Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons | Christmas Book Review

Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always

Ruth Chou Simon

Christmas/Advent

If there’s one name for Jesus that captures the whole heart of God, it is Emmanuel—God with us. No other name similarly expresses the fullness of God’s eternal desire for His image-bearers. He’s always wanted us to be with Him. From the bestselling author and artist behind GraceLaced and Beholding and Becoming comes this gorgeous exploration of what it means to intimately experience God’s presence in our daily lives. Ruth Chou Simons welcomes you and your family to partake in a season of surrender as you discover the true miracle behind Christmas: that while we journey to grow in our relationships with Jesus, He has already come so He can be with us forever. Christmas Day is not the end of our celebrations, but the beginning! Emmanuel is an invitation to rejoice in the everlasting fellowship and hope God extended to us on the day of His Son’s birth, guiding us to realize that having God with us all year long is Christmas’s most incredible gift.

My Thoughts

Each year I look for a new book to go through during Advent. As one of my selections this year I've chosen Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simons. I'm doing the audio version of it that is read by Ruth herself. It's absolutely lovely.

It's divided into 25 different daily readings and the audio version is about five minutes each. Ruth's voice has a tone that is soothing and invites the listener to slow down and ponder what is being said. It would be the perfect companion to the busy momma. Short, sweet encouragement to start the day.

I don't think I've ever bought both the audio version and the physical version of a book before but for this one I really must. As I just said I loved the audio version but I adore Ruth's artwork so I am going to have to purchase the hard copy as well.

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the season of Advent you can't go wrong with either edition.

Disclosure

I received a copy of this audiobook to facilitate my review.

 

The Third Sunday of Advent - The Shepherd Candle

Tonight on the third Sunday of Advent we gather to remember what Christ said in John 8:12, " I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

The first week we lit our first candle, The Prophecy Candle. Tonight we light it again and remind ourselves of the symbolism it represents. Long, long ago the prophets foretold of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that a child will be born and His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 7:14 went on to tell us that the Lord Himself would give us a sign: A virgin will conceive and have a son. His name would be Immanuel.

Last week we lit our second candle, The Bethlehem Candle. We light it again tonight to recall that long ago night in the tiny town of Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-7 recalls the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay. When no suitable arrangements could be found they settled for a simple stable where the Christ Child was born.

Tonight we light The Shepherd Candle and recall the story of the Shepherd's search for the newborn Christ. Luke 2:8-20 says,

"In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then the angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.' Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told."

Father, we thank you for your gift of Jesus to the whole world. As the shepherds found Jesus in a manger, may we find Jesus in the love and joy that we share together. Help us to love one another. Help us to do our share to bring happiness, goodness and peace to the world.

At this point we sing The First Noel and Joy to the World! as we close our evening together.

It is our hope that your family will join ours in rejoicing in the real reason for the season . . . it is Jesus the true Light of the World.

The Second Sunday of Advent - The Bethlehem Candle

A week has passed in this beautiful season of anticipation and waiting. Today we find ourselves at the second Sunday of Advent.

Last week we lit our first candle, The Prophecy Candle. Tonight we light it again and remind ourselves of the symbolism it represents. Long, long ago the prophets foretold of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 tells us that a child will be born and His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 7:14 went on to tell us that the Lord Himself would give us a sign: A virgin will conceive and have a son. His name would be Immanuel.

This week we also light the second candle, The Bethlehem Candle. We light it to recall that long ago night in the tiny town of Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-7 recalls the story of a decree being sent out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire needed to register. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary set out from Nazareth in Galilee and traveled to Bethlehem in Judea.

Once they were there they found the town to be filled to bursting with people. Though Joseph looked high and low he had no luck finding suitable accommodations. Finally an innkeeper took pity on them and offered his humble stable for the couple. Before the night was through Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son. She wrapped Him up snugly and laid Him in a feeding trough.

