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.
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:
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
Join us for Easter 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Easter at home.
Join us for Lent 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Lent at home.
Join us for Lent 2025 as we reflect on God’s ongoing story of renewal for the whole of creation, and how our story weaves and intertwines with God’s story. Over seven
weeks, we will journey with people from past generations and hear stories of how God renewed their lives through transforming encounters, forgiveness, reconciliation,
and faithfulness. As we hear and reflect on the stories of others, we will also reflect on how God is renewing our lives, and our Church, and what God is calling us to do in the
renewal process.
The 2 attached documents contain resources, including recipes, videos, prayers, and stories, to help your family explore scripture, themes, and special days of Lent at home.