Begin by singing a favorite Christmas song

Explain the Advent wreath. Our themes this year will be: FAITH (wk 1); JOY (wk 2); LOVE (wk 3); HOPE (wk 4). But the over-arching theme is the kingdom of God. What is the kingdom of God?

Read the story of the angels in Luke 2:1-20. Focus on Luke 2:10. Have the children draw a picture of the scene as you have a discussion about it using the following questions:

[1] In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all went to be registered, each to his own town. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. [6] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. [7] And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

[8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. [10] And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

[14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

(Luke 2:1-20 ESV)

• Q. The angels’ bring “good news” (i.e. gospel) to the shepherds. What is the gospel?

Light the first Advent candle and ask, “What was our theme from the first week?” The answer is faith.

Our first response to the reality of God’s kingdom on the earth in Christ is faith. The angels’ say to the shepherds, “Fear not” (Luke 2:10).

 

• Q. What is faith?
• Q. How is faith different from fear?
• Q. Why should we not be afraid?

 

Stop and pray, ASKING God to give you greater faith in the gospel.

Light the second Advent candle and ask, “What is our theme last week?” The answer is joy.

Another response to the reality of God’s kingdom on the earth in Christ is joy. The angels’ message to the shepherds is “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10).

• Q. How do you get joy in Jesus?

Stop and pray, ASKING God to give you greater joy in the gospel.

Light the third Advent candle and ask, “What is our theme this week?” The answer is love.

A third response to the reality of God’s kingdom on the earth in Christ is love. The shepherds’ response to all they saw and heard was to go “glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:18-20). They were given a mission- to spread the news of God’s love throughout the city.

Stop and pray, ASKING God to help you love others as He has loved you.

Finish by singing “O Come All Ye Faithful”