Advent Waiting

Sunday, december 23

*materials for a nest (can be shredded paper or yarn or Christmas tree needles), and one fresh egg

lesson: god's dwelling place

psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints
   for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
   to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
   my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
   ever singing your praise.

activity
build a nest and talk about what a nest is for: staying warm and safe. Did you know that God is keeping us safe and warm?  Who can you think of that God is keeping warm (list friends and family, think of strangers and even enemies-the bad people- how is God making a nest for them?)?

Saturday, december 22

*think of the gift you made on the 20th.  You may even what to give it to someone

lesson: helping others

matthew 25: 35-40

35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” 37Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” 40And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me.”

god made everyone and we are all a little bit like god, just like you are like your mom and dad.  when we help eachother, we help god and make him happy and proud.

activity
find ways to help others by giving time, money, food, or toys.  decide which thing to give and then give it away to someone who might need it.