I hope you find this to be a great faith activity for the whole family of all ages. This week’s theme, and the next few weeks themes during Advent will be based on the Lukan Advent stories.
Scripture
Luke 1: The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.
8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”
Questions and Family Wonderings Based on Above Readings
• Who are the different characters in this story?
• Why were Zechariah and Elizabeth unable to have children?
• Why do they name their son John?
• Why is John important?
Thoughts from the Director of Faith Formation
I really love Advent. And, I really REALLY loved the Advent pageant the children and youth participated in last year. We can’t do a pageant this year because of the pageant. So, I thought we could focus on the different stories each week of Advent this year, rather than focus on the scripture that will be used in worship.
This first story seems a little out of place, doesn’t it. I mean, isn’t Advent about Jesus and not John? Yes, and also, Yes and! Advent is a time where we get ready for Jesus’ birth. And, the birth of John is a big part of that. John grows up to be known as John the Baptizer. He’s the one that Baptizes thousands with water. It’s actually why we do baptisms today! And, it’s a really central part to our Christians rituals and traditions. We focus on our baptism through Confirmation. Some might believe that taking Communion is a time they remember their baptism. Easter Vigil is usually a time where we do baptisms. And, there are even more traditions linked to baptism in Christianity.
Baptism is often described as an outward sign of an inward commitment to living life on the Jesus path. A path where we commit ourselves to helping our neighbor, standing up for injustice, taking care of the earth, and acting with love, grace, and mercy in the world. This is important to remember as we prepare for the birth of the central figure that makes this vision possible. So, I guess this story about John isn’t so out of place afterall.
Home Participation in the Manger/Creche Scene
Since we can’t all be in the sanctuary together each week to see the different creche figures up close, you are invited to have your own manger/creche with the figures at home. Each week, we’ll ask I wonder questions, and place figures in the creche/manger. You are invited to do this at home, too.
This Sunday, we will begin with an empty manger/creche. And, here is our I wonder question for the week: I wonder what if felt like when the manger was empty.
A Family Manger Creation Activity
You may already have a nativity scene that is set up for all to view at the beginning of Advent. And that is wonderful! Nativity sets are so beautiful and make a lovely addition to setting the holiday ambience in many homes. You are invited to create a different nativity set, if you would like, to participate in the weekly Time with Children, that is accompanied by the I wonder question of the week.
This one is a printable nativity scene that you can put on your refrigerator. The cool thing about this nativity scene is that you can color it yourself however you would like. I plan on changing the words a bit that are inside the angel. You could even add your own pieces to it. You can have a place on the fridge for the characters to be until it is their turn to be part of the manger scene each week! I plan on printing this one out and doing this at home. If this one doesn’t suit you and your family, there are several others from this great website that you might like better.
