READ Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Luke 2:1-20

Our readings this week draw our attention towards the awareness of God in our midst: Isaiah casts the prophecy forwards, of the light dawning, Psalms calls us to marvel at the splendour of God manifest in the world, and Luke is the story of that glorious moment of light dawning that Isaiah saw. This final week of Advent is a celebration – rightly so – and it is full of light and hope. This week we will encourage each other with what God is actually doing in our lives and our community. What are the things that God is doing among us that people might not normally see?

REFLECT, TALK & DO

When it’s dark, it can be hard to see what is right in front of us. When Jesus arrived, it was with light and joy – the angels lit up the sky, the stars pointed at the new thing that was happening. The reading from Isaiah draws our attention to this: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Over the last few weeks, we have been building an Advent tree: it’s full of our reflections and thanks, and prayers and hopes. Today, we are going to add the pinnacle of the Advent story– a baby in an unlikely place. The Christmas story encourages us to look in ordinary places for extraordinary things – for a light dawning in a dark place. Angels appearing to wisemen, a Bright star shining in the sky.

Advent is also a time for gathering together and for sharing, so I want to encourage you to turn to the people around you and have a bit of a think, together.

- Where have you seen bright light dawning in dark places?

- Where have you seen people respond and be renewed in relationship?

- Think about ways that you can see Jesus in your workplace, or school, or home – in your friends or workmates, or family, or household. Think and share specific examples.

To finish off our Advent tree – we are going to add Jesus to the scene. During the service write down the stories that you have shared, and the ways that you have seen Jesus show up in your life this year, and then add them to the tree here, or take them home.

PRAY

Isaiah called the people to look forward to the day when the people walking in darkness would see a great light. He encouraged his people to see a future, where a light has dawned on the darkness. God, please help us to see and know that light. Help us to be the light in dark places, and to recognise and share the stories of how we see Jesus in our lives. Thank you for your light, Jesus the Light of the World. Amen.

Watery Advent 5. JESUS

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 to complete our wreath, we celebrate the coming of Jesus.

All: We thank you for coming as one unlike anyone else. [Pour water into the fifth glass.]

2: We remember the one who came by water and blood, the one who cried for his dead friend, the one who was thirsty and asked a woman for a drink.

All: We thank you for coming as one unlike anyone else.

1: We remember the one who walked on water, the one who calmed the waves, the one who turned water into wine.

All: We thank you for coming as one unlike anyone else.

2: We remember the one who is living water for us here and now.

All: We thank you because our thirst for God is quenched in you. 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

READ Luke 2:1-5

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1-5)

REFLECT

We’re almost there! We’ve traveled through so much of the Bible this Advent, and now we’re almost to Bethlehem. Who are we traveling with? We’re traveling with Mary. Her pregnant belly is big and round, and she’s ready to have the baby! She doesn’t want to be pregnant anymore. She wants to hold Jesus in her arms. As we wait for Jesus to come again, we’re like Mary. We can get antsy, impatient for him to come back and make everything right.

We’re traveling with Joseph, too. He doesn’t know what to expect. He’s never been a dad before. He doesn’t even know how to hold a baby! We’re like Joseph because we don’t know what to expect, either! We hope we’ve done enough to prepare for Jesus to come again. We hope we’re ready.

Jesus, come soon! We’re excited for you to be here with us forever. We don’t want to wait any more.

TALK

- What will it be like when Jesus comes again?

PRAY

Jesus, I'm excited for you to come again. Will you help me be ready? Amen.

BLESS & DO

Add the next picture to your tree

Think about someone you know that is making a long journey at this time of year and find a way to bless them.

Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html

READ Matthew 1

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)

REFLECT

The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 lists so many of the characters that we have read about so far in the Jesse tree. It shows the long list of descendants all the way from Abraham through to Jacob, Rahab, Ruth, Jesse, David, and Joseph.

In the story of Jesus' birth, Joseph plays a big part. He’s not as central to the narrative as Mary, yet we shouldn't overlook him. Joseph could have said, "No way! I'm not going to marry her anymore. Even though I love Mary, I want to have a normal life. I don't want to be the adoptive dad of the Son of God. That's weird. People will think I'm weird." But he didn't. Joseph said, "Yes, I'll marry her. I'll help raise the Son of God. I'll let people think I'm weird."

Joseph cared less about what other people thought and more about what God thought. He cared more about Mary and less about himself. And because of that, God gave him a pretty cool part in God’s story. God used Joseph to raise Jesus. Joseph got to teach Jesus how to use a hammer and build a chair, how to read the Bible, and how to love other people. Joseph got to be Jesus’ dad.

TALK

- What things did Jesus learn from Joseph?

- What can you learn from Joseph?

PRAY

God, thank you for inviting Joseph into your story, and for the example, he sets for us. Help me think less about my reputation and more about following you and your good ways. Help me to be brave and strong to do your good in the world. Amen.

BLESS & DO

Add the next picture to your tree

Think about someone who has been a positive influence in your life and find a way to bless them.

Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html