Advent Devotional. Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church

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1 Advent Devotional Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church 2014

2 Table of Contents Celebrate Christmas at MVPC... 1 Advent... 2 The Advent Wreath... 3 Week 1 Hope of Israel... 4 November 30 December 6 Week 2 Where Do We Place Our Hope?... 6 December 7 13 Week 3 Hope of His Coming... 8 December Week 4 Hope of Salvation...10 December Merry Christmas! Hope of the World...12 hope verb 1: to cherish a desire with anticipation; 2: to expect with confidence. Antonyms: disbelief, doubt, fear Author: Siv M. Ricketts Graphic Design: Nancy Ingersoll 2014 Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, California ,

Celebrate Christmas at MVPC Worship: HOPE Sundays, 9am & 10:30am Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24 th, 5pm, 9pm & 11pm Advent Wreaths Sunday, November 30 th, after worship services Make an Advent

Christmas on the Hill Concert Saturday, December 13 th, 7pm Sunday, December 14 th, 4pm Experience a heart-warming presentation of new and traditional Christmas music.

3 Celebrate Christmas at MVPC Worship: HOPE Sundays, 9am & 10:30am Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24 th, 5pm, 9pm & 11pm Advent Wreaths Sunday, November 30 th, after worship services Make an Advent wreath to continue your worship at home. Live Nativity Saturday, December 6 th, 5:30 8pm See the Christmas story come to life as the MVPC courtyard is transformed into a Bethlehem manger. Christmas on the Hill Concert Saturday, December 13 th, 7pm Sunday, December 14 th, 4pm Experience a heart-warming presentation of new and traditional Christmas music. Sunday childcare available for 6mos to PreK/TK with reservation: kveitch@mvpctoday.org. The Giving Tree will be on display Sundays, November 23 rd through December 7 th, so you can share the joy of Christmas with those in need. Advent Devotional

4 Advent During the Christmas season we prepare our homes. During Advent we prepare our hearts. Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, Advent is the season in the Church calendar during which we look forward to God s coming. In fact, advent is Latin for coming. The early Church used the equivalent word in Greek, parousia, to refer to the second coming, when Christ will return in all His glory to gather His people to Himself at the end of time. So during Advent we look forward to the coming of the Christ child, but we also look forward to Christ s triumphal coming when He will usher us into eternity. We celebrate God s coming to dwell among us in Jesus. We open our hearts to how God wants to come into our lives now. And we look forward in hopeful anticipation of everlasting life with God. Filled as it is with gatherings of family and friends, candlelight, holiday food, gift-giving and receiving, Christmastime may be the busiest time of year. It is our prayer that God will bless you as you take time out from the busy-ness to slow down and, in quietness and prayer, with family and friends, contemplate the coming of Christ. This Advent season, may you be open to God at work in new and life-giving ways. Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. 2 HOPE

5 The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath candle lighting tradition is one way in which we celebrate God s coming and open our lives anew to Jesus. Each element of the tradition is symbolic and can add deeper meaning to our Christmas celebrations. The Advent Wreath (a circle) signifies eternity God is, was and always will be. There are four candles on the perimeter of the wreath. The candles may be three purple and one pink (for royalty/repentance and joy), four white (for purity), or four red (for love). One white candle in the center represents the divine nature of the baby Jesus. Evergreens represent everlasting life in Jesus and His everlasting love for us. The light of the candles symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World. During the first week, light only one candle. The second week light two candles, the third week three candles and the fourth week four candles. Light the center candle on Christmas to signify that the light of Jesus Christ has come into the world. You may find it helpful to set aside a special time each day and to establish either a routine or a rotation for who will light the candles, who will read the statement, who will read the Scripture, and who will pray. May you be blessed by including this tradition among your Christmas celebrations! Advent Devotional 3

6 Week 1 Hope of Israel November 30 December 6 Read Scripture: Isaiah 9:2 7 Candle lighting: Light the first candle. Read: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The first candle represents the hope of Israel. Imagine a midnight darkness that lasts all day. Imagine going to school or work in the dark; spending time with family and friends in the dark; living in constant, total darkness. That s what life without hope is like. God promised to send His Son to bring light and hope into this dark world. God s people hope for the arrival of this baby who will bring comfort, justice, strength and peace. Pray: Dear God, thank you for promising light and hope for a dark world. Thank you for sending your Son to us. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu To live without hope is to cease to live. Fyodor Dostoevsky 4 HOPE

7 Throughout the Week light the candle, read and discuss the daily Scripture and pray together. Light the first candle as you say: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read & Discuss: [Monday] Jeremiah 29:11 How do you feel knowing that God has plans for you? [Tuesday] Psalm 71:5 When did you first put your hope in God? [Wednesday] Psalm 130:7 When have you experienced the Lord s unfailing love? [Thursday] Matthew 5:17 God kept His promise when He sent His Son, Jesus. How can that help you trust Him this week? [Friday] Matthew 22:36 39 What will you do today to love God, neighbor and self? [Saturday] Luke 1:67 68 Jesus rescues us from sin. How has Jesus saved your life? Pray: Dear God, thank you for promising light and hope for a dark world. Thank you for sending your Son to us. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Activity Suggestions At least once this week, turn off all the lights and sit together in the darkness before you light the first candle of Advent. Share what you notice about the darkness and the light. Make a list of your hopes for your life. What hopes do you think God has for you? Pray over your list. Search the Bible together for God s promises (you can also google God s promises in the Bible ). What are some of your favorite promises? How can God s promises in His Word fill you with hope? Advent Devotional 5

