* get materials to make a present for Jesus, or prepare for a shopping trip where you could buy something like a coat or gloves- you might use this gift on December 22.
matthew 25: 1-13
‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids* took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.* Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids* got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids* came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.*
larkin and vivian were excited to be going on a owl-watching walk at night in the woods. they had flash lights and hiking boots. however, when it came time to go find the owls, vivian realized that her flash light didn't have any batteries! vivian asked larkin if she could borrow some of his batteries. larkin explained that if he gave vivian some of his batteries, then his flashlight wouldn't work either and no one would be able to see the owls.
so, vivian went back to the campsite to get more batteries from her tent. while vivian was off getting batteries, larkin saw many owls! and by the time vivian got back to the owl-watching group, everyone was ready to go back. she missed all the owls!
if you aren't ready, it's easy to miss out on something you want to do.
activity
be ready for jesus's birthday by making a present for him. Where can you put that present so that he can see it? (you might want to think of a gift that a hungry or thirsty person might use and buy or make it for the Dec 22 day)