Bible Passage
First Sunday of Advent (Isaiah 2:1-5)
Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent is a special time in the church year. It is a time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. We prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus born as a baby in Bethlehem. We prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus among us here and now. We prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus in glory at the end of time. There are four Sundays in Advent and that means there are four Sundays before Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, born as a baby in Bethlehem. Advent is a time of waiting, but it isn’t a boring, sitting around kind of waiting. We are waiting in an active way. We are looking and preparing for Jesus to come.
In our first reading for today, from Isaiah, we hear about peace. Watch the video to learn more:
Isaiah was a prophet. He was a special man who brought messages from God. He told God’s people that there would be a time when there would be peace. A time when people would get along and live together in peace. He said God would settle arguments between people. There will be a time when weapons are turned into things that help people instead of hurt them. Isaiah told God’s people to walk in the light of God.
You and I can help bring about peace where we are. We can listen to others and settle disagreements when they arise. We can talk about differences and never be violent.
During Advent, we look for signs of the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We look for the signs for his coming as a baby in Bethlehem, which we celebrate at Christmas, his coming among us here and now, and his coming again in glory at the end of time. As we wait, we walk in the light of God.
Discuss
- Why does God want there to be peace?
- How can you be a peacemaker?
- What are some ways to solve a disagreement?
Song
We Are Marching in the Light of God.
Activity
If your family uses an Advent wreath, light the first candle today and use this litany as you do so:
One: When the world seems scary or uncertain,
Others: Our hope is in the Lord.
One: When things aren’t as they should be,
Others: Our hope is in the Lord.
One: When people mess up,
Others: Our hope is in the Lord.
One: When things are good,
Others: Our hope is in the Lord.
One: Today we light the candle of hope.
Others: Our hope is in the Lord.
Pray: Thank you, God, that you are with us. Thank you for your faithfulness to your children. May the candle of hope be a reminder today and throughout the Advent season that our hope is in you. Amen.
If you don’t have an Advent wreath, download this page and color the first candle either blue or purple:
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Activity
Make a peace dove following the directions from the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTlJm_0Zhk8&t=5s
Closing Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for the coming of your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Help us to be peacemaker and walk in your light. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. Contact him at [email protected].