8 Week 2 Where Do We Place Our Hope? December 7 13 Read Scripture: Colossians 3:1 17 Candle lighting: Light the first and second candles. Read: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The first candle represents the hope of Israel. The second candle represents the hope of heaven. How many times today did you think about yourself: your fears or worries, your wants and needs? We so easily forget the hope God gives us in His Son. Like torn and dirty clothes, take off your troubles and doubts that lead to sin. Put on the hope of your new life in Jesus: the cozy Christmas sweater adorned with compassion, peace and gratitude. Live in hope as you set your heart and mind on Jesus. Pray: Dear God, help us to let go of everything that distracts us from you. Thank you for the gift of new life. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. I place no hope in my strength, nor in my works: but all my confidence is in God my protector, who never abandons those who have put all their hope and thought in him. Francois Rabelais the hope we can find in the Bible is a sturdy reality no matter what is happening in our lives or in the world. Sarah Young 6 HOPE

9 Throughout the Week light the candles, read and discuss the daily Scripture and pray together. Light two candles as you say: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read & Discuss: [Monday] Psalm 31:24 What does it mean to you to hope in the Lord? [Tuesday] Psalm 62:5 How can you rest in God today? [Wednesday] Psalm 147:11 When have you felt the Lord s delight in you? [Thursday] Matthew 6:33 34 How can you seek God first and worry less today? [Friday] Romans 5:1 5 God grows our hope when we wait for Him. When have you felt stronger after experiencing something hard? [Saturday] Hebrews 10:22 23 How will you draw near to God today? Pray: Dear God, help us to let go of everything that distracts us from you. Thank you for the gift of new life. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Activity Suggestions Pray every time you change your clothes. Confess your sins as you take off dirty clothes, and thank Jesus for forgiveness as you put on clean clothes. Tape newsprint to the wall and create reminders to set your hearts and minds on Christ. You might include Bible verses or prayers, set times of day when you will focus on Jesus or list things for which you re thankful. Keep markers nearby so family members can add to the poster during the week. Advent Devotional 7

10 Week 3 Hope of His Coming December Read Scripture: 1 John 3:1 3 Candle lighting: Light the first three candles. Read: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The first candle represents the hope of Israel. The second candle represents the hope of heaven. The third candle represents the hope of His coming. What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a child of God, now and forever! Think about it: how incredible that God great big Creator of the whole world God loves us and calls us His very own children. Just like we remain our earthly parents children even when we become grownups, we will always be God s kids. And when Jesus returns, those who put their hope in Him will also be like Him. What a promise! Pray: Dear God, thank you for loving us and making us your children. We look forward to eternity with you. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Hope takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens God lives in it, and expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well. Joan Chittister 8 HOPE

11 Throughout the Week light the candles, read and discuss the daily Scripture and pray together. Light three candles as you say: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read & Discuss: [Monday] Psalm 33:20 When has God helped or protected you? [Tuesday] Psalm 46:10 11 God says, Be still because He was, is and will be with us. What hope does it give you that God holds us all in His hands? [Wednesday] Psalm 119:114 How can God s Word give you hope? [Thursday] Matthew 28:18 20 How can you help others know about Jesus before He returns? [Friday] Romans 8:22 24 What would you say if you could crawl up on your Daddy God s lap right now? [Saturday] Hebrews 11:1// What does faith in Jesus mean to you? Pray: Dear God, thank you for loving us and making us your children. We look forward to eternity with you. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Activity Suggestions Draw a picture of yourself as God s kid, then post it somewhere to remind yourself who you are. Before dinner each night spend a few moments being still with God, putting your hope in Him. Advent Devotional 9

12 Week 4 Hope of Salvation December Read Scripture: Micah 5:2, 4 5a; Matt. 2:1 6 Candle lighting: Light the four perimeter candles. Read: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The first candle represents the hope of Israel. The second candle represents the hope of heaven. The third candle represents the hope of His coming. The fourth candle represents the hope of salvation. This week we celebrate the birth of a baby born to be King. Mighty kings and small children together bow before Him in worship. God promised that this baby will be a good Shepherd and a strong Ruler, bringing peace to the ends of the earth. Come and worship the hope of our salvation! Pray: Dear God, thank you that you kept your promise to send us the hope of salvation. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. O Little Town Of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv n; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav n. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! 10 HOPE

13 Throughout the Week light the candles, read and discuss the daily Scripture and pray together. Light four candles as you say: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. [Monday] Psalm 42:5 What makes you feel downcast, and how can God help you? [Tuesday] Psalm 65:5 What awesome or righteous deeds have you seen God do? [Wednesday] Ephesians 4:4 All God s people hope in Him. Say thank you to Jesus for your hope in Him! Pray: Dear God, thank you that you kept your promise to send us the hope of salvation. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. Advent Devotional 11

14 Christmas Hope of the World December 25 Read Scripture: John 1:1-14 Candle lighting: Light all the candles. Read: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The first candle represents the hope of Israel. The second candle represents the hope of heaven. The third candle represents the hope of His coming. The fourth candle represents the hope of salvation. The center candle represents God s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Word of God and the light of the world, was with God in the beginning. Through Him, God created everything we see and experience. True life, true light that stamps out the darkness, is found only in Him. God sent His one and only Son to us, for our salvation, to be the hope of the world. Jesus our Savior made His home among us so that we can be at home with Him forever. Pray: Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to see His light. Open our hearts to receive Him. In the name of Jesus we hope and pray, Amen. 12 HOPE

15 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21 23 Advent Devotional 13

16 those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga CA

Lighting the Advent Wreath Olmsted Community Church Advent, 2017

Lighting the Advent Wreath Olmsted Community Church Advent, 2017 Olmsted Community Church Advent, 2017 Instructions: Please come forward early so you will be ready to begin. The microphone turns on with a button at the bottom of the mic. You should see a small red light