READ Micah 5:2-5, Psalms 80:1-7 & Luke 1:39-55

This week we will focus on the ways that we share the stories of the things God has done. In the nativity story, the angels appeared and declared the Good News of Christ’s birth, and in the readings, Luke shares with us Mary’s song of declaration of the goodness of God, from generation to generation, he has lifted up the humble and filled the hungry with good things. Mary sings of the mercy and the help that God has extended to his people. This week, we are encouraged to think about the ways that the Good News of Jesus makes our lives better, and the ways that we declare that in our lives. As you read the passages, think about who are the humble, the hungry and the rich, and what it means to be sent away. Take your time to think out loud about ways that we can make the Good News relevant to our world right now – the ways that we see and name the good things God has done, but also the hard things that still exist.

REFLECT, TALK & DO

This is the fourth week of Advent – we’ve thought about anticipating, we thought about preparing, we looked at risky journeys, and this week, we are going to think about sharing the anticipation with others.

In the Bible passages today, we read about different ways that people shared their anticipation of what was coming: Mary sings this song, the Magnificat, declaring the good things that God has done and he’s doing in her life and in the lives of her people. Elizabeth has a similar journey of realising Good News that was growing. In these passages, we are reminded that the Good News that we share is not about laws and rules but it’s the Good News of Christ who became one of us. We are reminded that just like God shared Good News with us when he sent Jesus at Christmas time, we have the opportunity to share that Good News too. In the story of Jesus’ birth, the angels declared the Good News to the shepherds on the hillside.

We are going to spend some time thinking about the ways that we see, and then declare Good News in our lives. Think about:

• Who are you thankful for?
• What do you want to declare as Good News?
• Who in your life needs to hear the Good News?
• Who are the “humble” and the ones that “fear him”? Who are the “proud in their innermost thoughts”? who are “hungry” maybe not just for food? How can you share the good news with them? In words? In actions? Who can help you do it?

Spend some time thinking, talking, and praying about this. Write your thoughts and prayers on the stars or Mary or Angels and add them to the tree or take them home to remind you.

PRAY

Thank you, God, that we have heard the Good News. Help us to remember that it is Good News, but not just for us. Help to share it, and show it in our lives. Help us to be brave like Mary, and recognise and share how you are good in ours and others' lives. Amen.

Watery Advent 1. LOVE

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 love.

All: We long for your love, O God. [Pour water into fourth glass.]

2: A tsunami wave of love, overpowering, all-enveloping, overwhelming, sweeping all up before it and changing the landscape forever.

All: We long for your love, O God.

1: Love which has the patience to seep into us, one drop at a time over aeons, forming stalagmites of beauty in the darkest places.

All: We long for your love, O God.

2: Love which holds us with the silent ethereal mystery of mist on a mountain top.

All: We long for your love, O God.

1: I invite you to name aloud people and places which are in particular need of God’s love at this time e.g.: ► Victims of violence; ► People who feel unloved; ► orphans and wards of the state; ► Those in nursing homes and far away from loved ones; ► People who have lost loved ones this year; ► People living with broken relationships with their family; ► Child soldiers throughout the world.

1 & 2: Advent God, we worship you with love.

All: We long for your love, O God. Amen.

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