Advent Family Worship- Day 1

Begin by singing a favorite Christmas song

Explain the Advent wreath. Our themes this year will be: JOY (wk 1); FAITH (wk 2); LOVE (wk 3); PEACE (wk 4). But the over-arching theme is our hope in the future God is bringing. Talk about hope. Hope is living in this world in light of heaven.

Light the first Advent candle and ask, “What was our theme from last week?” The answer is JOY. Discuss joy. What is Christian joy? How is it connected to hope?

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

Light the third Advent candle and ask, “What is our theme this week?” The answer is LOVE. Discuss love. What is love? (Work together towards a definition.)

Read John 13:34-35 together.

• Q. How do we prove that we love Jesus and belong to him?
• Q. What is the standard of our love for one another as Jesus’ disciples? (How has Jesus loved YOU?)

Pray using the A.C.T.S. model

• Adore God for his love and his power.
• Confess your selfishness.
• Give thanks for Jesus. He loved us enough to come from heaven to earth. He loved us all the way to the Cross.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to love others as Jesus has loved you.

Finish by singing “O Come All Ye Faithful”