This weekend we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent. Advent means coming–the coming of Jesus. It is the four weeks before Christmas when we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.

One way we can celebrate the coming of King Jesus is by lighting candles on an Advent wreath. The Advent wreath is traditionally round; it has no end, just as God’s love for us has no end.

Last Sunday we lit Mary’s candle. This Sunday, we light the second candle of Advent: Joseph’s Candle. God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Joseph to take Mary as her wife. Gabriel told Joseph the baby inside her was God’s Son and they were to name him Jesus.

When you sit at home:  Age 3 – Kindergarten reads Matthew 1:18, 20-21. Grades 1-5 read Matthew 1:17-21. What did Gabriel tell Joseph about why baby Jesus was coming?

When you walk along the road: Through Jesus, God made a way for all who believe in Him to be part of His forever family. To belong to that family, all you have to do is pray to Jesus. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins, and you want Him to be the Lord and King of your life. If you have ever prayed a prayer like that to Jesus, then you belong to His forever family. If you have never prayed that prayer before, and you want to pray it now, you can pray this ABC prayer. Lord Jesus, I Admit I am a sinner. I Believe You are the Lord who died to take my sins away. Please Come into my heart and I’ll follow You forever. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

If you or your child would like to know more about how to receive eternal life, use the Children’s Guide for New Believers (downloadable here) for further discussion and prayer. 

When you lie down: Pray this prayer each day this week: “Thank you, Lord, for coming to save us. Help us worship You as our King. Amen.”

When you get up: The name Jesus means 'Savior.' It is given to our Lord because 'He saves His people from their sins.' Use Jesus’ name to create a Christmas ornament or decorative picture that you can give to someone you know who you would like to invite to become part of Jesus’ forever family.

KIDS: Did you get this weekend’s take home paper? No?? Download it below. And don’t forget to watch this weekend’s Delbert & Lello or Grade School sketch on the Northland Children’s Ministries mobile app.

Ponder, Pray & Play (Age 3)

Ponder, Pray & Play (Ages 4-K)

Daily Way (Grades 1-3)

W3 (Grades 4-5)

PARENTS: There’s a devotional for you, too! Watch the video and download the materials at northlandchurch.net.

'These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.' Deuteronomy 6:6-7