Below is a handout that came out in the bulletin on Sunday. This is such a busy time of year and preparing things earlier can make for a more enjoyable season. There are so many ideas on pinterest for Advent Wreaths. We have done different things in the past with the styrofoam wreath and birthday candles. I also have supplies available for anyone interested in making an Advent wreath using purple and pink beads, green pipe cleaner, and a tea light. If you would like the materials for this simple Advent Wreath (great for young children) then let me know. I would be happy to provide the materials for you. Here is a picture of this little Advent activity:
Advent
Wreath (December 1st – December 25th)
Here is a summary of Advent
to go over with your children as we get ready to celebrate this season at GCPC.
You can talk with your child ahead of time about the symbolism of the color of
each candle. Each Sunday at church during Advent there will be a devotion and a
candle will be lit. Included on this handout are scripture passages listed for
each Sunday in addition to discussion options to help your children understand
more about the Season of Advent.
There are many resources
available online for making your own Advent wreath if you are interested. Just do a search on Pinterest and there is a
style for every personality and age. You
can also go the traditional route and purchase an Advent ring and candles. The
Family Christian store sells the Advent ring and candles for $20. You can
decorate around the ring with fresh evergreen leaves from your yard. J
Week 1: Week of Hope (Sunday, December 1st)
•
The first one, purple candle, is called the
candle of hope. People in the Old Testament knew that God had promised to send
a Savior. And we're filled with hope because we know that Jesus came to Earth
on the first Christmas so he could tell people about God and die for our sins.
•
Light the first candle on your Advent wreath
and read aloud Romans 15:13. Then share some ways that you're filled with hope
because you know Jesus.
Week 2: A Week of Preparation (Sunday, December 8th)
•
The second candle on an Advent wreath, purple
candle, represents preparation. Just as we get our homes and churches ready for
Christmas, we also get our hearts ready for baby Jesus. Read aloud Mark
1:3-4. Part of our preparations for Christmas can include letting other
people know what Christmas is all about-the birth of our Savior.
•
As a family, brainstorm a list of things you
do to get ready for house guests. Talk about what you would do differently if
Jesus were coming to stay at your house. Light the first two candles on your
Advent wreath and pray that God will bless your preparations for his son's
arrival.
Week 3: A
Week of Joy (Sunday, December 15th)
•
The third candle on an Advent wreath, pink
candle, symbolizes joy. Christmas excitement is building as the holiday quickly
approaches. Light the first three candles on your Advent wreath. Then let each
person share one thing they're especially joyful about this Christmas.
•
Read aloud Luke 2:10. Say: The angels made a
big announcement on the first Christmas, calling Jesus' birth 'good news' that
would bring 'great joy.' Everything we do to get ready for Christmas can fill
us with joy about Jesus. When we're joyful, we, like the angels, can help
spread that good news.
Week 4: A Week of Love (Sunday, December 22nd)
•
The fourth candle on an Advent wreath, purple
candle, is often called the candle of love. Christmas happened because of God's
great love for all people. Light all four candles on your Advent wreath.
Close in prayer, thanking our loving God for sending Jesus as our best
Christmas gift.
•
As your family gathers to open Christmas
gifts, talk about why we give nice things to people we love. Ask: What are some
of the most memorable gifts you've received? How can you tell when much love
and thought go into a gift? Read aloud John 3:16.
Christmas
Eve/Christmas Day
•
The while candle called the “Christ Candle”
as it represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. Give thanks as we celebrate the birth of
Jesus! Read aloud Luke 2: 1-20
•
Close in prayer, thanking our loving God for
sending Jesus as our best Christmas gift.
* Check out the following website to follow during the Advent season:
