Advent


Family Adventure: Unexpected Gifts

GET A FAMILY ADVENT KIT HERE

Why do we receive gifts at Christmas? This tradition is rooted in the narrative of the wisemen in Matthew 2. The wisemen visit Jesus in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then Joseph gets a warning. The family runs for their lives to Egypt. They are in exile, running from a king who is threatened by the child who would become King of Kings. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh would serve the family as they are forced into hiding for at least two years.




Our current pandemic has been a time of exile and separation. We often reflect on the loss and the pain that this season has brought. As we learn to cope with new realities, what unexpected gifts has this period in our lives produced? As we explore how the Christmas family used the gifts of the Magi to aid them in their time of need, let us also discover a God who guides, provides, soothes, and heals us as we look for refuge and shelter from this current reality.


Holy Family in Egypt (Papyrus)

Week 1: Hope (Gift of the Star) starting November 29


The Magi were wise men from the East. They followed clues in the sky that gave them direction. Does that sound odd? For thousands of years, sailors have used the stars like a compass. it would tell them which direction that they were heading. When the Magi followed a special star, it led them to Jesus. How do we know the right way to go? What is the best way to follow so we do not get lost?



Story: The Magi Find Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)

Theme: God gives us direction.

Question: Where can we get direction for our lives today? 


Activities To Do:

  • Star Words for Kids: "The Magi followed the Star, which was a gift from God that led them to The Gift from God, the Christ-Child. It was then that they offered their gifts in response. Each of us can allow our Star word to become a sign of God’s presence. We can become curious seekers…" Here are some words we are using for kids: joy, fun, excitement, adventure, hope, peace, patience, love, helpfulness, kindness, faith, laughter, imagination, creativity, friends. More info here
  • We've Been Star'd and other family activities: This download gives you a great way to bless others!
  • Advent Calendar: This download is a 25 day Advent Calendar with readings and activities.
  • Book to read: Home By Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor
  • Star Box: Guide to create an origami star box to collect coins for the Christmas Eve offering. This year, our offering will once again benefit missions work in Haiti. Here is a guide to praying for Haiti from World Vision.



Week 2: Love (Gift of Gold) starting December 6


The Magi brought gold to the baby Jesus, because they knew He would be a king. The reason the family needed to flee to Egypt, was because King Herod wanted to get rid of Jesus. Herod was threatened by the possibility that another king might take his place. What do you know about kings? Kings are usually people who have many servants and tell others what to do. Jesus would be a different kind of king.




Story: Jesus is a King who serves (John 13:1-17)

Theme: Jesus loves us.

Question: How do we show our love?

    Activities To Do:

    • Share the gift: In your Family Advent Kit, you received some gold chocolate coins. They remind us that Jesus is a king, a king who serves and gives.
    • Serving Others: You are also invited to take part in our Advent drive for Kumler Outreach Ministries in Springfield. We are collecting shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and large kids diapers (sizes 4,5,6). Items may be dropped off at the church building (8:00am-3:00pm, Monday through Thursday).
    • Book to Read: All The Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner
    • Random Acts of Kindness: Here are some great ways to share kindness all season long!

    Week 3: Faith (Gift of Frankincense) starting December 13


    Incense is something that is burned to give off a pleasant scent. The people of God would use incense as a way to show God praise. In Exodus 30:1-8, 34-38 there are special instructions about how incense is used to show honor to God. Showing honor to God is called worship. When Jesus was born, Angels came to show Him honor: "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14) How can we honor God?




    Story: Children praise Jesus (Matthew 21:1-17)

    Theme: Jesus deserves our praise.

    Question: How do we show faith with our time, talent, and treasure?


    Activities To Do:

    • Frankincense Facts: Learn more about Frankincense. What are these gifts all about?
    • Worship Dance Party: Put on some fun worship music and have a dance party as a family. Grab some instruments or make some of your own. Sing, dance, and boldly express your love for Jesus.
    • Nature Walk: Notice the beauty of God’s creation. Talk about all the things you see and hear. Giving thanks to Jesus for all the beauty in the world is a great way to worship fully this week.
    • Book to Read: Drummer Boy by Loren Long
    • Worship Game: In a jar or bowl put together different colored items (you can use candy, marbles, pieces of paper, toy blocks, etc.). Using the color key below, have everyone go around and pull out one item and answer the question that matches their color. Keep going around until all of them are used up.
      • Purple: What’s your favorite story in the Bible?
      • Yellow: What’s your favorite Christmas song?
      • Red: What is one thing you’re thankful for?
      • Blue: Who is someone you can pray for this week?
      • Green: What’s your favorite thing about Jesus? 


    Week 4: Peace (Gift of Myrrh) starting December 20


    Christmas is a big deal! We celebrate Jesus' birth with songs, lights, and gifts. The gifts of the Magi are a big deal. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh would be very expensive. These gifts were given at great cost. How you ever had to give up something that didn't want to give up? God gave us Jesus, even though God loved Jesus very much. Why would God give up God's only son? John 3:16 tells us that God loves us all so much that God sent Jesus. The gift of Jesus would bring forgiveness and peace. Myrrh was a beautiful and sad gift to prepare Jesus.


    Story: The forgiven woman (Luke 7:36-50)

    Theme: Jesus brought peace.

    Question: How do we give healing and peace?


    Activities To Do:

    • Mindfulness: Practice inner peace and reduce stress through mindfulness activities.
    • Book to Read: Christmas Truce by Hilary Ann Robinson (about the Christmas Truce between soldiers during World War I)
    • Sing: Let there be peace on Earth (also a book)
    • Forgive Someone: We practice peace when we forgive one another. Jesus came so we can have forgiveness of sin and peace with God.

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