2020 Advent Guide

Trinity Youth 2020 Advent Guide

Welcome to Advent!

Advent is a time of waiting and getting ready. When Christmas comes we don’t want it to feel like any other day.

Advent is an invitation to a journey. A journey of paying attention! So put down your screen, unplug, and listen to what thoughts and emotions, peoples and purposes, that God is putting in your path.

During Advent we lean in to silence and stillness, if only for a moment. This is a counter-cultural act during a season of busy-ness. When we are still we are declaring “I am not afraid to face difficult things!” In doing this you are connected to generations of Jesus followers who have made decisions to be people of HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE in spite of injustice, war, and oppression.

When you make this journey, you’re not alone!

Here’s how to get the most out of this time: • Find a quiet and still place you can visit everyday or gather family and friends and do this over a meal • Light candles! First turn off the lights to notice how just a little light changes the darkness. Traditionally 4 candles in a wreath are lit, 3 purple and 1 pink, but any candle will do. • Ask the Holy Spirit to INSPIRE and PREPARE. To inspire the words and reflections, and to prepare our hearts to receive our king as a baby. A big thanks to the amazing students and leaders who contributed to make this guide come alive!

A special thanks also to New Life church in Queens and Pastor Rich Villodas and their “The Advent Daily Office” which served as the inspiration for the readings and structure of this guide. Hope

Week 1 Sunday, November 29 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Prayer for Presence: Holy Spirit Come. Breathe your life into this reading and reflection and free me from the distractions of the day so that I may be deeply present to you and myself, for the sake of the world around me.

Readings | Psalm 130:1-6 // Habakkuk 2:3-4

Reflection by Dave McCune // Youth Pastor The scent of candles just blown out will forever bring me back to one of my fondest memories as kid - Advent! Most nights during December, while the lake effect snow piled up outside our Buffalo, NY, home, we would light Advent candles during dinner. We sang “O Come O Come Emmanuel” while lighting them and “Joy to the World” when blowing them out before marching raucously around the house with noisemakers to open Advent calendars, any guests joining right in. In between, my dad shared a devotional and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t always a picture perfect moment! One sibling was grumpy, the singing was pitchy, we were distracted. But it didn’t matter. What continues to stick is dimming lights, and lighting candles - light and hope in the dark - something I now have the joy of doing with my own kids. May you experience the same this season!

Invitation Light Advent candles this year! Officially one candle is lit each week - 2 purples, a pink, and then one last purple before lighting a white. Christ candle on Christmas morning. But don’t let having the right candles stop you - find any candle! Then light it and read these passages and remember HOPE. Make a rhythm of it a start a tradition.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Monday, November 30 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 31:21-24 // Psalm 33:20-22

Reflection by Stacey Jones // Volunteer Leader One of my best friends from school taught me a really cool tradition that her family does for Christmas. I hadn’t heard of it before meeting her, but now I’ve started doing it too. Her family puts out their nativity scene, but they don’t put out baby Jesus. If I had seen that nativity scene, I would’ve assumed they lost a piece because it seems funny to have it out without baby Jesus in the manger. But they do this, because Advent is all about waiting and anticipating the birth of Jesus. It’s about seeing that empty spot where the baby goes in the nativity and hoping for the day that it will be complete (Christmas) so we can rejoice! “We wait in hope for the Lord!”

Invitation If your family has a nativity scene, share this tradition with them and ask if they’d like to try it too! What are other ways we can remember to wait on and hope in Jesus’ birthday?

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Tuesday, December 1 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 71:1-5 // Isaiah 40:28-31

Reflection by Raegan Johnson // 11th Grade, Douglas High It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is finally here guys after a long and hard year. I think that Christmas this year is going to be different but it’ll definitely be one to remember. I don’t know much about Advent but after reflecting on (Psalms 71:1-5) I think it’s important to always have hope in God. In the Bible “hope” means confidence. If this year has taught me anything it would be never give up hope and have confidence in God. In this verse Paul writes, “For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” God has been with all of us ever since we were brought into this world, that’s why it’s important to to never give up your faith/hope in him.

