God's Advent Rainbow
Children's program
WHO - ME? DO A PROGRAM? Volume 2
Program Resources For Congregational Events
Leader's Helps
Participants
Leader
Eleven readers (may combine if your number is small)
Scripture Readings
Genesis 9:12--17 Genesis 12:1--3
Matthew 26:26--29 Luke 1:26--38
Luke 2:1--7 Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:15--20 Matthew 2:1--1
(You may use one person for all readings or divide them up.)
Songs
"Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1) [BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN] or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1) [TRURO]
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1) [ST. LOUIS]
"Away In The Manger" (all verses) [AWAY IN A MANGER]
"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3) [IN DULCI JUBILO]
"Silent Night" (all verses) [STILLE NACHT]
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1) [MENDELSSOHN]
"The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5) [THE FIRST NOWELL]
"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1) [ADESTE FIDELES]
"It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4) [CAROL]
"On Jordan's Banks" (verses 1 and 5) [PUER NOBIS] or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2) [JEFFERSON]
"Joy To The World" (all verses) [ANTIOCH]
Props:
Have a committee design and make a banner with these colors: purple, red, blue, brown, orange, pink, yellow, silver, gold, black, white, and green. Another option is to create a banner before the audience with readers fixing the appropriate color in the arch before they read. May be done in paper.
Bulletin
God's Advent Rainbow
Prelude
Greetings
God's Promise In Scripture
Our Need For Salvation - Leader
Reading: Genesis 9:12--17
The Rainbow As A Sign - Leader
Reading: Genesis 12:1--3
The New Covenant In Christ - Leader
Reading: Matthew 26:26--29
The Rainbow Takes Shape
PURPLE Declares The King - Reader 1
Hymn: "Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1)
or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1)
RED Declares The Heart And The Holy Spirit - Reader 2
BLUE Honors Mary, The Mother Of Jesus - Reader 3
Reading: Luke 1:26--38
Reflection And Prayer - Leader
Hymn: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1)
God Decrees The Place Of Christ's Birth - Leader
Reading: Luke 2:1--7
BROWN Speaks Of The Manger And The Cross - Reader 4
Hymn: "Away In The Manger" (all verses)
ORANGE Reminds Us Of Children - Reader 5
Hymn: "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3)
The Prophet Speaks Of Messiah - Leader
Reading: Isaiah 9:6
PINK Reminds Us Of A Holy Baby - Reader 6
Hymn: "Silent Night, Holy Night" (all verses)
YELLOW Shows Us The Light - Reader 7
Hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1)
The Shepherds Journey To The Stable - Leader
Reading: Luke 2:15--20
SILVER Reflects The Light Of The World - Reader 8
Hymn: "The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5)
The Magi Make Their Journey To The Stable - Leader
Reading: Matthew 2:1--12
GOLD Honors The King - Reader 9
Hymn: "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1)
BLACK Represents Our Need For The Savior - Reader 10
Hymn: "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4)
WHITE Declares The Sacrifice Lamb - Reader 11
Hymn: "On Jordan's Banks" (verse 1 and 5)
or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2)
The Rainbow Is Complete
GREEN Speaks of New Life - Leader
Hymn: "Joy To The World" (all verses)
Benediction:
L: Go in the joy and peace of the Christ Child proclaiming God's love to the world. Paint your rainbows of love as reminders of God's greatest gift of love given to us in Jesus. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
Program
God's Advent Rainbow
God's Promise In Scripture
Our Need For Salvation - Leader
Advent is a time to remember God's covenant with us fulfilled in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Sin entered our world with the fall of Adam and Eve. Human beings continued to sin. God decided to do away with what he had created but saved Noah and his household, making a promise to them in the form of a covenant. God confirmed that covenant with Noah by placing a rainbow in the heavens to remind himself of his promise never again to destroy the world with a flood. Hear about that first covenant.
Reading: Genesis 9:12--17
The Rainbow As A Sign - Leader
Noah and his family and all living creatures went forth to multiply and fill the earth. From those descendants came our ancestor, Abraham. God made a covenant with Abraham to bless him and his descendants. Hear about this covenant.
Reading: Genesis 12:1--3
The New Covenant In Christ - Leader
Abraham's descendants grew and became a great nation of people. This nation was led out of bondage in Egypt where God called them to be his people, making a covenant with them on Mount Sinai where he gave them his law. But throughout history, humans have continued to disobey God's laws and not follow him faithfully. Sin continues to be present in our lives and in our world. We all stand in need of God's grace and forgiveness. And so, God sent Jesus to be our Savior. Advent is a time to reflect on that new covenant made with us by God. Hear Christ's words concerning this new covenant.
