Advent Candles and a children’s Prayer.
During Advent, many congregations will count down to Christmas using the 4 candle system. Usually they will be Purple or Blue with the Love candle (week 3) often in Pink.
MAKE: your own candle each week, cut an A4 sheet of cardboard in purple or blue (depending on what your church uses) write this week’s word, LOVE in any languages you use or know, or that are used by members in your church community (if you don’t know the right word, ask congregational members to write it for you). Cut a piece of 4cm yellow or orange (or both) of cellophane, crinkle the square, then stuff into the top of the candle.
You can also decorate a paper plate, and place each week’s candle around the plate until Christmas
Or you could purchase and download
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/advent/products/an-illustrated-advent-wreath?variant=15605449916514$US15, for 5 candles. HINT, Print base on thick paper.
PRAY: (Stand tall with your hands, palms together over your head)
Little candle burning bright
Grow our LOVE
To fill the world.
Amen
FIRST READING: Micah 5:2-5a
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvW86ELPCtQ Waiting by Kevin Henkes thanks to http://www.picturebooktheology.com/search/label/waiting
OR you could read Christmas story today in what ever storybible your child likes or try My First Read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff pp.138-141 Jesus is born and The Shepherds, explain that this was all told a long time before it happened.
PLAY/MAKE with or make a nativity
http://www.catholicicing.com/diy-printable-nativity-for-kids/
or if into Lego and your child is past putting things in there mouth try https://frugalfun4boys.com/lego-nativity-set-instructions/
PRAY: Thank you God
That you keep your promises
Amen
PSALM: Luke 1:47-55
SING/LISTEN https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-christmas-ep/# Number 4
PRAY: Draw a list of all those things you want to thank God for.
OR Psalm 80:1-7
Psalm 80: The Restoration Project
(For Advent: The Lectionary Psalm for Sunday 3 December 2017)
Can’t you hear your people, Lord? (put your hands over your ears)
Can’t you see the state of things? (put your hands over your eyes)
Great Shepherd of Israel, hear the cry of your sheep. (rub your eyes)
Mighty God of Hosts, see your people’s pain. (hold your hands over your stomach)
We are tired of eating the bread of tears (put your hands on your forehead)
We are worn by strife and fear. (drop your shoulders)
Restore us with your favour, Lord! (hold your hands up in above your head)
Save us in your love. (make a love heart with your hands)
Your home on earth is past repair (shake your head)
The walls are cracked and broken (hang your head)
The fruiting vine is hacked and burned (swing your hands from your shoulder to hip)
Your people turn away. (turn your face to the side)
Send us a Shepherd, Lord! (drop your shoulders)
Send us a Son from your right hand. (fold your hands in a prayer position)
All your strength is in him (Put your arms up as to show off your muscles)
All your power to heal. (fold your hands in a prayer position)
Restore us with your favour, Lord! (smile)
Save us in your love. (make a love heart with your hands)
http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-80-godrsquos-shining-smile.html actions by me.
PRAY: for help. Use the play mat and pray for the cars, people, animals , beach etc as you drive around. Remember to thank God for sending help. Amen
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10
READ/WATCH; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJtSi6TBu7Q Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-december-23-2018/ strata the 18 sec mark
PLAY: with community toys, such as dolls house, animals or cars, Practice being nice/kind to others.
PRAY: Jesus died to save us
and we want to be like Him
So help us see someone else’s need
So we may help them too.
Amen
GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
READ: My First Read-aloud Bible by Batchelor and Boshoff pp.134-135
COLOURING IN: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930 IF purchased this week (about $15 Aus ) it will supply you with colouring in sheets for the next 11 weeks)
SING/LISTEN: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-christmas-ep/# Number 4
PLAY: families, have enough small (but not age appropriately too small) dolls or figures for them to act out family dynamics, Mum Dad, Aunts Uncles and Cousins.
Prepare a special church bag in advance each week so that you are ready for the rush on Sunday Morning.
Read during the Bible readings,
Pray during the prayers,
Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.
Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle,
Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on.
Remember that you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
Older children might enjoy https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/illustrated-worship-resources-winter-2018-2019
TO Do LIST:
You might need to purchase
A Large Battery operated candle
Heavy coloured paper to make paper chain in 5 colours 2 different purples or a purple and a blue, green, white, red
a paper plate
texta’s
a road mat
toy cars, and family dolls or figurines
You might need to Print
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930 If purchased this week (about $15 Aus ) it will supply you with colouring in sheets for the next 11 weeks)
Perhaps https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/collections/advent/products/an-illustrated-advent-wreath?variant=15605449916514
http://www.catholicicing.com/diy-printable-nativity-for-kids/
https://frugalfun4boys.com/lego-nativity-set-instructions/
Blessings
Wendy L
The Cross in My Backyard 