Advent: An Adult and Family Study

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ANTICIPATING CHRIST THROUGH THE STORIES OF THE FIVE WOMEN IN JESUS’ GENEALOGY

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Tonilee Adamson & Deanna Pittman

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Table of Contents Why an Advent Study? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 How to use the Family Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Week 1: Tamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Week 2: Rahab Week 3: Ruth

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Week 4: Bathsheba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Christmas Day

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Why an Advent Study?

Advent is a Latin word that literally means “coming” or “appearing.” Advent is more than the coming, appearing or waiting for Christ’s birth at Christmas Season. It is also the coming, appearing and waiting for Christ’s return. Between those times, the Spirit takes residence in our hearts as we repent from our sinful wants and desires to turn to our new life in Christ within the correspondence and mission of the Church.

God is with Us. In this Advent Study, there are two primary sections: An Adult Advent Study and a Family Advent Study. We have included the family portion so that our children can join in this holy waiting with us and God. As we share the Scripture with our children after we have reflected on it ourselves, we can help them truly listen for the Spirit this Advent season.

"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." Matthew 1:23 NASB

The traditions of Advent touch hearts of all ages as we focus on Christmas, the birth of Jesus. Advent involves the heart, mind, senses and the hands if embodied by the practice of the season. The themes of Advent welcome the celebration of Jesus touching our lives while deepening and extending God’s riches for our families.

Join us as we actively participate in the reason for the season. Many times the Christmas Season brings worry, distraction and steals the opportunities to draw significant others together for prayer and service on the foundation of love. Let’s allow the message of Christ deepen our understanding of the power, warmth and joy of God as the Light of the world is the Only One who can remove the darkness from our hearts and lives.

This joyful celebration of God’s light is the key to the season. It was a colder and darker time for the human heart before the coming of Jesus into history and it is still for us, now, when we keep God out of parts of our lives. The purple candles of Advent represent the darkness as we wait in expectation and preparation for the white light of Christ to shine.

In this Advent Story, we will be focusing on the only five women listed in the Gospel of Matthew’s genealogy.

In Matthew 1:1-17, we are introduced to 46 people spanning 2000 years. Some people are remembered as heroes like Abraham and David. Some had shady reputations like three of the five women listed in the genealogy like Tamar, Rahab and Bathsheba. Many people listed are ordinary and some were evil like Manasses and Abia.Why would God chose these people to be associated with the birth of Christ? Would not a holy God desire righteous people?

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God is not limited by our limitations. God used all kinds of people to bring Jesus into the world and God is still accomplishing the work on earth using all kinds of people. And God desires to use you. Regardless of our failures in live, shortcomings in circumstances and sins against God, Jesus came to set captives free by granting us a relationship with God through belief in Jesus’ name, death, resurrection and remaining mission. God dwells within the souls of those who are willing to believe and who are willing to continue to go and grow in the Spirit’s leading.

Of the five women listed in Matthew’s genealogy, three of the five women were Gentiles (or not born Jewish) and three of the five women are remembered for their scandalous lives, including adultery and prostitution. Neither gender is perfect, however, God displays a forgiving nature and the ability to redeem all things through the Trinity’s sovereignty. When exploring the mystery of God through this advent, we will find the Spirit to not shy away from the deep, dark, hidden things of life but rather God exposes them. It is only through God’s light that the darkness flees. As human beings, we try to ignore, hide, and even run from our regrets and indiscretions. Jesus came to bring light to those in darkness. There is no need to hide as God already sees.

Let’s come to Advent, willing to approach the light of Glory. Let’s run boldly to the Throne of Grace. Let’s find mercy together to embrace the hope, love, joy and peace of God. Let’s begin by preparing our hearts to receive God’s gift so we may remain faithful unto the end as our gift to God. The first four weeks of Advent represent waiting for the Light of the world to pierce the darkness. It is this Light that shines through the darkness and sets souls free to walk out God’s desire in Spirit and Truth.