Invitation Throughout your day if you feel like hope in God is fading try to remember a time when he was there for you and write it down. Maybe it’ll give you confidence that he will be there again!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Wednesday, December 2 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness 1 min Silence and Stillness

Prayer for Presence: Prayer for Presence: Holy Spirit Come. Breathe your life into this reading and reflection and free me from the Holy Spirit Come. Breathe your life into this reading and reflection and free me from the distractions of the day so that I may be deeply present to you and myself, for the sake of the distractions of the day so that I may be deeply present to you and myself, for the sake of the world around me. world around me.

Readings | Psalm 71:1-5 // Isaiah 40:28-31 Readings | Psalm 39:4-7 // Psalm 27:7-14

Reflection by Raegan Johnson // 11th Grade, Douglas High A Prayer for the First Week of Advent It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is finally here guys after a long and From the Book of Common Prayer hard year. I think that Christmas this year is going to be different but it’ll definitely be one to remember. I don’t know much about Advent but after reflecting on (Psalms Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, 71:1-5) I think it’s important to always have hope in God. In the Bible “hope” means and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in confidence. If this year has taught me anything it would be never give up hope and which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that have confidence in God. In this verse Paul writes, “For you have been my hope, in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” God has been with all of us ever judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; since we were brought into this world, that’s why it’s important to to never give up through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one your faith/hope in him. God, now and for ever. Amen.

Invitation Invitation Throughout your day if you feel like hope in God is fading try to remember a time In the response section, write down what you are hopeful for, for you, for family, when he was there for you and write it down. Maybe it’ll give you confidence that he friends, our city, and our world. will be there again! What response do I feel God inviting me to today? What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Thursday, December 3 Friday, December 4 Hope Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 25:1-7 // Romans 5:2-5

Reflection by McKenzie Cunningham // Volunteer Leader What are you hoping for this Christmas? The best Christmas tree? A certain gift? A smooth, drama-free family gathering? There’s a lot of things we hope for and anticipate around Christmastime. And I don’t know about you, but it’s really hard for me when those things I hope for don’t go as planned and disappoint me. But here’s the thing. In Romans 5 when Paul is talking about the hope we have in God and his promises, he’s not talking about the flimsy “hope” that our world talks about. In the Bible, “hope” means “confident assurance.” It’s a for-sure, without-a-doubt thing! God gives us proof of his promises and his love by sending his Son and also by giving us his Holy Spirit. That’s why Paul writes, “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” It’s pretty incredible that we have this living, breathing hope in us. So when you feel the inevitable disappointment of life, remember the for-sure promise of God’s love, and be filled with joy!

Invitation How would life look differently if you put your hope first and foremost in God’s promises, instead of putting it in a certain worldly outcome? As you go about your day, be mindful of the ever-present love of God and His Spirit in the midst of uncertainties.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Friday, December 4 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | 1 Peter 1:3-7 // John 14:1-6

Reflection by Isaac Scott // 8th Grade, Sutton Middle School Even though Christmas and Advent are wonderful times of the year, they can still be stressful in some ways. For example, thinking about gifts to give or keeping up with your Advent calendar. So, reflecting on what the verse said (John 14:1-6) it’s important for your heart not to be troubled and to know that God is always by your side no matter how stressful something can be.

On the other hand, for my Advent, my family and I always have our nativity scene up. We also usually have a chocolate calendar up for my brother and I. We also put up our Advent candles.

