Kirsty has put together 2 sets of resources for Advent this year. One is themed around the Christmas Story, the other is themed with the bible readings in the Sunday services See next post for that resource
The Christmas Story 5th Dec 2021 An Angel Comes to visit Mary (printer friendly version)
Read: Luke 1:26-38
Sunday 5th December – The Second Sunday in Advent – The Angel visits Mary (The Christmas Story theme)
The angel Gabriel came to visit Mary in her house. Mary was engaged to Joseph – ready to get married and start her married life with him – but God had an important job for Mary to do first. Mary was going to have a baby. Not just any baby – a special baby. This baby would be God’s son. God had a plan to rescue his people and Mary was the start of that plan. She could have said no –God gave her a choice, but she did what God wanted her to do.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT6V3PDS3s8 (Brusntad Church)
Who visited Mary? What did he tell her? What did Mary do? How would you have reacted if an angel visited you?
Do:
Nativity Scene – Together at Home
Code Breakers –
Read Matthew 1:18-25 – An angel also visited Joseph – how did he react at first to hearing Mary’s news? Why did he want to divorce Mary quietly? What did the angel tell Joseph? What did Joseph do next? Write a list of questions you would have asked the angel or Joseph if you had been there.
Pray:
Heavenly Father, through this season of Advent, we prepare for our Christmas celebrations of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ.
In all the busy times help us to see the importance of your love for us. Show us new ways to share the message of your love for all people. We pray this in the name of Jesus, whose coming we eagerly await. Amen (taken from Praying Together)
Father in heaven watch over our loved ones.
Keep them by your side.
May they be safe and peaceful, in you may they abide.
Give wisdom to the doctors and nurses too we pray,
renew their strength and bless them for the work they do each day.
Send healing and restoration and let them feel your love.
May your Holy Spirit give them rest as gentle as a dove. Amen (taken from Praying Together)
Share: Advent allows us to take time to prepare for Christmas – take 5 minutes each day to read part of the Christmas Story. Share what you learn with others.