“THE LONGER WE WAIT, THE MORE WE HEAR ABOUT HIM FOR WHOM WE ARE WAITING.” ---Henri Nouwen

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How to Use the Family Study Each week, the adult study is meant to be done first so that you have a good background knowledge of each story. It’s much easier to talk about the stories once you have already processed and reflected on the Scripture. Your conversations with your kids will be deeper and more meaningful after you have done the adult portion yourself. The themes of each week are the same in both the adult and family portions. The first four studies can be done on any day of the week or even broken up into mini-studies over several days. The final study is meant to be done on Christmas morning. Each study includes Scripture, a short devotional, discussion questions, and a Christmas-themed activity that relates to the story/theme of the week.

These weekly studies aren’t meant to add stress or “just another activity” to your already crazy holiday schedules.

Adjust them to the time and energy that your family has.

Read the story summaries, or have your children take turns reading the Scripture from the Bible. Wait and ask the questions over dinner, if that’s easier. Do the advent activities on a quiet afternoon or don’t do them at all. The most important elements are the stories, the questions, and the prayer. You know how much or how little time your family has; adjust the study accordingly. Most importantly, enjoy your time together and God will bless your efforts to draw your kids into a better relationship with you and with the coming Savior!

A note about the stories: Three out of the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 had children out of wedlock, two of them acted like prostitutes, and one of them cheated on her husband. All of their stories, to some extent, are not typical “children’s stories” and are difficult for adults to understand, much less kids! Yet, these strange stories are what makes the Bible so believable.

Who would invent such things and then record them in the lineage of the Messiah? Only the God who takes the unfit and the desperate and uses them to his eternal and holy purposes. Additionally, it’s important that kids focus on the stories of women in the Bible. Too often we skip over these stories and focus on the “cleaner” ones that are easier to tell. Yet, the whole of Scripture is incredibly important and has something to say! Let’s communicate this truth to our children as often and as early as we can.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Telling the Bible stories: Give as much or as little detail as you’d like. You know the maturity-level of your kids better than anyone. If you have young children, but would still like them to read out of the Bible (which is ideal!), there are suggested verses and sentences that will tell the story without the “adult” parts before each devotional.

Instead of opening the Bible to the Scripture yourself, let the kids find the right place if they are old enough. The more they practice flipping through the Bible on their own, the more they become familiar with it and are likely to read it on their own! In the same vein, let the kids read the Scripture out loud as much as they are able.

Questions: These age-appropriate questions should get your little ones talking!

There are very few “right” answers, just let them interpret the stories for themselves and have fun!

Ages 2-5 have one-word answers.

Ages 5-11 have one-sentence answers.

Ages 12-15 have discussion questions.

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WEEK ONE:

Tamar Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Genesis 38:1-30

THEME Waiting and Preparing Our Hearts

ACTIVITY Light one purple candle while reading: The darkness occurs when humanity is still separate and asleep, but waiting for further awakening to God is key during this advent season.

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Devotional

We tend to romanticize the Christmas Story emphasizing holiness, purity and solace. However, God’s ways are not our ways. God understands our impatience towards the Spirit and others. God comprehends the shortcomings of the human heart and knows our thoughts and intentions. It is the brightness of the Spirit’s Truth piercing through the darkness of our lives that reminds us of why Jesus Christ was born.

Through the story of Tamar, we are reminded of the immoral character of human nature. Tamar waited in vain for her father-in-law’s promise to be fulfilled to her. From Deuteronomy 25:5-10, the law of Moses ensures a childless widow could receive a son through the siblings of the deceased. That law was also the custom and tradition during the time of Judah. After Tamar married and buried two of Judah’s son, Judah promised Tamar to wait for his third son to become of age to marry her. However, Judah lied to pacify Tamar, blaming her for the death of his other two sons. Judah may have kept his lies a secret within his heart, but God shines the light in all darkened hearts. God exposed Judah’s deceitfulness. We are told in Genesis 38:14 that Tamar dressed as a harlot with the intent to seduce Judah. She was successful in her attempt and became pregnant with twin boys. Judah was willing to execute her; however, when the truth was revealed, Judah confessed that she acted more in line with the law of the land than he did by withholding his third son.

