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, FAITH 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.
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.
You can also decorate a paper plate, and place each week’s candle around the plate until Christmas.
PRAY: (Stand tall with your hands, palms together over your head)
Little candle burning bright
Shine some peace
Into our lives
Amen
FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
READ: The Jesus story book Bible pp.174
Make: a path, draw it or make it on the floor with material or cardboard. Be creative, you might like to add a body of water(blue paperer material) at the end of the path. Or you could make it out of felt.
Make a banner that says Get ready Use premade bunting in either paper or material and find letters to stick on or write on Little ones can find the letters on a sticker sheet, even though they will not know the words. (Try Spotlight or Riot)
PRAY: Thank you God that you help us get ready for Big things to come. Amen
PSALM: Luke 1:68-79
READ: THE LION STORY BIBLE: Cousin John pp. 138-139
Make: a path, draw it or make it on the floor with material or cardboard. Be creative, you might like to add a body of water(blue paperer material) at the end of the path. Or you could make it out of felt.
Create a light house. You will need white heavy A4 paper, draw red lines every 4 cm or so,(i cut mine out of red paper and glued them on). Cut out 4 holes at one end (most under 3’s will need you to do this). Fold into a cylinder and place crushed up cellophane in the top where the holes are cut out.
SECOND READING: Philippians 1:3-11
READ:the board book version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zjCfzd5FAw Bear says Thank you by Karma Wilson
OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF_jHCAQ13k Bear says thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-december-9-2018/
OR It was you Blue Kangaroo by Emma Chichester Clark. You can buy as an ebook https://www.amazon.com.au/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=It+was+you+blue+kangaroo as suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-december-6-2015-2/
PLAY with toys in community such as dolls or animals or even cars, all doing things together (and being thankful)
PRAY Gratitude Prayer
Dear God I am thankful for _________ (complete with your child’s thoughts or make some suggestions.
GOSPEL READING: Luke 3:1-6
READ: The Lion Picture Book The Baptism of Jesus, p.240
OR The Beginner’s Bible p.306
COLOURING IN: https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930 Once purchased (about $15 Aus ) it will supply you with colouring in sheets for the next 14 weeks)
MAKE: a path, draw it or make it on the floor with material or cardboard. Be creative, you might like to add a body of water(blue paper, or material) at the end of the path. Or you could make it out of felt.
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.
TO Do LIST:
You might need to purchase
A4 heavy white paper
Red paper
a paper plate
texta’s
toy dolls
OR
toy animals
OR
toy cars
green and brown, blue material
OR felt board
green/brown felt pieces
Bunting
Stickers of letters
You might need to Print
https://store.illustratedchildrensministry.com/products/bible-story-coloring-pages-winter-2018-2019?variant=13700704632930 Once purchased (about $15 Aus ) it will supply you with colouring in sheets for the next 14 weeks)
Or download
Blessings
Wendy L
The Cross in My Backyard 