One day that tiny Baby would grow up and live a sinless life only to be crucified for us all. Three days later He would conquer death and then make His way to the right hand of the Father. Until then we cling to the hope of His words in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Father, help us to see those around us and recognize those in need. Thank You for the friends and strangers that You have put in our path. Help us to remember to extend hospitality to those who are lonely or afraid or just plain weary. You have done so much for us may we extend that same compassion to others.

At this point we sing O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night as we close our evening together.

It is our hope that your family will join ours in rejoicing in the real reason for the season . . . it is Jesus the true Light of the World.

Bible Journaling Through Advent with Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

I love the Advent season. It is such a special time that we can quiet our minds and open our hearts to the message of redemption for the whole world. In our household we begin on December 1st with a Jesse tree and use it to trace the lineage of the long expected Messiah.

Last year was the first time we used Ann Voskamp's beautiful book Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas. We used the ornaments download that corresponds with the book and crafted our own.

I collect coasters throughout the year (like the ones you get at restaurants) so I wind up with assorted shapes and sizes. For these particular ornaments I put a basecoat of black paint on the coaster and then lightly put a coat of copper paint over the top so some of the black peeked through.

I used colored pencils and markers to color the picture then cut it out and glued it on. To make it more durable I put a coat of varnish over the whole thing. To finish it off I added some decorative copper brads and a twine hanger.

This year we wanted to again use Unwrapping the Greatest Gift but I wanted to do something a bit different. I have been using my Journaling Bible to do a bit of Bible Art Journaling throughout the year and I decided that I would like to do that with the Advent readings from the book.

To do this, I again downloaded and printed off the ornament sheets that go with the book. By the way these come in two different sizes - 4 inch which is 4 per page and 2 1/2 inch which is 6 per page. I chose the 4 inch size.

I cut out the ornaments and then rounded the corners. I used colored pencils to decorate the ornaments and then I attached them to the Bible page with a strip of washi tape.

Since this is something that we do each day of Advent as a family I certainly didn't want to leave the little ones out. For those that don't do Bible Art Journaling I printed out the coloring pages that go along with Unwrapping the Greatest Gift.

Each night as we sit down to read the story for the day I pass out the coloring sheets and crayons and let the little ones color. This helps them listen and sit still plus it plants seeds that I hope will blossom in years to come.

If you are looking for a doable activity for this Advent season I would encourage you to get the book and download the resources. If you are reading this and it is past December first . . . don't fret . . . just start with the current day and go from there. You can always catch up later. Remember the season isn't about going and doing it's about quieting our hearts and minds and unwrapping the greatest Gift!

The First Sunday of Advent - The Prophecy Candle

It's finally here. The season my heart has been longing for even when my head didn't recognize it. Today is the first Sunday of Advent and with it a time of slowing down and reflecting upon what the true meaning of the season is.

Today we set up our Advent wreath. We use this as a symbol to commemorate the significance of what has happened and also a way to look forward to what is to come. We use a wreath because of it's circular shape. It represents the Eternal God because it has no beginning or end. We use five different candles within our wreath. The candles put off light which grows increasingly brighter as the weeks get closer to Christmas. This reminds us that Christ is indeed the light of the world and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 HCSB)

On this first Sunday of Advent we light one of the outer candles, The Prophecy Candle, or the candle of hope. This candle reminds us of the hope that the prophets had in the coming Messiah. It also reminds us of the hope we have of the returning King Jesus.

This is what the prophets hoped for when they prayed about God sending the Messiah:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; daylight has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. For You have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as You did on the day of Midian. For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2-6 HCSB)

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 HCSB)

Our current hope is in the risen Lord and His imminent return. Here is what He says:

Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 HCSB)

Heavenly Father our world is filled with darkness. We need the light that only comes from You through Your Son Jesus. Remind us of the One who was born in Bethlehem and the one who also said "I am the light of the world". May our hearts and minds turn toward You in this season where You chose to give the greatest gift of all. Amen

In honor of this prophecy we always end the evening with singing Away in a Manger.

It is our hope that your family will join ours in rejoicing in the real reason for the season . . . it is Jesus the true Light of the World.

