READ: 1 Samuel 1, 3, 9, 16
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” (1 Samuel 16:1)
Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:10-15)
REFLECT
It’s hard not to love the story of an underdog. Like so many people in Jesus’ family history, Samuel and David are unlikely picks. Samuel is the son of Hannah, a much longed-for child who was dedicated to the Lord and was called by God by name early in his life. And here he is, being asked to anoint a new king after the last one was rejected – but it’s not the firstborn as everyone expects, It’s David, the baby of the family, the last of Jesse’s eight sons. In his life thus far, he hasn’t been much of a hero. When Samuel anoints him, David hasn’t defeated Goliath. He hasn’t created complex battle strategies. He’s an unknown farm boy.
Yet it’s David, the underdog, whom God chooses to lead his people. God subverts expectations, choosing a young boy to later anoint the Kings of Israel and a young shepherd to be the King. God has a habit of subverting expectations. David was an unexpected choice, as was Israel as a whole. If you wanted to bless the world, would you work through a tiny people group, often dominated by other nations?
And when you finally came to save your people and express your love for the whole world, would you come in the flesh as a member of that underdog nation? Would you be born as a baby, vulnerable and unknown? Would you work as a common tradesman, acquiring none of the experience or accolades of a political victor? Would you submit to humiliation, persecution, and even death at the hands of a powerful empire?
In Jesus Christ, a descendant of Jesse and David, God’s love for the whole world is shown. Jesus is the one anointed to be king, not just of Israel but of all people. In the greatest subversion of expectations, God makes himself the underdog and triumphs over sin and death.
TALK
- What other stories have an underdog as the hero?
- How is God using you, even though you’re not a grown-up or the most powerful and richest person?
PRAY
Sometimes you surprise me, God! You like to use people whom the world doesn’t think are important. Thank you, Lord, for working in ways contrary to what I expect. Please help me remember that you want to use me, too. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree
Do something kind or unexpected for someone who others might think of as unimportant.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ: Ruth 1-4
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” [Ruth] said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.” (Ruth 3:1-4:12)
REFLECT
If you read the whole book of Ruth, you may notice where the action takes place: in Bethlehem. It’s not the last time we’ll find ourselves in that town this Advent.
Maybe you know this story as a story about a woman uncommonly devoted to her mother in-law. Or a story about a woman humble yet bold enough to find favour with Boaz, who could make life easier for these two widows. And certainly, it is a story about Ruth’s faithfulness. But it’s also a story about Boaz’s faithfulness, which points to the faithfulness of one who was born in Bethlehem years later.
In Israelite law, there was a provision for widows with no sons. The brother of the deceased man was commanded to take the man’s widow as his wife, both redeeming the man’s land and providing a son to carry on the family name. Without this man, called a kinsman-redeemer, the widow would be left with nothing, and the family would cease to exist.
In the book of Ruth, Boaz steps up as the kinsman-redeemer, a relative of Naomi’s husband with the power to redeem the land, marry Ruth, and carry on the family. Who else do we know who steps up as a kinsman-redeemer? Indeed, Jesus Christ is our kinsman-redeemer. By virtue of his humanity, he is our brother, our kinsman, and he is willing to become the bridegroom in order to redeem us. He faithfully steps up to save us. He lovingly joins himself to us, impoverished though we are, and makes us his own. Thanks be to God.
TALK
- What about Boaz made him willing to marry Ruth, even though he didn’t know her?
- Why do you think Jesus was willing to rescue us?
PRAY:
Jesus, thanks for taking me and making me part of the wonderful family of God. How humbling it is that you would consider yourself my kinsman, a member of my family. And how humbling that you would pay the price with your life to redeem me. Thank you. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Think about and share with someone 3 great things that happened this year.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ: Joshua 1-2 2:1-21
Then Joshua, son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So, they went and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and spent the night there. The king of Jericho was told, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come only to search out the whole land.” But the woman took the two men and hid them. (Joshua 2:1-4)
Before they went to sleep, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men: “I know that the Lord has given you the land. ... The Lord your God is indeed God in heaven above and on earth below. Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the Lord that you, in turn, will deal kindly with my family.” … The men said to her, “Our life for yours! If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the Lord gives us the land. … We will be released from this oath that you have made us swear to you if we invade the land and you do not tie this crimson cord in the window through which you let us down,” … She said, “According to your words, so be it.” (Joshua 2:8-21)
REFLECT
The Israelites have been wandering in the desert for 40 years, and now it’s finally time to move into the land that God promised them. That land is called Canaan, and it’s filled with people who don’t love or trust God. Joshua is put in charge after Moses dies, and it’s his job to get them to the promised land.
