Make a Joyful Noise!

Tomorrow is the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and we plan to celebrate it at home after a very busy day... which will include Lily's school Winter! Explosion! Concert. I'm sure the day will be full of joyful noises, and we will look forward to the quieter noises of our little bells and our little flickering candles. Happy Advent! 

if this photo had a sound effect, it would be laughter...

Second Sunday of Advent

Peace & Joy

  

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, 
in all ye lands.


Candle Lighting Prayer

Our lighted candle is glowing,

making the darkness bright;

shining on our family gathered here tonight.

Reading

The First Christmas  board book by Robbie Trent

St Luke Chapter 2, verse 1: 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of God came upon them, and the glory of God shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angle said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all.

Lesson

Many people believe that the birth of Jesus was magical.  There are many stories in the Bible about the magical things that happened the night he was born.  There was a special star, and special presents from the people who visited him, and angels singing with joy.  The birth of Jesus, who became a great teacher and leader, is a story that has changed the world.   Imagine that, a little baby being born changed everything!  To moms and dads, though, (and Grandpas and Grandmas and Aunties and Uncles), every baby that is born is a miracle.  Each baby's birth makes that day magical.  The day that you were born was magical to your family in Ethiopia. The day that you came home with us was magical too.   

At Christmas time we tell the story of the birth of the baby Jesus.  We make joyful noises in celebration- we sing special songs, play special music, ring special bells.  The challenge is to remember that every day is special, that we should make joyful noise every day, to celebrate every person.

Gift

Tonight's gift is a bell, which makes a joyful, beautiful noise. This bell is to remind you to make joyful noises in the world, on Christmas, and every day.

Prayer

Come Christmas! 
            

Come, Love, 
            

Come, Hope. 
            

Be born in our unready hearts 
            

On this silent and holy night.

Candle Extinguishment Prayer

We give thanks for Being,


We give thanks for being here


We give thanks for being here together.