Invitation Maybe try putting up a chocolate advent calendar. It keeps you on track of the days and tastes good!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Saturday, December 5 Hope 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | 1 Peter 1:3-7 // John 14:1-6

A Prayer | for the unity of all christian people From the Book of Common Prayer

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

Invitation Closed fist/open hands prayer: Clench your fist and speak to God places where you feel hopeless. Open your hands and release them to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your open hands with HOPE for you and for the sake of others.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Peace

Week 2 Sunday, December 6 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Matthew 5:3-12 // Isaiah 9:2-7

Reflection by Georgia Gordon // 11th Grade, Atlanta Girls’ School Most people know what its like to walk in the dark - one good thing about walking in and through that darkness is that, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). This light is revealed by our merciful, loving, and wonderful Almighty God - the Prince of Peace. Even with those feelings of being lost, scared, anxious, or lonesome God shows love to each of his children - ESPECIALLY those who have been in darkness. This Prince of Peace that would jump through hoops just to pull you back to where you belong - in his arms. He tells us in Matthew 5:12 to “rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” For whatever you have gone through or are going through there is a gracious God that will wrap you in a blanket of comfort, warmth, and healing. He has a place for you in his heart and in heaven.

Invitation Through your day write down moments when you feel you needed peace - at the end reflect back and talk to God about those moments. Remember that he is there to listen and comfort when you need him!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Sunday, December 6 Monday, December 7 Peace Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Matthew 5:3-12 // Isaiah 9:2-7 Readings | Psalm 46:1-10 // Matthew 25:31-45

Reflection by Reflection by Gabrielle Ungaro // Volunteer Leader Georgia Gordon // 11th Grade, Atlanta Girls’ School Looking back on my last 28 Christmases, things have definitely changed over the Most people know what its like to walk in the dark - one good thing about walking years. Growing up, Christmas was a magical, memorable, joyful time – I remember in and through that darkness is that, “The people who walked in darkness have seen decorating the tree with my mom, dad, and little sister while my mom blasted a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” Christmas music through the house. But, after my parents got divorced when I was (Isaiah 9:2). This light is revealed by our merciful, loving, and wonderful Almighty 15, Christmas suddenly looked incredibly different: it was full of an emptiness and God - the Prince of Peace. Even with those feelings of being lost, scared, anxious, or feeling of separation rather than togetherness. Thankfully, I can choose to rest in the lonesome God shows love to each of his children - ESPECIALLY those who have been truth of Psalm 46 – it reminds me of the comfort and peace the Lord provides: “God in darkness. This Prince of Peace that would jump through hoops just to pull you back is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble”. Christmases don’t have to to where you belong - in his arms. He tells us in Matthew 5:12 to “rejoice and be glad, (and won’t) look the same year to year – but what we can rely on is that the Lord is for your reward is great in heaven.” For whatever you have gone through or are going unchanging and steady, just like when the Psalmist says “Therefore we will not fear, through there is a gracious God that will wrap you in a blanket of comfort, warmth, though the earth give way…The Lord Almighty is with us.” That is a foundational and healing. He has a place for you in his heart and in heaven. truth that we can hold onto, even when everything around us is changing.

Invitation Invitation Through your day write down moments when you feel you needed peace - at the end Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper! On the left side, label it “My reflect back and talk to God about those moments. Remember that he is there to listen Surroundings” and write down a few things that have changed around you in the past and comfort when you need him! year (maybe thinking about your family, friends, school, sports, etc). Then, on the right side of the page label it “God,” and write down a few truths you know about God What response do I feel God inviting me to today? and consider if these have ever changed.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Tuesday, December 8 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Ezekiel 37:24-28 // John 18:1-11

A Prayer for the Second Week of Advent From the Book of Common Prayer Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Invitation In the response section, write down in what areas you want to see PEACE - for you, for family, friends, our city, and our world.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Wednesday, December 9 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Ezekiel 37:24-28 // John 18:1-11 Readings | Psalm 46:1-10 // Matthew 25:31-45

