Forward to Christmas: 2023 Advent Devotional

Forward Christmas to

n a O i l t o V E D advenT

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ARLINGTON

Friday, December 1

Mary VERSE: Luke 1:28 SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-38 WONDERING: • I wonder how Mary felt when the angel appeared?

• I wonder if Mary felt equipped for the job ahead?

PRAYER: We are thankful that Mary accepted the job of Mother. Guide us with wisdom to trust You with our lives and plans. AMEN MOVEMENT: Decorate the Mary peg doll. Get her ready for the journey forward to Christmas. Place the candle at the first spot. Light it and read today’s Scripture and prayer. Wonder aloud. Move Mary along each day as we journey through Advent.

SYMBOL: Medium peg doll

2

Saturday, December 2

Gabriel VERSE: Luke 1:26 SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-27, 30-31 WONDERING: • I wonder what you would do if an angel came to your house?

• I wonder if you would be afraid if Gabriel came and spoke to you?

• Would you warmly welcome the angel?

PRAYER: Thank you for sending angels amoung us. Gabriel was the right messenger for this Good New of great joy. Help us be messendgers of the Good New to all we meet. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the Angel Gabriel wooden coin. Place it at the second spot on the spiral. Place the candle at the second spot. Light it and read today’s Scripture and prayer. Wonder aloud.

SYMBOL: Gabriel coin 3

st 1Sunday

of ADveNt

Sunday, December 3

Hope VERSE: Romans 15:13 SCRIPTURE: Romans 15:12-13 WONDERING: • What do you HOPE for?

• What are some things that bring you HOPE? • What do you think God HOPES for?

PRAYER: “Light one candle for hope.

Because the world is broken and the wait is long, but hope just won’t let go.

Hope holds space for all our longings for the preparations for Christ to shine bright.

Hope reminds us the world is being made new.

So we light one candle for hope, because it only takes one candle to overcome the darkness, Christ with us.“ MOVEMENT: Find the HOPE wooden coin. Place it at the thrid spot on the spiral. Place the candle at the third spot. Today we light the first candle of HOPE...

4

SYMBOL: HOPE coin

MonDay, December 4

Isaiah VERSE: Isaiah 7:14 SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7:14; Isiaah 9:2, 6-7 WONDERING: • I wonder why the scripture says his name will be Emmanuel?

• I wonder what Emmanuel means?

PRAYER: God, you name us just as you named Emmanuel.

You know us deeply and you love us. May we love others like you love us. AMEN MOVEMENT: Add the EMMANUEL coin on the fourth spot on the spiral. Place the candle at the fourth spot on the spiral, light it and read & pray & wonder.

SYMBOL: EMMANUEL coin

5

tuesday, December 5

Simeon VERSE: Luke 2:26 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:25-26 WONDERING: • I wonder if you’ve been waiting on something?

• I wonder how you feel when you wait?

PRAYER: Oh God, help us follow the Spirit’s leading so we won’t miss out on the plans that you have for us. Help us wait patiently. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the hourglass coin and place it on the fifth spot. Place and light the candle. Read. Pray. Wonder.

SYMBOL: Hourglass coin

6

wednesday, December 6

Zechariah VERSE: Luke 1:13 SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:5-25 WONDERING: • I wonder what it would be like to not speak for several months at a time?

• I wonder if you could communicate what you need without speaking?

PRAYER: Gracious God, help us to communicate with one another and with you. Help us to share what we need and have to give. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the silence coin. Place it on the sixth spot and light the candle. Sit in silence for a moment. Read today’s Scripture and prayer. Wonder in silence today.

SYMBOL: Silence coin

7

thursday, December 7

Elizabeth & John the Baptist VERSE: Luke 1:44

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:39-45 WONDERING: • I wonder what one thing you could do to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming now?

• I wonder how you greet people when you meet them?

• I wonder how you get ready for Christmas?

PRAYER: Say a prayer for expecting mothers today. May they find joy in preparing this season. Help us find joy as we journey this season and perpare for Jesus. AMEN MOVEMENT: Locate the coin with Elizabeth and John and place it on the seventh spot. Light the candle and read today’s Scripture. Pray and wonder.

