Dear Brothers and Sisters,
During this time of social restrictions we encourage you to gather together in your homes as a family for worship time – either on Sundays or at any other time during the week. Please feel free to use these resources with your children to guide your Worship @ Home.
from St John’s Worship Team.
Kids @ Home – Those who dream – sow joy!
Gospel: John 1:6-8,19-28
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[ in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”
21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
This reading puts John (the Baptist) in the place of messenger to all who have come to listen. John is asking everyone to prepare during Advent for the arrival of Jesus who represents light and goodness for the whole world. The arrival of Jesus will represent goodness and provide support to all those who believe, to live a good life in the name of Jesus.
Light the second Advent Candle – the Candle of Joy
Candle Lighting Liturgy | The Candle of Joy
A: I dream of dance parties in the kitchen.
B: I dream of laughter that is contagious.
A: I dream of birthday candles and another beautiful year.
B: I dream of family game nights and dinner parties with friends.
A: I dream of homemade Halloween costumes and homemade family recipes.
B: I dream of pillow forts, fireflies, and front porch swings.
A: I dream of every little thing that brings joy; and I know it comes from God.
B: So today we light the candle of joy as a reminder
that God’s dream for this world involves the end of all tears.
A: God’s dream for this world involves a joy that overflows and is contagious.
B: So may this fire burn bright, and as it does, may we sing.
A: May we dance.
B: May we laugh.
A: May we hold onto the people we love.
B: May we sow joy in a hurting world, and may it be an act of holy resistance. Amen.
Activity 1
Glow Bottles Craft for Light of the World
Activity 2
Put a string of fairy lights up somewhere in your house and when you turn them on each night during advent – let’s remember that while they are beautiful, they are only reminders of the one true light — Jesus. Let’s also remember that we have been called to tell others about Jesus — the light of the world — that they might be saved, that they might have life, that they might find their way in the darkest night.
Activity 3
Printable Light of the World Crossword Puzzle
Printable Light of the World Word Search
Prayer
Let’s pray and thank God for Jesus–the light of the world.
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to this world. We’re thankful for the light He brings to our lives–the hope, joy, love, and peace He brings us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sing along and everyone be happy!