A Prayer for the Second Week of Advent Reflection by Damien Feyjoo // Pastoral Resident From the Book of Common Prayer “I don’t know about you, but as excited as I get for the holidays (especially Christmas) Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our it can still be pretty stressful. There is so much to worry about. learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly Is the house clean for our guests? Did I get all the important people in my life gifts? digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word Do I have enough money to get all the important people in my life gifts? Should I save we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting the receipts? Will we have enough food for our guests? Who’s invited and did I leave life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives anyone left out? Are we traveling? and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. And this year it seems like there is even more to worry about when we consider Covid and the all the challenges that it brings. But as stressful as this time can be, what about Invitation our invitation to peace? In the response section, write down in what areas you want to see PEACE - for you, Jesus tells us to look around. Notice the birds and the flowers. Notice how each one is for family, friends, our city, and our world. taken care of regardless of their efforts to worry or not. I believe a word that Jesus is speaking to us today is “notice”. What response do I feel God inviting me to today? There is plenty to worry about, but if you can take time to notice the birds and the flowers maybe you’ll notice that God takes care of you the same… regardless of how much or little you worry. So slow down… or you might just rush past the peace Jesus is offering you today. And today’s peace is enough, “tomorrow has plenty worries of its own.”

Invitation Take 20 minutes and sit outside. Take a journal and see what you notice.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Thursday, December 10 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Luke 10:38-42 // Matthew 2:7-12

Reflection by Cheney Cohen // Volunteer Leader Every year I find that Christmas can get stressful for me. I rush from store to store trying to find the perfect gift for each of my loved ones. I feel the pressure to fit allllllll of the Christmas activities into the short season – bake cookies, watch Christmas movies, decorate the tree, go ice skating, etc. These are all really good and fun things! However, I feel often feel like I never stop moving the entire season. I am trying to do all of the right things, and as a result, I end the year feeling worn out. I am reminded a lot of Martha. She also felt the need to rush around doing things for Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, chose to just sit and rest in the presence of Jesus. The things Martha were doing were good things, but in her constant movement, she missed the invitation of Jesus to rest and be at peace with Him.

Invitation Take a few minutes to just sit in silence and pray. Turn the phone and TV off and just rest. This is not normal in our world, but try taking a couple minutes to just be still like Mary

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Friday, December 11 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Philippians 2:5-11 // Luke 2:8-14

A Prayer for Participation in the Peace of God In the Tradition of Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is error, truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Invitation Listen to the “Prayer of St Francis” from Trinity Music on our Advent playlist.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Saturday, December 12 Peace 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Philippians 2:5-11 // Luke 2:8-14

A Prayer for the Peace of the World From the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invitation Slowly pray the above prayer with specific people in mind. Start near - family and friends, your classrooms - then move to the city, to the nation, and to the world. Your prayers make a difference and make us people of PEACE!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Joy

Week 3 Sunday, December 13 Monday, December 14 Joy Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 126 // John 15:9-12

Reflection by Cheney Cohen // Volunteer Leader Keeping a joyous attitude during a pandemic can be very tough. I feel if we apply this scripture and look around and appreciate some gifts God has given we can start to see our lives and character become more joyous. God talks in this passage to stop and love what he has done for us, and that we will be filled with more joy and love. To be a servant and to find happiness in serving others can be spiritually rewarding. As Jesus says in John 9:12, “My command is, love others as I have loved you.” During these holiday seasons, showing love to others in your lives can lead to a ripple effect of joy being shared through our community.

Invitation Take 20 mins and make a list on how you can love people more throughout your day and keep that list to look over throughout these next seasons

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Close in prayer and silence Monday, December 14 Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | John 16:16-24 // Habakkuk 3:16-18

A Prayer for the Third Week of Advent From the Book of Common Prayer O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Invitation In the response section, write down in what areas you have experienced JOY recently! Write down who you would like to see experience JOY.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Tuesday, December 15 Wednesday, December 16 Joy Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | 1 Peter 1:3-9 // Philippians 4:4-7

Reflection by Elliott Moody // 11th Grade, North Atlanta High School This passage acts as a fantastic reminder to resist anxiety and instead rejoice in the Lord. He is present, and you must make your request known to God so that he may worry for you. That, right there, is a blessing of itself. This passage also reminds us that the piece of God surpass all of our understanding. It is above us, and God guards our hearts whether we like it or not. I find this there pleasing to think about after a crazy day in our busy lives. After a long day of school, where we are being asked to answer questions all day, our anxiety is building about assignments or other dramas, God is there. He guards us even without us asking He does not ask for an answer, he gives it.