Reading: Matthew 26:26--29
The Rainbow Takes Shape
PURPLE Declares The King - Reader 1
Advent is the time in the church to prepare oneself for the coming of Christ, the Messiah. The Lord would fulfill his promise as the King of kings came to a world and hearts prepared to receive him. Purple is the color of royalty. The color purple in our banner declares Jesus the King.
Hymn: "Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1)
or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1)
RED Declares The Heart And The Holy Spirit - Reader 2
The Messiah comes to all open hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is born anew in our hearts, represented by the color of red. The Holy Spirit is also represented in red as a flame of fire. At Pentecost the followers of Christ received the gift of the Spirit as flames settled on their foreheads. At baptism, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit as we were made children of God. Let us pray this Advent: "Holy Spirit, birth Jesus anew in our hearts today as we make him Lord of our lives. Let our hearts burn with your presence. Amen."
BLUE Honors Mary, The Mother Of Jesus - Reader 3
Messiah was expected by the Israelites. Every young Jewish woman desired to be the mother of the Messiah. God chose one who was a virgin, represented by our blue strip. Most religious art depicts the Virgin Mary wearing blue. The color blue in art is one of the "quiet colors." Mary is characterized as being obedient and humble - attributes displayed in a quiet and unassuming manner. Mary did not always understand the implications of what God called her to, but because of her love for God, she submitted to his will for her life. Hear of the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary.
Reading: Luke 1:26--38
Reflection And Prayer - Leader
May it be our Advent prayer this year to be open to God's Holy Spirit as Mary was. As Mary found favor in God's eyes, we find favor as we yield to God and embrace his love. This Advent let us wrap ourselves up in a blue garment of humility and obedience as we pray: "Heavenly Father, help us to be like Mary and be open to your Holy Spirit's presence in our life as we rejoice in the life of Jesus, your Son, planted in our hearts. Amen."
Hymn: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1)
God Decrees The Place Of Christ's Birth - Leader
God had a vessel through which to come into our world through Mary. He next arranged to have Mary and Joseph travel to Beth--lehem, the little town he had declared the Messiah would be born in. Hear about that decree.
Reading: Luke 2:1--7
BROWN Speaks Of The Manger And The Cross - Reader 4
Mary took the child and placed him in a wooden manger represented by our color brown. Jesus' first place of residence was made of wood. That manger makes a statement of God's love, for he came in a lowly state to embrace all people. A brown, wooden cross made another statement of God's love. Jesus was hung on that cross for our sins. Let it our prayer be this Advent season as we see the color brown: "Lord Jesus, let my heart be the manger into which you may lay as my faith begins to grow. Amen."
Hymn: "Away In The Manger" (all verses)
ORANGE Reminds Us Of Children - Reader 5
Children - Jesus invited the little children to come unto him. He calls to us to come to him as children. The color orange on our banner reminds us of being youngsters again. At Christmas it is exciting to see children's faces brighten with anticipation of celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. Christmas mornings find eager hands dumping out the contents of stockings hung on the mantel and loaded with apples, chocolates, and plump, juicy oranges. The fruit of the orange can only be enjoyed after one has peeled away the layer of skin. Children need to be encouraged, as do adults, to "peel away" the trappings of the holiday to get to the real meat of the season, God's gift of his only begotten Son, the true joy which is ours. Jesus is our reason for the season and the one in whom we rejoice. So as we feast on the fruit of the orange this holiday, let it be our Advent prayer: "Sweet Jesus, we thank you that we have tasted new life in you. Help us to keep the true meaning of Christmas. Amen."
Hymn: "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3)
The Prophet Speaks Of Messiah - Leader
Onto the stage of life came our reason for rejoicing. This tiny infant, God's glory, did not seek to glorify himself. God identified with us in this human act of Mary giving birth. The silence of the night spoke of the one whose birth was foretold by Isaiah the prophet.
Reading: Isaiah 9:6
PINK Reminds Us Of A Holy Baby - Reader 6
Babies - soft and pink. After all those months of waiting, Mary gave birth. Pink represents the Holy Infant born that night to the world. It was not just the birth of any baby. This baby, longed for by God's people and promised by God since the beginning of time, is the one we honor on the most holy of nights. Let our Advent prayer be this: "Son of God, as we gaze upon your face, let the light of your radiant love warm our hearts anew. Amen."
