Advent Week 2 and 3

In theory, celebrating Advent seemed like such a great idea! In reality, we've been too busy! But we have managed to have at least one night of celebration.

Week 2:

Scripture: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was take 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 2:1-7

Prayer: God, journey with us to Bethlehem. Go with us and lead us to your love. Go with us and teach us to love others.

Light the first candle, and then the second candle.

Sing or read: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Devotion: This is the second Sunday of Advent. Today we remember that Mary and Joseph went on a journey to Bethlehem. We too are on our own journey. We travel toward Christmas, and the birth of Jesus because we want to know Him better, to feel His love, to see his face in our life today.

Devotion Option: (I love this option!) If you have small children in your family ask them to play the part of the donkey Mary rode on. When you read the cue they are to say: "Clip clop, clip clop, clip clop." Every time  you say Donkey..

Joseph put Mary on a donkey (clip clop) to travel t Bethlehem.
The donkey (clip clop) carried Mary over hills high and low.
The donkey (clip clop) carried Mary under the sunshine.
The donkey (clip clop) carried Mary through the dark.
Joseph walked beside, but the donkey (clip clop) carried Mary all the way to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Thank you God for the donkey who carried Mary and for the animals that greeted them in Bethlehem.

If you've set up the stable or barn of your nativity set, now's the time to add the animals.
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Advent Week 3:

Scripture: And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47

Scripture: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, The Lord. Luke 2:8-10

Devotion: Today is the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of joy. The young Mary who had every reason to fear, expressed joy in God's favor. The angels comforted the frightened shepherds out on a dark hillside with the joy of the good news. The joy we find is never in our circumstances but in our relationship with God in Christ.

Light the first candle, light the second candle, light the third candle (which may be pink) and say "Today we light the candle of joy."

Prayer: God, we too rejoice. We rejoice that Jesus is born in Bethlehem. We rejoice that you give us what we need. Fill our days with joy and help us to share that joy with others.

Sing: Joy to the World

Add Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds to your nativity scene.

*Disclaimer?* Once again I copied this from an insert my church has been giving us each Sunday!


Merry Christmas and may you all find some joy this week!

***Update: I had a really hard time concentrating on my OBS book "Greater" in light of the tragic events of 12/14/2012. I still can't read or watch any news related to it...my heart is just breaking for that community. So, I will be writing a "Greater" blog between now and January 10th...check back often! Check out the e-devotional I wrote for my church here!: E-Devotional written by Yours Truly  Also, check out my other blog: My Quirky Son Merry Christmas!***