Advent Family Faith Formation – Dec 12
Join us each week as a family to celebrate Advent as we prepare for Christmas!
Pick from watching our Welcome Videos, Worship Together, Reading the Bible, Talk About It, Family Activities, Pray Together and Bless Each Other – or do them all!
Welcome Videos
Start with a Welcome Video from Miss Leah
Worship Together
Share in some faith practices of worship together!
Shine a Light: Light two Advent candles today. One for HOPE and one for PEACE.
(Little ones may enjoy this rhyme)
Little light, little light number one. Family gives us HOPE as we begin our advent fun.
Little light, little light number two. God’s presence gives us PEACE in all we do.
Little light, little light number three. Reunions give us JOY where ever we may be.
Sing Together: Advent Song
Sing the Emmanuel song from the video and Joy to the World
Make an Offering: How will you make an offering today? Grades 1-4 are collecting offerings to go to ELCA Good Gifts. We like to pick out animals for long lasting food stability. Anyone can donate at goodgifts.elca.org
Read the Bible Together
Spark Story Bible – Mary Visits Elizabeth pg 192
Luke 1:39-48
Talk About It!
Who/what are some people/things that make you feel joy? Have you missed seeing friends and family during the pandemic? Do you have friends or relatives who live far away from you? How do you feel when you know you are going to see friends or family whom you haven’t seen in a while? Mary and Elizabeth hadn’t seen each other for a long time, and they were filled with joy when Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s house. Even the baby in Elizabeth’s belly jumped for joy!
Dig Deeper: Sometimes people say, “Choose joy.” What does this mean? Why is this important? In the same way that we can choose to have an attitude of gratitude, we can choose to have an attitude of joy. This doesn’t mean that you will be happy all the time, but it means you will try to be positive, grateful, and kind. You will surround yourself with people you love and trust. Maybe you will share your joy with others, too!
Family Activity Choices
Pick activities to do together! Supplies are provided in our Monthly At-Home Kits you picked up at our drive thru events or ask to have delivered to your home.
Activity 1: Confetti Balloon Nothing says joy like a balloon filled with confetti! Cut or tear small pieces of tissue paper and place them gently into a balloon. Inflate and tie off the balloon. If the tissue paper pools, rub the balloon on a blanket to create static electricity, and the tissue paper will stick to the sides.
Activity 2: Balloon Games See how long your family can keep the balloon up in the air. Need a challenge? Try using just your feet, lying on your backs, or playing balloon volleyball.
Activity 3: Pop the Balloon When you’re ready, you can pop the balloon and watch the confetti fly. Clean it up together!
Pray Together
“Dear God, thank you for the electric love and joy-filled laughter we feel when we are with people we love. You are always with us. Amen.”
Bless Each Other
At the end of your time, give each other a special blessing to remember one of God’s promises.
Rub a balloon on each other and try to make it cling, then say “Your joy is electric!”