Week 3: Joy
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."
(Luke 2:9-10)
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PRAYER:
God of Joy,
The birth of Christ was heralded by both angels and shepherds, Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and victorious salvation grants us true joy that cannot be overcome by darkness. We live our lives in joyful expectation as we share in the joy of salvation.
Help us to find joy, a sense of deep abiding delight in God, even when we may be struggling in ways others may not understand or appreciate.
Help us to enter into the great joy that exists in companioning others during a time of healing knowing the power of having been companioned ourselves.
Help us to make every activity during this advent season an opportunity to welcome with joy: the family member, the friend, the neighbor, and the stranger alike.
Jesus, grant us wisdom in the words we use and the actions we do so that we can share Your abundant joy with the world.
Amen.
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Activity
Coffee Filter Angel Ornament
Remember the angels who sang for joy at the birth of Jesus!
Materials:
- Popsicle stick
- 2 or more coffee filters
- Metallic pipe cleaner
- Glue and/or glue gun
- Markers
- Sequins/craft gems
- Thread or cord for hanging
Instructions:
Fold coffee filter in half or not quite half, depending on how long and layered you want your angel’s dress to be. To add an extra layer or frill to your angel’s dress, fold 2 or more coffee filters this way, and layer them on top of each other. Use white glue to glue the dress to the popsicle stick. Next, make a small halo from a piece of metallic pipe cleaner. Glue this in place by running a short line of hot glue across the back of the popsicle stick, leaving enough room between the halo and the dress to draw your angel’s face. Draw your angel’s face on the popsicle stick with markers. To make an ornament, attach a bit of thread or string to the back of the popsicle stick. Decorate the dress with markers, sequins, etc.
