Joseph and have your children retell the story themselves.

Alternate activity: Make handmade cards for the client of Operation Nightwatch. Drop these off at church at the Grace Kids table next Sunday.

Poem Read the poem twice and color a picture on the next page of what you pictured in your mind.

A Song Was Heard At Christmas

A song was heard at Christmas To wake the midnight sky:

A savior's birth, and peace on earth, And praise to God on high.

The angels sang at Christmas With all the hosts above,

And still we sing the newborn King His glory and his love.

~ Timothy Dudley- Smith

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Read

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NIV) For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace     there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne     and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it     with justice and righteousness     from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty     will accomplish this.

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

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Reflect Share your understanding and thoughts about the passages.

What are some of the names that Jesus would be called?

Reread the words of the Angel to Mary. What do you think was most surprising to Mary? Why?

Have you ever felt like God was calling you to be faithful in something that seemed impossible? Share an experience of your own.

Song Oh Come Divine Messiah

Light The second white candle, the candle of love.

Take a few moments to relax and meditate on the truth that God looks on with the same favor he did to Mary.

Prayer God of love, thank you for always being close to us and making us strong and courageous to obey and worship you with joy. Amen.

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Third Week of Advent

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Activity Tend your seeds Prepare the rest of the craft stick puppet show and retell the story

Alternate activity: Choose to do a kind deed for someone in your family or neighborhood. Rake leaves, bake cookies, or send a note of gratitude.

Poem Read the poem twice and color a picture on the next page of what you pictured in your mind.

Christmas Song

Why do bells for Christmas ring? Why do little children sing? Once a lovely, shining star,

Seen by shepherds from a far, Gently moved until its light

Made a manger- cradle bright. There a darling baby lay

Pillowed soft upon the hay. And his mother sang and smiled,

”This is Christ, the holy child.” So the bells for Christmas ring,

So the little children sing.

~Lydia Avery Coonley Ward

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Read

Isaiah 11:1-7 (NIV) A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;     from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—     the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,     the Spirit of counsel and of might,     the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,     or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy,     with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;     with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt     and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb,     the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together;     and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear,     their young will lie down together,     and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den,     and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy     on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord     as the waters cover the sea.

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Luke 2:8-20 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,     and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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Reflect Share your understanding and personal thoughts.

What are some pictures of perfect peace in these passages?

Where do you need God’s spirit of peace to be with you in your life and heart?

Song Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Light The third white candle, the candle of peace

Take a few moments to relax and feel God’s peace fill you and surround you.

Prayer God of peace, we praise you like the angels and shepherds did. Teach us to use our words and lives to share the story of your glory with others. Amen.

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Fourth Week of Advent

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Activity Tend your seeds, they should be growing strong now.

Alternate activity: Sort toys, clothes, and household goods you no longer need and donate to a charity.

Poem Read the poem twice and color a picture on the next page of what you pictured in your mind.

Sweet Baby Jesus

Sweet Baby, Jesus, gentle and mild Born in a manger, sweet, Holy, Child,

Shepherds and Wise Men came from afar, Seeking a Savior, they followed a star,

Sweet Baby, Jesus, sent from above, Son of our Father gift of God's love, In realms of glory, angels did sing

Heavens rejoiced as they welcomed a King.

Sweet Baby, Jesus, Mary's sweet Child, Light of our life, sweet Babe so mild, There in a manger, Thou art adored,

Jesus, we greet Thee, our Savior, our Lord.

Sweet Baby, Jesus, send peace to earth, Lift up all hearts through Thy holy birth. Now at Thy crib, as evening draws nigh,

Hear this our praises from earth to the skies.

~Edna Massimilla.

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Read Isaiah 42:1-4 (NIV)

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,     my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him,     and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out,     or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break,     and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;     he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.     In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

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Reflect Share your understanding and personal thoughts.

What did Jesus come to earth to do for you?

Why did the Magi follow the star? Why was it important for them to not return to Herod?

How are you like or unlike the Magi?

Song O Holy Night

Light The pink candle, the joy candle.

Take a few moments to relax and receive the gift of joy from God.

Prayer God of joy, we celebrate the coming of your son into the world to bring rest to weary souls. We remember those that are in need and suffer this advent season. May they hear your call and find all they need in you. Amen.

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Christmas Eve

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Light The “Christ Candle” sparkler and feel the anticipation grow for Christmas Day!

Song What Child is This?

Poem Read the poem twice and color a picture on the next page of what you pictured in your mind.

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, His hair was like a light.

(O weary, weary were the world,But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast

His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings,

But here the true hearts are.) 

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart, His hair was like a fire.

(O weary, weary is the world, But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary's knee,

His hair was like a crown,And all the flowers looked up at Him,

And all the stars looked down

~G.K. Chesterton

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Christmastide December 25-January 5

Rejoice Share gifts Spread cheer Invite old and new friends into your home

Rest in God’s accomplished promise of a savior born for you, just as he said, and believe that he will return again to make his home with you.

Song Joy to the World

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How to Grow Wheatgrass

Step 1 Soak the seeds in water overnight. Rinse seeds twice a day and let drain. Do this for two days to start germination. When you see a small “tail” you are ready to move the seeds to soil.

Step 2 Put potting soil in pot and spread seeds onto soil in one even layer. Do not push seeds into soil. Lay damp newspaper over seeds and keep soil and paper moist for 3 days in a semi dark place.

Step 4 Take off newspaper and leave pot in a sunny spot. Keep it watered once or twice a day.

Step 5 Cut and use when about 5-inches high, and let grow out once more.

For more information visit youtube.

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