Invitation Take 2 min at the end of everyday to recognize what you anxious about and speak it. Ask for God’s help, and this time, he will provide the answers.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Wednesday, December 16 Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 30:1-5 // Philippians 4:8-9

Reflection by Stephen DeGuenther // Volunteer Leader Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Those days that pile on top of one another, until it takes everything you have to not burst into tears? I have. I think, in one way or another, we all have experienced this, most of us probably within the past few months. Let’s be real: drama is out there. Family members drive us crazy, normal rhythms have been interrupted, expectations for people and events can fall short. All of these are real and can be painful. We can roll our eyes in silent anger, just ready for tomorrow so we can reroll the dice. What can be worse, however, is if this “funk” extends beyond a day. Maybe you’ve felt that pain for a week, a month, a year. We can believe that no good remains in the world. When life has done this to me, I tend to become emotional and tired, with no energy. But I’ve tried to change my rhythm recently: The Psalm today promises that the night ends and the morning comes, while Philippians 4 assures us of joyful things (I love the open-ended nature of leaving it as “things”). We can be assured of the goodness of God, even in the midst of our darkest times because of what he did and who he sent; namely, his son, Jesus. His sacrifice for us can help us find joy even in the middle of trial. Thanks be to God!”

Invitation Sit with a journal / piece of paper / notes app on your phone for 5 minutes. Write down what brings you joy routinely and what has brought you joy today.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Thursday, December 17 Friday, December 18 Joy Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Psalm 20:1-5 // Psalm 145:1-8

Reflection by Sarah Jirgal // Volunteer Leader Christmas sneaks up on me every year... well every day sneaks up on me honestly. I get carried away and distracted with thoughts, cares, worries, or my own ideas that I stop observing the world and people around me. Do you ever have those days? Times you go an entire day without a meaningful conversation or restful awareness of surroundings? Psalm 145:5 says to meditate on the glorious splendor of the Lord. He is so good to us. He gives us things every single day to be thankful for and enjoy. During this season especially it’s easy to look without seeing. To be without feeling. God grants us joy for everyday. New mercies every morning.

Invitation What if we were to open our senses for the day. All five of them are a gift. Sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch are all ways we can find joy in Lord and his goodness to us. Today find something for each of those senses that makes you aware and full of the joy of God.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Friday, December 18 Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Galatians 5:22-26 // John 17:6-13

For the Beauty of The Earth From the Book of Common Prayer

We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the wonder of your creatures, large and small; and for all the loveliness that surrounds us. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.

Invitation If you’re even the tiniest bit artsy, grab some to write with, a screen to sketch one - whatever you have - and draw a peaceful scene in nature. Beaches? Mountains? Sun? Snow? Thank God for it then take a walk outside and breathe in, ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with JOY in the created world.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Saturday, December 19 Joy 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Galatians 5:22-26 // John 17:6-13

A Prayer in Times of Social Conflict or Distress From the Book of Common Prayer Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again give peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invitation Listen to the song “Joy to the World” on our Advent playlist. Think through this prayer both for the heaviness of the work to be done, but also for the JOY in participating in God’s big plan to bring LOVE, PEACE, and HOPE to ALL people.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Love

Week 4 Sunday, December 20 Love 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Matthew 21:18-21 // Luke 2:13-21

A Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent From the Book of Common Prayer Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Invitation In the response section, write down in what areas you have experienced LOVE recently. Write down who you would like to see experience LOVE.