Celebrate Advent with the Jesus Storybook Bible {Free Printable Ornaments}

Our immediate family is made up of four separate households. Two of them contain children and two of them do not. We happen to live somewhat close to each other but we still reside in four different cities. One of the things that we find very important is to stay connected. To do that we look for ways to bring all of us together. Sometimes it's going to a movie with the whole crew. Other times it is gathering at one of the houses for a big bar-b-que. 

That's not so hard to pull off because those are individual events. But as we head into the Advent season we needed  a way to stay close and connected to each other and the season without having to be together in one place. This year we decided to do that with the help of The Jesus Storybook Bible and The Story of God's Love For You. 

Many people are already using The Jesus Storybook Bible for their Advent reading. We decided to join the crowd . . . with a twist. All four households will be using the same reading plan but the two households without children will be reading from The Story of God's Love For You and we won't be doing the ornaments.

So here's how I (the granny) prepared us all for this adventure. First I purchased the extra books for each house and then I set about printing out and making the ornaments. 

Go here to print out the schedule and the ornaments.

After I downloaded the schedule I printed it on pretty snowflake paper. (The snowflakes were only on one side.) Then I laminated it so it would be a bit more durable for those often wet and sticky little hands.

I then printed out the ornaments on cardstock and got out my paper cutter (scissors will work fine) and cut them apart. There are handy cut lines on the backs of the ornaments that make it nice and easy.

I just happen to like the rounded corner look so I got my little tool out. This step of course isn't necessary but I liked it so I did it!

Next I decided to laminate the ornaments. We have eight kids under the age of eight and I wanted them to be able to handle them without destroying them. (We try to avoid meltdowns at all costs around here!) You don't have to do this step if you don't already own a laminator. Do you have Mod Podge? A coat of that would work just as well. Even if you have none of the above don't fret. If they get ruined you have the saved file on your computer . . . just go reprint!

Another bit of advice if you are using a laminator. Cut the ornaments apart first before you laminate. You will get a better seal than if you laminate and then cut. After laminating trim away excess plastic.

The next step is easy peasy. Just punch a hole in the top center. 

Finally add a hanger for your ornament. I just happened to have some twine and beads that I picked up at the Dollar Store for another project. I added the bead to give it a bit more weight so it would hang better. If you add a bead remember to make your knot large enough that the bead won't come off! (These are for little ones.)

That's it my friends. I hope this inspires your family to do something similar. But let me also add that I am an empty-nester and I had the time to pull all of this together for my kids and grands. If you're a momma of littles trying to do this on your own and find it all overwhelming . . . just stop!

Print out only the schedule and then each night pull that sweet little one into your lap and read the story. That's the important part. The rest will come in time. But remember that the point is to teach your kids what Christmas is all about and it certainly isn't the ornaments . . . it's JESUS!

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp ~ Christmas Gift Guide

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas

Ann Voskamp

Christmas & Advent

Unwrap the greatest Gift 

with your family this Advent season!

Person by person, story by story, retrace the lineage of Jesus. Fall in love with Him all over again as you experience God's plan of salvation for us--from the Garden of Eden to the manger and beyond.

With vivid, full-color illustrations, downloadable ornaments, and moving scenes from the Bible, this book is a gift your whole family can unwrap each day leading up to Christmas.

Each devotion includes the following:

• Scripture readings to go along with each story
• questions and activities to engage the entire family
• beautiful illustrations to further enhance each reading

Celebrate the best love story of all time with your family!

