Welcome to Advent with HomeFaith! Advent is the season leading up to Christmas where we prepare ourselves for God’s coming into the world. We have assembled some videos, music, stories and prayer, as well as some fun activities for the young at heart to enjoy anytime.
I suggest people participating in this worship read or pray out aloud the words in black. You may also like to light a candle as part of this worship.
Song
The first song for today is, ‘O Come, O come Emmanuel’, which is sung by ‘The Petersens’. If you have problems connecting you can see the video directly at YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKEUlJRQVbA
Opening prayer & lighting of candle
God’s truth is revealed in Jesus Christ the light of the world. May the light shine for the hope of the world.
Let us pray. God of our Lives, so much is happening in our world and in our daily lives. We are living through a challenging time. You encourage us to come before you with our fears and concerns. Hear us now as we worship, bless us as we seek to understand and know you better. May we see you in our daily lives and receive your peace and joy. We pray these things through Christ. Amen
Message for the young at heart
A Video from MAX7 that lets the candles tell the story of Christmas!
Bible reading
The reading for today is from the Gospel of Luke 21:25-36 (from the NRSV Bible).
Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
And/or video of reading
Here is a dramatic re-enactment of today’s reading from Luke. Today’s reading finishes after one and half minutes, but keep listening to the rest if you want. It was recorded by a group called the ‘Lumo Gospel’ that have created videos of the four Gospels. If you have trouble connecting you can go direct to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncXnV6qv7lI
Message
The speaker for today’s message, ‘Say hello to here’, was prepared by Tim Jensen of the Saltbush Community. It is based on the Gospel reading from Luke 21:25-36.
Prayer of response
Go to the video below for the ‘Prayer of the people’, which are led by from Ros Robinson. The video includes the Lord’s Prayer & a closing blessing by Keith. Please join in with saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
Go now and walk in the light of the Lord. Stay alert for the Lord is near. Put on the armour of light and live openly and honourably.
And may God clothe you in the light of Christ, may Christ Jesus teach you his ways, and may the Holy Spirit keep you alert and prepared for the coming day of the Lord.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Song
The closing hymn is ‘The King of glory’, and it is sung by Heather Jordan. The video is in the window below and If you have problems connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqLjN27r6fI
Fun activities
Here are some fun activities for the season of Advent in 2021.
Advent Calendar
Select the link below and it will take you to an Advent Calendar. It is seems more suited to adults and was prepared by the Canadian Presbyterian Church. A calendar will appear on your screen and when you select the day it will take you to a variety of different things depending on the day: a short video, a recipe, a reflection, game of cards (you make the cards!), etc. An enormous effort went into making this, so why not check it out. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17HgdR37Kec0tcTN6YQNFkSE5W8oiVH96rpbPhDydZ-g/present?slide=id.p
RESOURCES – Advent 1 worship
1. All music excerpts in the Vimeo videos were Creative Commons or purchased as royalty free and did not require acknowledgment.Â
0 Comments