8

SYMBOL: Elizabeth & John the Baptist coin

friday, December 8

Joseph VERSE: Matthew 1:23 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 WONDERING: • I wonder if you remember what Jesus’ name means?

• I wonder how Joseph felt when he woke up from his dream?

• I wonder why the angel came while Joseph was sleeping?

PRAYER: God you chose Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly father.

Joseph knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he was faithful and you were with Joseph. Help us be faithful too by listening and seeking you. AMEN MOVEMENT: Decorate the Joseph peg doll. Place him next to Mary as they journey through Advent each day. Place the candle on the eighth spot. Light the candle and read the Scripture, pray today’s prayer. Wonder aloud.

SYMBOL: Large peg doll

9

saturday, December 9

Donkey

VERSE: John 12:15

SCRIPTURE: John 12:15 WONDERING: • I wonder what it would feel like to ride on the back of a donkey?

• I wonder what you know about donkeys and how God may have used this animal while Jesus was on earth?

PRAYER: Holy God, sometimes it is hard to do th ework You give us. Help us to do the work with a smile and grateful heart.

AMEN MOVEMENT: Decorate the donkey peg doll and add it next to Mary & Joseph and have the donkey travel with them as we move foward through Advent. Place the candle on the ninth spot and light the candle. Read the Scripture, pray and wonder.

SYMBOL: Donkey peg doll

10

Nd 2SunDay

of ADveNt

sunday, December 10

VERSE: Isaiah 9:6

Peace

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6-7 WONDERING: • I wonder what brings you PEACE? • I wonder what are some ways that you show PEACE? • I wonder how you can help others feel PEACE? PRAYER: “Light one candle for hope.

Light one candle for peace.

Because the world is broken and the wait is long, But we refuse to be frozen by fear.

Peace comes in fits and starts – A deep breath A courageous truth A humble heart So we light one candle for peace, because it only takes one candle to overcome the darkness, Christ with us.“ MOVEMENT: Find the PEACE wooden coin. Place it at the next spot on the spiral. Place the candle there. Today we light the second candle of PEACE...

SYMBOL: PEACE coin

11

monday, December 11

Innkeeper VERSE: Luke 2:7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:6-7 WONDERING: • I wonder if you are ready to welcome anyone who knocks on your door?

• I wonder if you would be willing to give up your bed to someone who needed it?

• Where would you sleep?

PRAYER: Oh God, may we never appear too busy to welcome people around us and meet their needs. May we be aware of others this season and how we can use our gifts and resources to help our neighbor. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the wooden coin that represents the inn.

Place it & the candle on the next spot on the spiral. Ligth the candle and turn your heart towards God and our neighbors.

SYMBOL: Innkeeper coin 12

tuesday, December 12

Stable VERSE: Luke 2:7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:6-7 WONDERING: • I wonder what it was like for a baby to be born in a stable?

• I wonder what it was like when you were born?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for roofs, and walls, and floors, and things to fill our homes. May we be mindful of those who don’t have these things and work to help them. Lord, hear our prayers. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the stable coin & add it to the spiral. The scripture today is the same as yesterday. As you place and light the candle, spend some time wondering if God might be inviting you to hear something new.

SYMBOL: Stable coin

13

weDnesday, December 13

animals VERSE: Luke 2:7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-7 WONDERING: • I wonder what the animals were doing when Jesus was born?

• I wonder if the animals in the stable during Jesus’ birth had names?

PRAYER: God of all, thank you for the gift of animals. May we care for your creation with great love. AMEN MOVEMENT: Locate the coin with all the animals and place it in the next open space. Place the candle in position. Light it and read the scripture & prayer. Today is a day perfect for wondering aloud.

SYMBOL: Animals coin

14

thursday, December 14

Manger VERSE: Luke 2:7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-7 WONDERING: • I wonder what the animals thought with this baby in their food trough?

• I wonder if you would be warm and comfortable wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in straw?

PRAYER: God of comfort, thank you for warm beds and soft blankets, for clothes that keep us warm and dry. May we be mindful of those who don’t have these things, and may we seek to help them. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the manger coin. Notice that it’s just filled with hay. We’re still waiting for Baby Jesus on our journey, so for now it’s still just a feeding trough for all those animals from yesterday. Place and light the candle as you read today’s scripture and prayer.