But when two Israelite spies sneak into the city of Jericho in Canaan, they get help from someone they least expect: a woman named Rahab. Even though she’s not an Israelite, she has heard about the God of Israel. And she believes that he is the true God. After she helps the Israelite spies, she asks them to protect her family when the Israelite army comes to knock down Jericho. The spies agree—if she hangs a red rope in her window so they know which house to protect. The red rope will save Rahab’s life. That red rope hanging in her window looks a lot like a trail of blood, which reminds us of the blood of Jesus. When Jesus died, his blood saved our lives, just like the red rope saved Rahab’s life. If we trust in God, like Rahab did, we get to join God’s family and be protected.
The family line of Jesus is full of unlikely people. They regularly forget, disobey, or betray God and Rahab is one of these. In a genealogy that stretches from Abraham to Jesus, she’s one of just five women named. In a patrilineal genealogy—a record of fathers and sons—she makes the cut. And God invites her to play a role in the story of Israel claiming the land God has promised. He grafts her into the family early enough that she gets to be one of Jesus’ great- great- great-grandmothers. What an encouragement, not only does God want us in his family, but he also wants to use us.
When we join the family, he’ll put us to work, helping move this story along to its beautiful conclusion. Rahab got to play a part in Jesus’ coming as a baby, but we get to join in as Jesus comes in glory.
TALK
- Why do you think the Israelite spies told Rahab to hang a red rope in her window?
- Do you ever feel unworthy to be part of God’s family?
PRAY
God, your grace is astonishing! You could care less about my pedigree, and youre even willing to overlook my sin as you graft me into your family and your story. Would you help me to be faithful like Rahab as I do the work you've called me to do?
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Bless someone you don't know with a random act of kindness.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ: Exodus 2-3, 19-20
Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. (Exodus 2:1-6)
Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. (Exodus 19:3-6)
REFLECT
Moses’ story is pretty amazing. He was a Hebrew boy, saved as a baby, and then grew up as an Egyptian Prince. He was sent away, lived as a shepherd, had an encounter with God in a burning bush, sent back to Egypt to save the Israelites from slavery, escaped, then led the Israelites around in the desert for 40 years, spoke to God in a cloud, and was given the task of giving God’s laws.
Have you ever read the rules at the pool? Shower first; No running; No diving; No unsupervised children; No food or drinks. Who made up those rules? Showering first just seems silly, doesn’t it? It’s like the pool people are trying to spoil all our fun!
The Ten Commandments and other Laws that God gave Moses can seem that way too, like a list of rules that God gave us to ruin our fun. But God’s not like that. He gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments to help everyone live together well and to set them apart as his people. He didn’t tack up the Ten Commandments on a wall and leave the Israelites on their own. No, God had already chosen the people of Israel and promised to love them. When he gave the commandments to Moses, he planned to stay with his people and keep loving them.
We should follow God’s commandments not just because they’ll keep us safe, like the rules at the pool. We should follow them because God loves us. And the best news of all is that Jesus helps us to follow them!
TALK
- Which of the Ten Commandments is hardest for you to follow? Why?
- Which is the easiest? Why?
PRAY
God, will you remind me of how much you already love me? Help me remember that following your rules doesn’t make you love me. I am so thankful that your life fulfills the law I daily fail to keep. Holy Spirit, work that mysterious process in me and make me one with Christ. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Bless someone by telling them about how Gods Love and how his Laws help us live with him.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ Genesis 37
Now [Jacob] loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. … So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. (Genesis 37:1-36)
REFLECT
Little brothers and sisters can be the worst. In Joseph’s case, his father, Jacob, loved him more than all his brothers. Jacob gave Joseph a special coat, which made them jealous. And at the breakfast table in the mornings, Joseph liked to tell his family about his dreams. He often dreamed about being in charge of all his brothers. That made his brothers furious.
Big brothers (and sisters) can be the worst, too. In this story, Joseph’s jealous brothers decided to kill him and his stupid dreams. They didn’t quite kill him, but they did take his special coat and sell him to some slave traders for twenty pieces of silver.
