ADVENT

Candle of HOPE People in the Old Testament knew that God had promised to send a Savior. We are filled with HOPE because we know that Jesus came to Earth on the first Christmas so he could tell people about God and die for our sins.

Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, who gives HOPE, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.”

Candle of PEACE/PREPARATION Represents the PEACE that God has given through his son Jesus Christ Represents the PREPARATION for the Christ Child Just as we get our homes and churches ready for Christmas, we also get our hearts ready for baby Jesus.

Mark 1:3-4 In the desert someone is shouting, “Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.” John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, spread the word that Jesus was on his way. Part of our preparations for Christmas can include letting other people know what Christmas is all about -- the birth of our Savior.

Candle of JOY Represents the JOY of sharing Christ Reminds us of the JOY of the shepherds as they heard the good news of Jesus’ arrival Christmas excitement is building as the holiday quickly approaches.

Luke 2:10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good new for you, which will make everyone happy.” The angels made a big announcement on the first Christmas, calling Jesus’ birth ‘good news’ that would bring ‘great joy.’ Everything we do to get ready for Christmas can fill us with joy about Jesus. When we’re joyful, we, like the angels, can help spread that good news.

Candle of LOVE Represents LOVE sent from God through His son, Jesus Christ Christmas happened because of God’s great love for all people.

John 3:16 “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” At Christmas, God gave us the best gift ever. He sent his Son, Jesus, to live, die, and rise again so we could live with him forever in heaven. Although this gift required great sacrifice, God knew we needed Jesus.

Books Used 2015 Hope The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park Preparation/Peace The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles by David A. Adler Joy Night Tree by Eve Bunting The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie de Paola Love What’s Cooking, Jamela? By Niki Daly An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco Christmas Bartholomew’s Blessing by Stephanie S. Tolan One Winter’s Night by Leo & Diane Dillon