My Thoughts
Since our children were little we have been celebrating Advent with a Jesse tree in our home. It is a wonderful way to trace the lineage of Christ and instill understanding of that great heritage. In Ann Voskamp's newest book Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas, we can continue that tradition with our grandchildren at a whole new level.
The book is beautifully illustrated and the words are put together to reach deep into each one of our lives so that we can understand that this isn't only Christ's story but our story as well. What sets this book apart from what we have been doing isn't the basic information because that hasn't changed, it is the presentation and the added resources that make this a fabulous new tradition for families.
The timeline to participate in this is December 1st through December 25th. Each day begins with a reading of Scripture and then follows with a story that pertains to that passage. The readings are followed up with Thoughts to Discuss and Family Activities. But the awesomeness doesn't end there! You can also choose to download a Night Before Advent Hot Chocolate Party resources, Jesse Tree Coloring Pages for the little ones, and there are even Jesse Tree Ornaments that go along with each day's reading.
If you are looking for a way to make Christmas more about Christ and the gift He gave than the ones wrapped under the tree, pick a copy of this book up. You will have all you need to enjoy a family celebration of Christmas.
Connect With The Author

www.AHolyExperience.com

Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Pinterest

The Christ Candle ~ Advent on Christmas

Photo Credit: freefoto.com

We begin this Christmas Advent in our family with a re-reading of The Prophecy Candle ~ The First Week of Advent,  The Bethlehem Candle ~ The Second Week of Advent, The Shepherds Candle ~ The Third Week of Advent and The Kings' Candle ~ The Fourth Week of Advent.

The Christ Candle

(Christmas)

Grandfather: “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Grandchild: Light the center white candle and ask: Why do we light the Christ candle?

Grandfather: It reminds us that Jesus told us He is the light of the world.

Here is what the Gospel of John tells us about Jesus’ coming into the world.

Adult: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.  There was a man named John who was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light but he came to testify about the light. The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:1-9)

Everyone sing: O Come, All Ye Faithful

                O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

                O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

                Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!

                O come, let us adore Him,

                O come, let us adore Him,

                O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Grandfather: Almighty God, you have poured on us the new light of your son, Jesus: Grant that this light burns in our hearts and shines in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

<<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>>

For the full series use the following links:

Week 1 - The Prophecy Candle

Week 2 - The Bethlehem Candle

Week 3 - The Shepherds' Candle

Week 4 - The Kings' Candle

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

The Kings' Candle ~ The Fourth Week of Advent

Photo Credit: freefoto.com

We begin this week's Advent with a recap of The Prophecy Candle ~ The First Week of Advent, The Bethlehem Candle ~ The Second Week of Advent, and The Shepherds Candle ~ The Third Week of Advent.

The Kings’ Candle

 (The Fourth Week in Advent)

Grandfather: “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Grandchild: Light the fourth red candle and ask,: Why do we light four candles?

Grandfather: The first candle is a reminder of the light of hope of the prophets. The second candle is a symbol of the light and warmth Joseph and Mary found in the stable. The third candle reminds us of the great light and joy which surrounded the shepherds at the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The fourth candle reminds us of the light of the stars in the sky which guided the Wise men to Jesus and which keeps watch over us by night.

Let’s read the story of the birth of Jesus as Matthew wrote it.

Adult: “The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,’ which is translated ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-24)

Adult: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. ‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.’ Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.’ After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.” (Matthew 2:1-12)

Everyone sing: We Three Kings

                We three kings of Orient are:

                Bearing gifts we traverse afar

                Field and fountain, moor and mountain

                Following yonder star.

                O star of wonder, star of night,

                Star with royal beauty bright,

                Westward leading, still proceeding

                Guide us to thy perfect light.

Grandfather: Father, when we think of Christmas we think of love and lights and gifts and happy times. But most of all, we think of Jesus, born in a manger and grown up as a loving teacher. Help us to live the way Jesus teaches us so that we may show the real meaning of Christmas.

<<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>>

For the full series use the following links:

Week 1 - The Prophecy Candle

Week 2 - The Bethlehem Candle

Week 3 - The Shepherds' Candle

Week 4 - The Kings' Candle

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

The Shepherds Candle ~ Third Week of Advent

Photo Credit: freefoto.com

In our home we begin our Advent ceremony by a brief recap of  The Prophecy Candle ~ The First Week of Advent and The Bethlehem Candle ~ The Second Week of Advent. After we light those first two candles we proceed with the following:

The Shepherd Candle

(The Third Week in Advent)

Grandfather: “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Grandchild: Light the third red candle and ask: Why do we light three candles?