SYMBOL: Manger coin 15

friday, December 15

heavenly host VERSE: Luke 2:13-14 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:9-14 WONDERING: • I wonder what it would be like to see a heavenly host of angels?

• How many angels do you think is in a “heavenly host”?

• I wonder if you would be afraid if an angel appeared?

• I wonder why angels always say “Don’t be afraid!”?

PRAYER: Good and gracious God, we praise You for all Your miraculous ways! May we have the right words at the right time to tell others about Your Son. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the coin with a group of angels on it. This represents the “heavenly host” of angels who filled the sky to share the good news of Jesus with the shepherds. Place the coin & candle on the next place on the spiral. Light the candle.

As you read the scripture, invite yourself to a time to pray and wonder.

16

SYMBOL: Heavenly Host coin

saturday, December 16

shepherds VERSE: Luke 2:15 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20 WONDERING: • I wonder why the shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared?

• I wonder how they traveled to Bethlehem to see the baby and how long it took them to get there?

PRAYER: Great God, help us to see others as You see them.

May we be more consious of our bias and thoughts. May we love others as You love. AMEN MOVEMENT: Locate the shepherd coin and place it in the next open spot. Place and light the candle. As you read the scripture, imagine being one of those shepherds. Spend some time praying and wondering today.

SYMBOL: Shepherds coin

17

rd 3SunDay

of ADveNt

sunday, December 17

VERSE: Luke 2:10

Joy

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-12 WONDERING: • I wonder what brings you JOY? • I wonder what are some ways that you show JOY? • I wonder how can you help others feel JOYful?

PRAYER: “Light one candle for hope.

Light one candle for peace.

Light one candle for joy.

Because the world is broken and the wait is long, but our joy cannot be contained.

Joy interrupts our sighing with laughter, unshackles our spirit to dance mystifyingly restores our doubt to faith.

So we light one candle for joy, because it only takes one candle to overcome the darkness, Christ with us.“ MOVEMENT: Find the JOY wooden coin. Place it at the next spot on the spiral. Place the candle there. Today we light the third candle of JOY...

18

SYMBOL: JOY coin

monday, December 18

shEep VERSE: Luke 2:8 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:8-20 WONDERING: • I wonder if you have ever felt wool from a sheep before?

• I wonder who you follow?

• Sheep follow their shepherd to guide and keep them safe. I wonder who guides you and keeps you safe?

PRAYER: God of wonder, may we be quiet and still to listen for Your voice as you guide us. AMEN MOVEMENT: Decorate the smallest peg doll to look like a sheep and add it with the others as they travel along. Place and light the candle at the next spot. Pray and wonder as you read the Scripture for today.

SYMBOL: Sheep peg doll

19

tuesday, December 19

Star VERSE: Isaiah 9:2 SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:2-7 WONDERING: • I wonder what it means that Jesus is our Light?

• I wonder who you think needs God’s light today?

• I wonder how you can shine God’s likght for them?

PRAYER: God of light, You are brighter than any darness.

Thank you for being the Light of the World! AMEN MOVEMENT: Locate the star coin and place it on the next spot on the sprial. Place the candle on the nineteenth spot and light it as you read the Scripture and pray. Spend some time tonight looking up at the stars and wondering.

SYMBOL: Star coin

20

wednesday, December 20

King Herod VERSE: Matthew 2:3 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-6 WONDERING: • I wonder if you’ve ever been scared about something happening?

• I wonder if there has ever been a time when you didn’t get your way?

PRAYER: Lord, we confess that often time we get angry when we don’t get our way. Help us focus on doing what is right.

Help us love others well this season. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the King Herod coin and place it on the twentieth spot on the spiral. Light the candle and read the Scripture. Pray. Wonder. Hold space for those who live in fear or anger today.

SYMBOL: King Herod coin

21

thursday, December 21

Three Gifts VERSE: Luke 2:11 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:11-20 WONDERING: • I wonder what you think it means that Jesus is the greatest gift?

• I wonder what gift you might give to Jesus?

PRAYER: God with us, Thank you for sending Your Son to show us the way. AMEN MOVEMENT: Place the three gifts coin on the next space on the spiral. Move the candle and light it as you read today’s Scripture. Think on what gifts God has given you and how you can use those gifts to love others well. Pray and wonder and then get to work using your gifts.