THEN listen to the song “Love Theory” on our Advent playlist. It’s not a Christmas song, but it will have your rockin around the Christmas Tree!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Sunday, December 20 Monday, December 21 Love Love 1 min Silence and Stillness 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Matthew 21:18-21 // Luke 2:13-21 Readings | John 14:1-4,14 // Matthew 1:18-25

A Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent Reflection by Jack Heberton // Volunteer Leader From the Book of Common Prayer Several years ago for Christmas I was living in Tanzania. Needless to say things looked Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; quite different over there. The local culture did not celebrate Christmas so there were and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that no grand light displays, Christmas music for months, or Santa Clauses delivering is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and presents. For Christmas day I met up with several other American volunteers for deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and our own little celebration, but still found myself sad over not getting to celebrate the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Christmas. I talked to my family on the phone and found myself beginning to cry as I wasn’t with them. I remember my mom saying how much they missed me and loved Invitation me. Around this time as the tears came I looked back inside at the people who had become my family over the past year, dancing the evening away to whatever pop music In the response section, write down in what areas you have experienced LOVE recently. was blaring. My tears began to turn into a smile and laughter. While Christmas didn’t Write down who you would like to see experience LOVE. look the same, I was surrounded by people who did love me, and was able to connect with my family on the phone and celebrate with them too. There was so much love THEN listen to the song “Love Theory” on our Advent playlist. It’s not a Christmas and joy around that I had been missing just because things didn’t feel Christmassy. song, but it will have your rockin around the Christmas Tree! Invitation What response do I feel God inviting me to today? As we look forward to Christmas in the times of Covid, it is likely that things will look different. We might not be with all the same people we are used to being with, and there might be fewer events to attend during this season. That however doesn’t change what Christmas is: the coming of our savior. Take some time to rejoice in that fact regardless of what these Christmas season looks like for you and take a minute to love and appreciate those who you are with.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Tuesday, December 22 Love 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | John 3:16-18 // 1 John 3:16-18

Verse 3 of O Holy Night Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is Love and His gospel is Peace; Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease, Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we; Let all within us praise his Holy name!

Invitation Listen to the song “O Holy Night” on our Advent Playlist and check out the words listed above. It’s a Christmas song of HOPE, showing God’s heart to bring ALL people together under the banner of LOVE. Then pray this prayer to close… A Prayer for the Diversity of Races and Cultures O God, who created all peoples in your image: We thank you for the diversity of races and cultures in this world. Show us your presence in those who differ from us, and enrich our lives with their fellowship, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Tuesday, December 22 Wednesday, December 23 Love Love 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | 1 John 4:9-11

Reflection by Thad Parks // 6th Grade, Sutton Middle School Christmas is here! This is an awesome time for being with family, celebrating our Lord God, and opening presents. But, have you ever taken a few moments to just take in how loved and welcome you feel? How awesome it is, to just sit around and be with people who love you? In Psalm 39, it speaks about how God will always be there for you, and he will not ever abandon you. And that is truly amazing. Our one, powerful God, will never abandon you. That fills me with peace, and gives me hope. Now, I hope YOU have a great Advent celebrating the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus.

Invitation Today, I invite you to take a second, and think about all the things you love. It could be family, it could be friends. But then, I want you to think about God’s love for you. I want you to realize how much you are loved. Now, I invite you to have a great Advent celebrating the birth of Jesus!

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence Thursday, December 24 Love 1 min Silence and Stillness

Readings | Romans 8:37-39

Reflection by Tim Elofson // Volunteer Leader “‘…they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 1:23, New Revised Standard Version. When God moves into town, there’s always a sense of strangeness in the air. This strangeness, even while in the form of an infant wrapped in a blanket, reminds us that God is not just another version of ourselves, those settled down comfortably in the inn or houses in town. No, God moves in – finding space in a manger with the animals – inviting us to a chance to recognize that God is here, too, in a peculiar place. When God is with us, we must not forget the mystery of such stranger in our midst. As we gaze over the Nativity and the dinner set for those whom we consider family, we sometimes forget that God is not made in our image. God is not us. But God is with us. God comes as a stranger to be with us, to sit at the table and to break bread. God comes to speak peace over us. And God comes as neighbor to bless us as he has done time and time before.

Invitation Sit with the thought that Jesus came as baby, something small and vulnerable, that we could hold. And something that grows as we grow. As Jesus to grow in your life as gift to you this year.

What response do I feel God inviting me to today?

Close in prayer and silence

YOUTH