Joseph isn’t the only child to have been his father’s favorite and make his brothers want to kill him. The Bible says that Jesus is God’s beloved son, kind of like God’s favorite. And when Jesus started sharing his message with people, they got so mad they tried to kill him. They took his coat, too.
The Good News is that the story about Joseph and his brothers ends well. Joseph does end up being in charge, but it helps save his family—just like in the story of Jesus. Jesus is sold for thirty pieces of silver and then killed. But he comes back to life and is king over the whole world. The people that hated Jesus are the same people that he came to save. And do you know who those people are? They are you and me.
TALK
- How did Joseph’s brothers feel?
- How could Joseph still love his brothers when they hated him so much?
- How can you love your brothers and sisters even when they do things that upset or hurt you?
PRAY
Wow, Jesus! Im amazed that you and Joseph were willing to love the people who hated you. Im also thankful because it means that you love me and have saved me. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree
Do something nice for one of your family members and forgive them for a past hurt you might be holding on to.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ Genesis 27-28
And [Jacob] dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:10-22)
REFLECT
What kinds of things do you dream about? Some dreams are usually silly, mixed-up stories, sometimes they’re scary or strange.
Jacob had a pretty strange dream. He dreamed about a ladder that reached from the ground all the way up into the sky, with angels climbing up and down on it. And in his dream, he heard God talking to him. God told Jacob that God was going to give him the land all around him. Jacob’s great-great-grandchildren’s great-great-grandchildren would move far away and would be a blessing to everyone else. God also promised Jacob that God would stay near him wherever he went. What a wonderful promise!
Sometimes, we’re so busy during the day that we don’t notice God. God waited until Jacob had slowed down, gotten quiet, and fallen asleep to talk to him. Nothing distracted Jacob from hearing God’s voice. God’s words were so thrilling that they woke Jacob right up, and he promised to serve God in return.
TALK
- What did Jacob make of his vivid dream?
- What’s one dream you can remember?
- Do you feel like God has ever spoken to you in a dream? Or another way?
PRAY
God, thank you for your promise to Jacob. Will you help me pay attention to you and listen when you have something to tell me and help me to give myself fully to you. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Share with someone else ways that help you get a good nights sleep.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ: Genesis 21-22
After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you.” (Genesis 22:1-2)
When they came to the place that God had shown him, Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. He bound his son Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now, I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham looked up and saw a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So, Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” (Genesis 22:9-14)
REFLECT
God’s plan to show his love to everyone needed Abraham to be the real deal. Abraham had to be serious about trusting God. To make sure, God decided to test Abraham.
God thought of the one thing that would be hardest for Abraham to give up: Isaac, his son. Abraham loved Isaac with his whole heart, and now God was asking Abraham to give Isaac as a present to God. It meant that Abraham would have to kill Isaac. It made Abraham really sad, but he believed that God would keep the promise to give Abraham lots of grandchildren. He trusted God.
When God saw that Abraham trusted him completely, God provided another way. He showed Abraham a sheep nearby, which Abraham could give to God as a present instead.
Many years later, God himself gave up his son. This time, the son wasn’t Isaac; it was Jesus. And this time, Jesus was the sheep, too. He’s the Lamb of God, and God gave him as a present for the whole world.
TALK
- How did Isaac feel when he was going up the mountain with his dad?
- How much do you think God loves you?
- How much do you love God?
PRAY
Jesus, thank you for being a present to me. Help me trust you even when things are very hard. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Find something of yours to give away that could bless someone else.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
READ Malachi 3:1-4 & Luke 3:1-6
This week, the readings and addition to the Nativity display acknowledge the process of getting ready. We think about things in our lives that need to be ‘made smoother’ – but also, things in the world, the valleys and rocky paths, the injustices, and difficult things that we can work to straighten out to make the paths for the Kingdom. Today, there is a path added to our display and we will add sheep and shepherds who journeyed towards the newborn baby.
REFLECT, TALK & DO
It's week 2 of Advent! Last week we talked about anticipating… what we are looking forward to and built a tree with our prayers of hope and anticipation. This week, we’ll talk about how Advent is about getting ready, and smoothing the way for ourselves and others to experience peace. The Bible is full of bits of looking forwards – and lots of bits about getting ready for what was coming.
In Luke chapter 3, we read the story about John the Baptist, who was Jesus’ prophet cousin. He was preparing the way for Jesus. What he said to the people, was like preparing a road towards Jesus. And today we will add a path to the tree, with some signs to lead the way. Read John 3:1-6 from the road signs.
