We light the last Advent candle to remind us of Mary’s courage and grace as she embraced God’s action in her life and in the world
O God, come journey with us through Advent.
Give us courage to spread love in the world. Amen

~ from Prayers for Advent (Adult)

The focus passage brings the story of the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, and her response to God’s call. As well as an opportunity to ponder the awesome mystery of the angel’s visit, there is an opportunity for leaders to affirm God’s love and presence in our lives – “God with us.”

Some may find it reassuring to hear that Mary was “perplexed” and to learn that uncertainty is a valid part of the process of discerning God’s unfolding purpose in our lives. However, like Mary, we can trust God and participate in God’s liberating and saving actions.

Christmas Prayer
I am your story, Storytelling God. I bring the stories of this year to you for blessing, the times I have been brave, and times I ran away.

You are the journey, God of wanderers. I bring the journeys of this year for blessing, the times I have been sad, and the times I have been wrapped in joyous wonder.

I am a shepherd, God of many flocks. To you I bring the ones I love for blessing, in the times when I am anxious, and the times when I have delight.

~ from The Long View: An Elderwoman’s Book of Wisdom, by Donna Sinclair

• Access Spirit Sightings for connections between current events and the focus passage.

• “Bursting with God-news” resource sheet (Adult: digging deeper). Read and compare two versions of the Magnificat – by Miriam Therese Winter and Eugene H. Peterson.
• Option: use the paraphrase  “Mary Learns about Her Baby” based on Luke 1:26-38 (p. 26) and “Mary’s Song” based on Luke 1:39-56 (p. 28) of the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B; also available as an mp3 and projectable art download)

Some of the many options include:

• Ages 3-5: hearing about Jesus’ birth through making ornaments or sock dolls
• Ages 6-8: wondering about the angel’s announcement by making angel figures or Christmas card display
• Ages 9-11: reflecting on birthing God’s love through gift messages or star ornaments
• Multiage: exploring the angel’s message through making a crèche or making Christmas cards
• Ages 12-14: exploring God’s purpose through drama or star messages
• Ages 15-18: pondering God’s unfolding purpose through poetry or creating meditation cards
• Adult: hearing Mary’s witness through prayer reflection or meditation cards

• Look at the poster Day 38 Aurora Borealis and think about amazing things you’ve seen or experienced, such as the “northern lights.” Have you ever had experiences that were so amazing that it was hard to describe?
• Look at the poster Face to Face imagining that these figures are Mary and Gabriel. Notice the light shining around everything. What colours do you see in this painting? How do these colours make you feel?  What might Mary have been wondering about and feeling during this experience? Read Luke 1:26-29. What does the angel say in response to Mary’s surprise and puzzlement?
• Look at the poster The Prophet, imagining that this is Mary after she has received the angel’s news. What do you think made it possible for Mary to say “Yes?” In what ways does Mary demonstrate trust and faithfulness in her response?
• Bring jingle bells for Ages 3-5 to ring while they learn “Ring the Bells” (on resource sheet, “Additional Songs,” p. 81)

Note: December 25 and January 1 are “All ages” sessions (the same for all age levels)

• December 25 (Christmas Sunday):
  Sing with Joy (focus: Psalm 98)
  The readings for today invite us to reflect on the nature and intensity of God’s presence in the world. At a more personal level, they encourage us to consider how “the Word among us” influences the ways in which we interact with others and with creation. What might be the lyrics of our new songs of joy?
• January 1 (Epiphany Sunday)
  Called to Gift (focus: Matthew 2:1-12)
  We are provided with the gifts and skills that allow us to live out our calling through God’s grace, while recognizing the universal God who loves us. What are our individual and community gifts; how do we exercise them as we live our calling?

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