Hymn: "Silent Night, Holy Night!" (all verses)
YELLOW Shows Us The Light - Reader 7
The silent night was broken as angels burst upon the scene illuminating the darkness with their light. God's gift of light brought news to the shepherds abiding in the fields. Yellow represents light. Into the darkness came the announcement that God's Son had been born. Jesus, the Light of the World, would dispel the darkness of sin. This Advent let us sing with the angels the glory of the newborn King. Let our Advent prayer be this: "Son of Righteousness, continue to bring your light and life into our darkened world, that all may know of God's love. Amen."
Hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1)
The Shepherds Journey To The Stable - Leader
As the shepherds raced to the stable, they probably were guided by the moonlight looking at the star so brilliantly shining over the place where Jesus lay. Let us hear of their journey that first Christmas night.
Reading: Luke 2:15--20
SILVER Reflects The Light of The World - Reader 8
The shepherds were the first witnesses to the Good News found in Jesus. They were guided by the star that night whose brilliance probably outshone the moon. The moon, represented by our silver band, has a lesson for us to remember this Advent. The moon has no light of its own. It reflects the sun's light. Let us remember that we are witnesses to Jesus' life within us. We need to decrease so he can shine more brilliantly as we radiate God's light to others. This Advent let us pray: "Lord Jesus, help us to be lights reflecting your love to the world. Amen."
Hymn: "The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5)
The Magi Make Their Journey To The Stable - Leader
The Magi were guided by the star as well. Their journey to the Christ Child is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Reading: Matthew 2:1--12
GOLD Honors The King - Reader 9
These men from the East came bearing gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold brings to mind expensive things. The gifts the Magi presented Jesus were gifts that one would give to a king. Jesus wears a golden crown, for he is the King who paid the price for our salvation with his life. This Advent may we bring our gifts to the manger as we pray: "Holy Child, we come with the gift of ourselves to present to you. Accept our lives surrendered to you and hearts that long to adore you. Amen."
Hymn: "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1)
BLACK Represents Our Need For The Savior - Reader 10
The Word of God came in flesh. That flesh would be crucified for our sins. Black represents our sinful selves which need to die. Jesus came as the new covenant with God. His body and blood given for us on that Black Friday truly announce Good News. This Advent let us not forget that Good Friday with its message of suffering and dying is vitally connected to Christmas. The purpose of our Lord's being born was to die, to give his life for our sins and for the sins of the world. The colors of Christmas will once again burst forth in a rainbow of colors as we look at Christ's resurrection. Let us pray this Advent: "Emmanuel, God with us, thank you for your sacrifice that redeemed our souls. Amen."
Hymn: "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4)
WHITE Declares The Sacrifice Lamb - Reader 11
Lambs are depicted huddled in the corners of the stable of creches arranged on mantelpieces or placed outside of churches. Pictures of our Lord's nativity remind us that Jesus himself is described in Scripture as being "like a Lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). God's rainbow reminded God not to destroy the world again with a flood. God's creations, however, continued to sin. Yet the Lamb of God, represented by our band of white, is one who takes away the sin of the world. As Advent draws closer to Christmas, let us pray: "Lamb of God, help us draw closer to you each day, remembering that though our sins are red as scarlet, they are made white as snow because of your sacrifice for us. Amen."
Hymn: "On Jordan's Banks" (verses 1 and 5)
or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2)
The Rainbow Is Complete
GREEN Speaks Of New Life - Leader
John the Baptist stands in our midst this Advent season calling us to repent, to turn from our sin, and to let the life of Christ enter in. Green represents new life. Green is the color of things that are alive and growing. Christians are to be alive in witness and growing in faith. The joy of the Lord is our source of life. As we reflect on God's Word this Advent, let us remember all the colors of the rainbow placed before us. May God's rainbow remind us of the wonderful love born to us in Jesus. Let our final Advent prayer reflect the joy we have in receiving Jesus, the gift of salvation. Let us pray: "Jesus, we honor you as our Lord and our Savior. Rule over our hearts as you rule the world with truth and grace. Grant us your mercy every day of our lives, that the wonders of your love will be new each day. Stir our hearts as we faithfully proclaim the joy we have found in you to the world. Amen."
Hymn: "Joy To The World" (all verses)
Benediction:
L: Go in the joy and peace of the Christ Child, proclaiming God's love to the world. Paint your rainbows of love as reminders of God's greatest gift of love given to us in Jesus. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
Participants
Leader
Eleven readers (may combine if your number is small)
Scripture Readings
Genesis 9:12--17 Genesis 12:1--3
Matthew 26:26--29 Luke 1:26--38
Luke 2:1--7 Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:15--20 Matthew 2:1--1
(You may use one person for all readings or divide them up.)
