Advent For The Family - December 15, 2012

Advent For the Family

December 15, 2012

It's Saturday!

Begin by lighting the same two candles as last evening.

Christmas Carol:

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Bible Reading:

Mark 1

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
¹The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.^[¹^] ²It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"^[²^] -- ³"a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' "^[³^]

Activity: Personalized Ornaments

Recipe Idea: Chocolate Covered Pretzels

From the kitchen of Linda Marie Cuvo

3 bags large pretzels
2 bags small pretzels
1 bag each Christmas colors of chocolate
Assortment of toppings: Nuts, colored sprinkles and drizzled colored chocolate

Melt chocolate colors individually on a low burning stove. When chocolate is completely melted, drop pretzels in and coat with a layer of chocolate, drain off excess and lay on a sheet of wax paper. While still wet. Sprinkle on your toppings. Wait till dry and then wrap as many as you like in "special" holiday cello bags, tied with pretty ribbons. What a wonderful way to say "Thank You" to someone who did something nice for you during the year. Looks festive on a pretty clear dish. Enjoy!

Closing Prayer: "Oh Holy Night" is such a beautiful Christmas carol and paints an incredible picture of the night Jesus was born.

Did you know that the wisemen did not really see Jesus when he was in the manger but instead saw him later when he was a small child? How do we know this to be true? When the wisemen were on their way to find the new king, they spoke with King Herod who asked them a question. He wanted to know "what time" they first saw the star in the East. After King Herod sent the wisemen on their way, they were warned in a dream not to return to King Herod. King Herod then ordered all children under the age of 2 to be killed in Bethlehem. From the age of the children that Herod ordered to be killed, we can assume that Herod thought the new King to be around the age of 2.

Do you think you will fall on your knees when you see Jesus for the first time? Meeting Him face to face will be an awesome experience as you are surrounded by His holiness. Praise Him tonight for coming to earth and setting us free!

End with a GIANT GROUP HUG!