- What do you think it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” and “make straight paths for him”?
In the Christmas story, we think a lot about the people who came to meet Jesus. But it is interesting to think about this verse, and how God is talking about making paths straight and mountains flattened as a highway for God to be known on – a highway for God so that everyone can see God’s salvation. This passage might be used as an encouragement to do some landscape gardening! To encourage us to look at the way that we come towards God, and the way that we encourage others to try to come towards God. Spend time reflecting on:
- What are some ways that the paths can be made straight and the rough roads, smoothed, so that God can be seen more clearly?
- What things in your life are barriers to you experiencing God’s Love and Peace?
- What are some things that you or others do that form barriers to people experiencing God’s love and Peace? In church? At home? At work or school? Have a think – it might be something in your life you need to straighten out, maybe an expectation that you’ve placed on someone else, maybe the ways that we expect people to behave or think in church or at home, It might be conflict with people you care about, think about tricky things that could be smoother…
During worship today, you are invited to add shepherds, and sheep to the path and the tree with your written and coloured prayers that God would make the paths straighter, and that his salvation will be seen.
PRAY
God of highways in the wilderness, help us to find ways to make the paths straight and the rough places smooth. Help us to identify and prepare ways for you to be seen and known in the world. Amen
Watery Advent 1. PEACE
Usually during Advent, we do an advent candle wreath, however this year we are doing a water wreath! Especially in the hot Australian Summer water is something that we anticipate, that we hope for. A cup of cool cup of water on a hot summer’s day, rain for our farmers and lawns, water to swim in, water for baptism! Water is a powerful symbol.
So each week, just like we would with a candle wreath, we’re going to fill a new cup instead of lighting a new candle as we reflect on Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. Each week we will be adding more to the Jesse tree and to remind us of life growing out of the stump.
1: As we pour the water for our Advent wreath, we remember our deep thirst for God's peace.
All: We long for your peace, O God. [Pour water into the second glass.]
2: The peace of a long soak in a hot tub after a hard day’s work.
All: We long for your peace, O God.
1: The peace of steam rising around a home saved by the sweat and sacrifice of a community of firefighters and their supporters.
All: We long for your peace, O God.
2: Peace as deep and mysterious and teeming with life as the vast oceans.
All: We long for your peace, O God.
1: I invite you to name aloud people and places which are in particular need of God’s peace at this time e.g.: ► Neighbours who disagree; ► victims of crime; ► facing medical procedures; ► living with grief; ► In war-torn places; ► families involved with Courts
1 & 2: Advent God, we worship you with peace.
Materials adapted from: https://intergen.org.au/product/advent-series-something-is-coming/ & https://sa.uca.org.au/documents/intergen-docs/resources/Engage-Together-Advent-2020.pdf
READ: Genesis 15-17
God brought Abraham outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:5)
You will not be called Abram anymore. Your name will be Abraham because I have made you a father of many nations. I will greatly increase the number of your children after you. Nations and kings will come from you. I will make my covenant with you last forever. It will be between me and you and your family after you for all time to come. I will be your God. And I will be the God of all your family after you. (Genesis 17:5-7)
God also said to Abraham, “Do not continue to call your wife by the name Sarai. Her name will be Sarah. I will give her my blessing. You can be sure that I will give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations. Kings of nations will come from her.” (Genesis 17:15-16)
REFLECT
If there’s a clear night this week, go outside with your family before you go to bed. Find a spot where you can see the sky and look up. Hopefully, the sky is dark enough that you’re able to see the tiny pinpricks of stars, way off in the distance. The longer you look, the more stars you’ll be able to see.
This is how God showed Abraham how big his family would be. God promised that Abraham would have one son and so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he wouldn’t be able to count them, even if he tried. He’d changed their names and promised that Kings of nations would come from them.
Did you realize that you are part of Abraham’s family? When God showed Abraham all those stars, he was including you, too! Because of Jesus Christ, we are adopted into that same family—the family of Abraham and the family of God. The people in the stories you’re reading this Advent are your great-great-great grandmas and grandpas!
TALK
- Do you think Abraham tried to count all the stars he could see?
- What does it feel like to be part of God’s family?
PRAY
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thank you for making me part of your family. Im thankful that I get to be in the same family as Jesus. Thank you for inviting me into the covenant promise. Help me reflect the family name well. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Go outside and count the stars and thank God for each of your ancestors, by name if you can.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html