Songs
"Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1) [BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN] or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1) [TRURO]
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1) [ST. LOUIS]
"Away In The Manger" (all verses) [AWAY IN A MANGER]
"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3) [IN DULCI JUBILO]
"Silent Night" (all verses) [STILLE NACHT]
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1) [MENDELSSOHN]
"The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5) [THE FIRST NOWELL]
"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1) [ADESTE FIDELES]
"It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4) [CAROL]
"On Jordan's Banks" (verses 1 and 5) [PUER NOBIS] or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2) [JEFFERSON]
"Joy To The World" (all verses) [ANTIOCH]
Props:
Have a committee design and make a banner with these colors: purple, red, blue, brown, orange, pink, yellow, silver, gold, black, white, and green. Another option is to create a banner before the audience with readers fixing the appropriate color in the arch before they read. May be done in paper.
Bulletin
God's Advent Rainbow
Prelude
Greetings
God's Promise In Scripture
Our Need For Salvation - Leader
Reading: Genesis 9:12--17
The Rainbow As A Sign - Leader
Reading: Genesis 12:1--3
The New Covenant In Christ - Leader
Reading: Matthew 26:26--29
The Rainbow Takes Shape
PURPLE Declares The King - Reader 1
Hymn: "Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1)
or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1)
RED Declares The Heart And The Holy Spirit - Reader 2
BLUE Honors Mary, The Mother Of Jesus - Reader 3
Reading: Luke 1:26--38
Reflection And Prayer - Leader
Hymn: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1)
God Decrees The Place Of Christ's Birth - Leader
Reading: Luke 2:1--7
BROWN Speaks Of The Manger And The Cross - Reader 4
Hymn: "Away In The Manger" (all verses)
ORANGE Reminds Us Of Children - Reader 5
Hymn: "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3)
The Prophet Speaks Of Messiah - Leader
Reading: Isaiah 9:6
PINK Reminds Us Of A Holy Baby - Reader 6
Hymn: "Silent Night, Holy Night" (all verses)
YELLOW Shows Us The Light - Reader 7
Hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1)
The Shepherds Journey To The Stable - Leader
Reading: Luke 2:15--20
SILVER Reflects The Light Of The World - Reader 8
Hymn: "The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5)
The Magi Make Their Journey To The Stable - Leader
Reading: Matthew 2:1--12
GOLD Honors The King - Reader 9
Hymn: "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1)
BLACK Represents Our Need For The Savior - Reader 10
Hymn: "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4)
WHITE Declares The Sacrifice Lamb - Reader 11
Hymn: "On Jordan's Banks" (verse 1 and 5)
or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2)
The Rainbow Is Complete
GREEN Speaks of New Life - Leader
Hymn: "Joy To The World" (all verses)
Benediction:
L: Go in the joy and peace of the Christ Child proclaiming God's love to the world. Paint your rainbows of love as reminders of God's greatest gift of love given to us in Jesus. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
Program
God's Advent Rainbow
God's Promise In Scripture
Our Need For Salvation - Leader
Advent is a time to remember God's covenant with us fulfilled in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Sin entered our world with the fall of Adam and Eve. Human beings continued to sin. God decided to do away with what he had created but saved Noah and his household, making a promise to them in the form of a covenant. God confirmed that covenant with Noah by placing a rainbow in the heavens to remind himself of his promise never again to destroy the world with a flood. Hear about that first covenant.
Reading: Genesis 9:12--17
The Rainbow As A Sign - Leader
Noah and his family and all living creatures went forth to multiply and fill the earth. From those descendants came our ancestor, Abraham. God made a covenant with Abraham to bless him and his descendants. Hear about this covenant.
Reading: Genesis 12:1--3
The New Covenant In Christ - Leader
Abraham's descendants grew and became a great nation of people. This nation was led out of bondage in Egypt where God called them to be his people, making a covenant with them on Mount Sinai where he gave them his law. But throughout history, humans have continued to disobey God's laws and not follow him faithfully. Sin continues to be present in our lives and in our world. We all stand in need of God's grace and forgiveness. And so, God sent Jesus to be our Savior. Advent is a time to reflect on that new covenant made with us by God. Hear Christ's words concerning this new covenant.
