Advent Family Worship- Day 2

Begin by singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

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

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

Read Mary’s Prayer/Song in Luke 1:46-55 together. Mary is full of joy because of what God is doing in sending Jesus to the earth. She begins to sing. Have a discussion about joy using the following questions:

[46] And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, [48] for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; [49] for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. [51] He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; [52] he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; [53] he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. [54] He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, [55] as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55, ESV)

• Q. The Bible says that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Christians should be characterized by joy. So, What is joy? Why do you think joy is so important?
• Q. What makes you the most happy? What do you find it easy to get excited about?
• Q. Why is Mary so full of joy?

Mary is full of joy because God is a God of grace. The angel greets her, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). This confuses Mary. Why would the angel address her this way? She is a nobody from nowhere. Does God even know she exists? Not only does he know all about her; she’s one of his favorites! The angel’s greeting literally means, “Grace to you, O graced one.” This is what has Mary so excited: God is a God of grace!

• Q. What is grace? Where in her song does Mary sing about God’s grace?
• Q. What do we learn in Mary’s song about the way God’s salvation works? What kinds of people does God work for? Who can be saved?

If your faith is in Jesus, if you confess your sin and your need for Him, then you’re one of God’s favorites too! You’re a graced one too!

Stop and pray, ADORING God for his grace.

Finish by singing “Joy to the World”