Grandfather: The first candle is a reminder of the light of hope of the prophets. The second candle is a symbol of the light and warmth Joseph and Mary found in the stable. The third candle reminds us of the great light and joy which surrounded the shepherds at the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

Let’s read the story of the Shepherd’s search for the newborn Jesus.

Adult:  “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.’ Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After seeing them they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:8-20)

Everyone sing: The First Noel

                The first Noel, the angel did say,

                Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

                In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,

                On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

                Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

                Born is the King of Israel

Everyone sing: Joy to the World!

                Joy to the world! The Lord is come;

                Let earth receive her King;

                Let every heart prepare Him room,

                And heaven and nature sing,

                And heaven and nature sing,

                And heaven, and heaven

                And nature sing.

Grandfather:  Father, we thank you for your gift of Jesus to the whole world. As the shepherds found Jesus in a manger, may we find Jesus in the love and joy that we share together. Help us to love one another. Help us to do our share to bring happiness, goodness and peace to the world.

<<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>>

For the full series use the following links:

Week 1 - The Prophecy Candle

Week 2 - The Bethlehem Candle

Week 3 - The Shepherds' Candle

Week 4 - The Kings' Candle

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

The Bethlehem Candle ~ The Second Week Of Advent

Photo Credit: freefoto.com

In our family we begin this week's celebration of Advent with a short recap of the lighting of The Prophecy Candle ~ Week One of Advent. We light the first candle and then proceed with the following:

The Bethlehem Candle

(The Second Week in Advent)

Grandfather:  “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Grandchild: Light the second red candle as ask: “Why do we light two candles?”

Grandfather: “The first candle reminds us of the light of hope of the prophets. The second candle reminds us of the dark night when Joseph and Mary found light and warmth in the stable.”

Let’s read about the search for a place for Joseph and Mary to spend the night.

Adult:  “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7)

Everyone sing: 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.

Everyone sing: Silent Night

                Silent night, holy night,

                All is calm, all is bright

                Round yon virgin mother and Child.

                Holy Infant so tender and mild,

                Sleep in heavenly peace,

                Sleep in heavenly peace.

Grandfather: Father, help us to have room in our hearts and our homes for other persons who need us. We thank you for friends and strangers who have received us when we were lonely or afraid or tired. May we be ready to receive the love God offers us in Jesus.

<<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>>

For the full series use the following links:

Week 1 - The Prophecy Candle

Week 2 - The Bethlehem Candle

Week 3 - The Shepherds' Candle

Week 4 - The Kings' Candle

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

The Prophecy Candle ~ The First Week of Advent

Photo credit: freefoto.com

In our family we celebrate Advent every year. We use a very simple outline and five candles. The first year we just used five fat candles grouped together and then added some greenery. After searching for a bit I found the candelabra that we now use. The celebration now includes three generations so please feel free to adapt our outline to fit your own needs.

Prophecy Candle

(The First Week in Advent)

Grandfather:  “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Grandchild:  Light a red candle and ask:  “Why do we light one candle?”

Grandfather:  “This candle reminds us of the light of hope that the prophets had in their expectations of a Messiah who would bring peace to the world.”

Here is what the prophets hoped for when they thought and prayed about what God would do for his people.

               

Adult:  “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. For You have shattered their burdensome yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as You did on the day of Midian. For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:2-6)

Adult:  “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Everyone Sing: Away in a Manger

                Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

                The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;

                The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,

                The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

Grandfather:  Father, our world is in darkness. We need the light of peace and love to shine in our world. Help us to prepare our lives and our homes to receive the One who said. ‘I am the light of the world.’

<<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>> <<< >>>

For the full series use the following links:

Week 1 - The Prophecy Candle

Week 2 - The Bethlehem Candle

Week 3 - The Shepherds' Candle

Week 4 - The Kings' Candle

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle