CHILDREN'S LESSON: 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today is the First Sunday of Advent

What is Advent? (wait for students to reply) Advent is getting ready for Jesus' Birthday.

One of the things we do during Advent is nothing but WAIT. What things do you have to wait for? (raise hands) You have to wait your turn for many things - playground, school - pencil sharpener, computer time, mom & dad's attention, Birthdays, CHRISTMAS . . .

Did you know that the people of Israel waited a long time for the present that God promised? They waited 400 years for the gift of a King - Jesus. During the 400 years, the prophets helped the people to be patient and wait with hope reminding them that God will keep his promise.

Over the next few weeks until Christmas, we will be lighting candles on an Advent Wreath. An Advent Wreath is a way to help us remember all the promises God has made and kept while we are waiting for the coming of Jesus; waiting for Christmas. As we read some of the prophecies about Jesus, we will light (place) the first candle on the Advent Wreath – HOPE.

Have one or two of the older students read.

“He will be born in Bethlehem, just as the prophet wrote, ‘Bethlehem in the land of Judea, you are very important among the towns of Judea. From your town will come a leader, who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.’” ~ Matthew 2:6 (CEV)

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done. ~ Isaiah 9:6, 7 (CEV)

All of these prophecies gave the Israelites hope and reminded them of the coming of their King - Jesus.

In the book of Romans, it says "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:24-25

God gives us so many things; he asks in return that we believe, that we have hope and faith in him. We have not seen God. We have not seen Jesus. Yet we are asked to believe in what we haven't seen. Even more, we are asked to wait in patience. All this is the very nature of hope and belief. The Advent season is a time of waiting and hoping. We remember that Jesus was born to save us and to give us hope.

APPLICATION: How can we, like the prophets, offer hope to others? What things can we do? Offer to shovel snow for an elderly neighbour. Offer to baby-sit as a family, for those who have trouble finding shopping time. Donate a can of food a day to a food bank.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank You for the hope You offer us and for love that holds us so close to You. Help us to care for others the way You care for us. Amen.

ACTIVITY/CRAFT: Help organize a food/toy drive by creating posters and advertising.
Other suitable crafts and activities – Make an Advent Wreath. Random Acts of Kindness. Go to a nursing/retirement home and do activities with the people. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

(For resources see Crafts, and Colouring Pages.)

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