SYMBOL: Three Gifts coin

22

friday, December 22

Wise Men & camels

VERSE: Matthew 2:10-11 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2

WONDERING: • I wonder what frankincense & myrrh smell like?

• I wonder what it would be like to travel as far as the Wise Men did?

PRAYER: Holy God, may we be aware of the gifts we have to give. May we be generous with our time, our talents, our resources, so that we can love people like You. AMEN MOVEMENT: Find the coin with the magi and camels and place it on the twenty second spot on the spiral. Light the candle as you read today’s Scripture. What smells are you aware of that are all around you? Pray, focus, and wonder letting the smells of this season surround you and encourage you.

SYMBOL: Wise Men & Camels coin

23

saturday, December 23

Baby Jesus VERSE: Luke 2:7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:1-7 WONDERING: • I wonder how you feel Jesus’ love, God’s presence, with you everywhere you go?

• I wonder how you keep unwrapping the gift of His presence -- the gift of God with you?

PRAYER: Let us pray, We thank you God that you have come to be in relationship with us. Help us share your love with others as we move foward from this waiting place. AMEN MOVEMENT: Decorate the small peg doll - it’s Baby Jesus.

Add him to Mary, Joseph and the donkey who have been traveling together all month long. If you’d like, you can move the manger coin from last week so Jesus has a place to rest.

Place your completed family & your candle on the next spot on the spiral. Light the candle as you read, pray and wonder.

SYMBOL: Small peg doll 24

th 4 SunDay

of ADveNt

sunday, December 24

Love

VERSE & SCRIPTURE: John 13:34-35 WONDERING: • I wonder who you LOVE? • I wonder what are some things that bring you LOVE? PRAYER: “Light one candle for hope.

Light one candle for peace.

Light one candle for joy.

Light one candle for love.

Because the world is broken and the wait is long, But love never ends.

Love faithfully goes about the work of Casting out fear Speaking truth Healing the deepest wounds Crossing the divide from this world to the next and back again.

So we light one candle for love, because it only takes one candle to overcome the darkness, Christ with us.“ MOVEMENT: Find the LOVE wooden coin. Place it at the next spot on the spiral. Place the candle there. Today we light the fourth candle of LOVE...

SYMBOL: LOVE coin

25

sunday, December 24

christ candle

VERSE:

SCRIPTURE: WONDERING: I wonder what you are most excited about today?

PRAYER: “Light one candle for hope.

Light one candle for peace.

Light one candle for joy.

Light one candle for love.

Because the world is broken and the wait is long, but Christ is with us through it all.

In a humble manger in a lowly town - a baby.

On a convict’s cross - a king.

In every heart and home where hope, peace, joy, and love endure - Christ with us.

We move forward tonight/today in the promise of Christ’s light always shining. So we light one candle for Christ, because it only takes one candle to overcome the darkness, Christ with us.“ MOVEMENT: Merry Christmas!! Gather your nativity and spend some time celebrating Jesus today.

SYMBOL: Star piece at the end of the spiral 26

notes

27

Join us for Christmas Eve worship! em s u NDay, dEc

bEr 24

10 AM | GREAT HALL

The 4th Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with a blended Advent & Christmas Eve service, for those who would like to join us Sunday morning for worship.

• • •

Childcare available for children 5 and under (No Sunday school for children-adults) Live stream available on our website & Facebook page Please note that this is not a candlelight service

3 PM | SANCTUARY

A family-oriented candlelight Christmas Eve service with Communion.

Children are encouraged to engage in worship and will have the opportunity to participate in telling the story of Jesus’ birth.

•

Childcare available for children 5 and under

5 PM & 7 PM | SANCTUARY

Traditional candlelight Christmas Eve services with Communion at 5 pm and 7 pm in the Sanctuary, featuring the Chancel Choir.

• • •

Childcare available for children 5 and under Valet parking available on North St. 5 pm live stream available on our website & Facebook

11 PM | SANCTUARY

A simplified candlelight Christmas Eve service with Communion, featuring the Testament Choir.

•

Childcare will not be available at this late-night service

313 N Center St. Arlington, TX 76011 arlingtonmethodist.org | 817.274.2571