Reading: Matthew 26:26--29
The Rainbow Takes Shape
PURPLE Declares The King - Reader 1
Advent is the time in the church to prepare oneself for the coming of Christ, the Messiah. The Lord would fulfill his promise as the King of kings came to a world and hearts prepared to receive him. Purple is the color of royalty. The color purple in our banner declares Jesus the King.
Hymn: "Prepare The Royal Highway" (verse 1)
or "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" (verse 1)
RED Declares The Heart And The Holy Spirit - Reader 2
The Messiah comes to all open hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is born anew in our hearts, represented by the color of red. The Holy Spirit is also represented in red as a flame of fire. At Pentecost the followers of Christ received the gift of the Spirit as flames settled on their foreheads. At baptism, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit as we were made children of God. Let us pray this Advent: "Holy Spirit, birth Jesus anew in our hearts today as we make him Lord of our lives. Let our hearts burn with your presence. Amen."
BLUE Honors Mary, The Mother Of Jesus - Reader 3
Messiah was expected by the Israelites. Every young Jewish woman desired to be the mother of the Messiah. God chose one who was a virgin, represented by our blue strip. Most religious art depicts the Virgin Mary wearing blue. The color blue in art is one of the "quiet colors." Mary is characterized as being obedient and humble - attributes displayed in a quiet and unassuming manner. Mary did not always understand the implications of what God called her to, but because of her love for God, she submitted to his will for her life. Hear of the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary.
Reading: Luke 1:26--38
Reflection And Prayer - Leader
May it be our Advent prayer this year to be open to God's Holy Spirit as Mary was. As Mary found favor in God's eyes, we find favor as we yield to God and embrace his love. This Advent let us wrap ourselves up in a blue garment of humility and obedience as we pray: "Heavenly Father, help us to be like Mary and be open to your Holy Spirit's presence in our life as we rejoice in the life of Jesus, your Son, planted in our hearts. Amen."
Hymn: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (verse 1)
God Decrees The Place Of Christ's Birth - Leader
God had a vessel through which to come into our world through Mary. He next arranged to have Mary and Joseph travel to Beth--lehem, the little town he had declared the Messiah would be born in. Hear about that decree.
Reading: Luke 2:1--7
BROWN Speaks Of The Manger And The Cross - Reader 4
Mary took the child and placed him in a wooden manger represented by our color brown. Jesus' first place of residence was made of wood. That manger makes a statement of God's love, for he came in a lowly state to embrace all people. A brown, wooden cross made another statement of God's love. Jesus was hung on that cross for our sins. Let it our prayer be this Advent season as we see the color brown: "Lord Jesus, let my heart be the manger into which you may lay as my faith begins to grow. Amen."
Hymn: "Away In The Manger" (all verses)
ORANGE Reminds Us Of Children - Reader 5
Children - Jesus invited the little children to come unto him. He calls to us to come to him as children. The color orange on our banner reminds us of being youngsters again. At Christmas it is exciting to see children's faces brighten with anticipation of celebrating the birth of the Christ Child. Christmas mornings find eager hands dumping out the contents of stockings hung on the mantel and loaded with apples, chocolates, and plump, juicy oranges. The fruit of the orange can only be enjoyed after one has peeled away the layer of skin. Children need to be encouraged, as do adults, to "peel away" the trappings of the holiday to get to the real meat of the season, God's gift of his only begotten Son, the true joy which is ours. Jesus is our reason for the season and the one in whom we rejoice. So as we feast on the fruit of the orange this holiday, let it be our Advent prayer: "Sweet Jesus, we thank you that we have tasted new life in you. Help us to keep the true meaning of Christmas. Amen."
Hymn: "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice" (verses 1 and 3)
The Prophet Speaks Of Messiah - Leader
Onto the stage of life came our reason for rejoicing. This tiny infant, God's glory, did not seek to glorify himself. God identified with us in this human act of Mary giving birth. The silence of the night spoke of the one whose birth was foretold by Isaiah the prophet.
Reading: Isaiah 9:6
PINK Reminds Us Of A Holy Baby - Reader 6
Babies - soft and pink. After all those months of waiting, Mary gave birth. Pink represents the Holy Infant born that night to the world. It was not just the birth of any baby. This baby, longed for by God's people and promised by God since the beginning of time, is the one we honor on the most holy of nights. Let our Advent prayer be this: "Son of God, as we gaze upon your face, let the light of your radiant love warm our hearts anew. Amen."
