ADVENT 2007

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Lighting the Advent Wreath
Christmas Day

Reader 1:  Dear God, the waiting is over.  The day to celebrate Jesus’ birthday has come.  Help us to welcome
your son into our hearts again.

Reader 2: Luke 2: 10-11

Reader 3: (Lighting the first candle.)

We relight the first candle to remember that Jesus brings us hope.  

Reader 4: (Lighting the second candle.)

We relight the second candle to remember that Jesus shows us the way.

Reader 5: (Lighting the third candle.)

We relight the third candle to remind us that Jesus brings us joy.

Reader: 6 (Lighting the fourth candle.)

We relight the fourth candle to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Reader: 7 (Lighting the Christmas candle, [white center candle])

We light this candle to remind us that God gave us Jesus.  Jesus was born because God wanted to 
show us how much we are loved.  God still wants to show us how much we are loved.

All: Happy Birthday Jesus!  Help us to celebrate your birthday by sharing your love with one another. 

Sharing: Talk about some of the things you enjoy.

Wednesday, December 25, Meditation

Isaiah 28:9-22    
Revelation 20:11 – 21:8    
Luke 1:5-25

In Luke 1:5-25, the angel Gabriel says to Zechariah “I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you the good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak to them.”  This portion of Luke foretells of the birth of John the Baptist, reminding each of us that the birth of a child is a gift from God.  How difficult it must have been for Zechariah, to hear this good news and not be able to speak.

If we read further (it’s OK to read beyond the daily passages), the angel Gabriel foretells the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and goes on to remind us that nothing is impossible with God.  What a wonderful double negative.  Said another way, everything is possible with God!

There are some important lessons for each of us in these passages.  It’s OK to have a time of reflection before we share the good news.  All too often, in this busy holiday season, we don’t stop and take the time to reflect on all of the gifts that God has given to us.  Some of these gifts have been returned to our Heavenly Father.  Some of these gifts are new and need our love and nurturing.

This is a season of hope and possibilities.  It is a time to show kindness to all of our gifts from God.  Hebrews 13:2 reminds us:  “Don’t forget to be kind to strangers.  For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.”  From the scriptures to our day-to-day lives, angels are helping us to spread the good news that we are all gifts from God, and must be handled with care and love.

Prayer:  Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your gift of love.  Knowing that all things are possible with you, please work through us to bring peace on earth and goodwill to all of your children.  In your name we pray and in your hands we put our trust.  Amen.

Don Weaver

This web site is designed & maintained by Epworth OnLine Disciples E O D
Last modified November 17, 2007