Hymn: "Silent Night, Holy Night!" (all verses)
YELLOW Shows Us The Light - Reader 7
The silent night was broken as angels burst upon the scene illuminating the darkness with their light. God's gift of light brought news to the shepherds abiding in the fields. Yellow represents light. Into the darkness came the announcement that God's Son had been born. Jesus, the Light of the World, would dispel the darkness of sin. This Advent let us sing with the angels the glory of the newborn King. Let our Advent prayer be this: "Son of Righteousness, continue to bring your light and life into our darkened world, that all may know of God's love. Amen."
Hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (verse 1)
The Shepherds Journey To The Stable - Leader
As the shepherds raced to the stable, they probably were guided by the moonlight looking at the star so brilliantly shining over the place where Jesus lay. Let us hear of their journey that first Christmas night.
Reading: Luke 2:15--20
SILVER Reflects The Light of The World - Reader 8
The shepherds were the first witnesses to the Good News found in Jesus. They were guided by the star that night whose brilliance probably outshone the moon. The moon, represented by our silver band, has a lesson for us to remember this Advent. The moon has no light of its own. It reflects the sun's light. Let us remember that we are witnesses to Jesus' life within us. We need to decrease so he can shine more brilliantly as we radiate God's light to others. This Advent let us pray: "Lord Jesus, help us to be lights reflecting your love to the world. Amen."
Hymn: "The First Noel" (verses 1, 4, and 5)
The Magi Make Their Journey To The Stable - Leader
The Magi were guided by the star as well. Their journey to the Christ Child is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Reading: Matthew 2:1--12
GOLD Honors The King - Reader 9
These men from the East came bearing gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold brings to mind expensive things. The gifts the Magi presented Jesus were gifts that one would give to a king. Jesus wears a golden crown, for he is the King who paid the price for our salvation with his life. This Advent may we bring our gifts to the manger as we pray: "Holy Child, we come with the gift of ourselves to present to you. Accept our lives surrendered to you and hearts that long to adore you. Amen."
Hymn: "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (verse 1)
BLACK Represents Our Need For The Savior - Reader 10
The Word of God came in flesh. That flesh would be crucified for our sins. Black represents our sinful selves which need to die. Jesus came as the new covenant with God. His body and blood given for us on that Black Friday truly announce Good News. This Advent let us not forget that Good Friday with its message of suffering and dying is vitally connected to Christmas. The purpose of our Lord's being born was to die, to give his life for our sins and for the sins of the world. The colors of Christmas will once again burst forth in a rainbow of colors as we look at Christ's resurrection. Let us pray this Advent: "Emmanuel, God with us, thank you for your sacrifice that redeemed our souls. Amen."
Hymn: "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" (verses 1 and 4)
WHITE Declares The Sacrifice Lamb - Reader 11
Lambs are depicted huddled in the corners of the stable of creches arranged on mantelpieces or placed outside of churches. Pictures of our Lord's nativity remind us that Jesus himself is described in Scripture as being "like a Lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). God's rainbow reminded God not to destroy the world again with a flood. God's creations, however, continued to sin. Yet the Lamb of God, represented by our band of white, is one who takes away the sin of the world. As Advent draws closer to Christmas, let us pray: "Lamb of God, help us draw closer to you each day, remembering that though our sins are red as scarlet, they are made white as snow because of your sacrifice for us. Amen."
Hymn: "On Jordan's Banks" (verses 1 and 5)
or "Come, Thou Long--Expected Jesus" (verses 1 and 2)
The Rainbow Is Complete
GREEN Speaks Of New Life - Leader
John the Baptist stands in our midst this Advent season calling us to repent, to turn from our sin, and to let the life of Christ enter in. Green represents new life. Green is the color of things that are alive and growing. Christians are to be alive in witness and growing in faith. The joy of the Lord is our source of life. As we reflect on God's Word this Advent, let us remember all the colors of the rainbow placed before us. May God's rainbow remind us of the wonderful love born to us in Jesus. Let our final Advent prayer reflect the joy we have in receiving Jesus, the gift of salvation. Let us pray: "Jesus, we honor you as our Lord and our Savior. Rule over our hearts as you rule the world with truth and grace. Grant us your mercy every day of our lives, that the wonders of your love will be new each day. Stir our hearts as we faithfully proclaim the joy we have found in you to the world. Amen."
Hymn: "Joy To The World" (all verses)
Benediction:
L: Go in the joy and peace of the Christ Child, proclaiming God's love to the world. Paint your rainbows of love as reminders of God's greatest gift of love given to us in Jesus. Go in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