Tamar buried two husbands, and she was then betrayed by her father in law, leaving her as a “worthless widow”. But God never abandoned her. God saw that her victimization was a result of others’ disobedient choices. God chose Tamar to be in the Savior’s lineage. She was honored by God although rejected by family.

Journaling Questions 1.

Judah was an Israelite and Tamar was a Canaanite. They did not have the New Testament to show them God’s ways as we have but their choices were not hidden from God. Why do you believe Tamar wanted a child from Judah’s family instead of returning to the ways of the Canaanites? Do you think she understood or heard about God’s promises to the Israelites? Why or why not? (Please refer to Genesis 38 for the answers)

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God met Tamar and forgave her sin. She birthed a son named Pharez who was in the line of David. From this human line, the Lord Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary. Read Matthew 1. What verse has Tamar’s name? After reviewing her story, why is this significant to you?

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God has opened the way for us to be forgiven of our sins through Jesus Christ. The process of forgiveness began through the birth of Jesus. Each individual has committed thoughts, acts and words against God and others. During this advent season, in what area is God shining a light to expose a darkened area of your heart? Can you share this area now? After all have shared, bow your heads and ask God to forgive you and help you to change. (This prayer can be done alone and silently.)

We do not wait in vain for the promises of God to be fulfilled. We can wait with expectation and anticipation as we prepare to meet the Christ through his birth on earth and the Spirit’s birth within each of our welcomed hearts. Is your heart prepared to meet the Lord? Jesus came down to earth to meet us here in our sinful and shameful state. It is God’s Spirit who takes us and makes us into a new creation for God’s glory.

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Thinking about an Advent Lectionary Scripture LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE Isaiah 2:1-5

When reading Isaiah 2:1-5, the people reading these verses and waiting for God to fulfill these verses did not expect Isaiah’s prophecy to be Jesus. During this advent season, let’s be willing to accept God’s definition of what is best, even if we do not agree. Are you willing to allow God to work in your life?

Are you able to prepare your heart in trusting God, knowing that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you?

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

2 Corinthians 1:20

The promises of God are YES and AMEN for you on earth as it is in heaven.

Advent Prayer From Isaiah 2:1-5 to read aloud together:

O come, O come, Immanuel And bless each place your people dwell.

Melt ev’ry weapon crafted for war, Bring peace upon the earth forever more.

Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear, God’s chosen one, Immanuel, draws near.

Lord, we pray for You to prepare our hearts this advent season.

We want to be ready to behold Your presence through a baby born in a manger.

Forgive us for wanting to determine what is best this season.

We will trust You, knowing Your ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts.

Change us to behold Your ways and thoughts this season.

Amen.

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WEEK ONE FAMILY STUDY:

Tamar Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Entire Story: Genesis 38:1-30 For young children: Genesis 38:6-9a, 10-14, (say something like “Tamar came up with a clever plan to have a baby” to cover verses 15-25), 26-27.

THEME

Devotional God’s people the Israelites were supposed to be different from the wicked people around them. Instead, they started to do some of the bad things that the people did, and even married them! One of the things that Israelites were supposed to do was protect the widows by giving them in marriage to the brothers of the deceased husband, so that she could have children to protect her and love her. At that time, women were supposed to continue the family line by having lots of babies. When Tamar’s husband died before she could have one, her brother-in-laws were wicked and would not have children with her. So she had to do something desperate to continue the family line. Tamar came up with a clever plan, and God blessed her bravery with twins! Even though everyone around her was doing the wrong thing, Tamar honored God by doing whatever it took to fulfill her duty to have children. God even honored Tamar by choosing her to be one of Jesus’ ancestors! He took all the bad things that happened to her and turned them into something good: that she is an ancestor of the Greatest Gift of All!

Faithfulness

Questions

MINI GAME

Ages 2-5: What was Tamar supposed to have? Who was Tamar’s greatgreat-great-great-great-great (etc. etc.) grand-son?

[Play after devotional]

The fastest person to find Tamar’s name in Matthew chapter 1 wins! Read verse 3 out loud.

Ages 5-11: How did Tamar honor God? How can we honor God? Ages 12-15: How would you have felt if you were Tamar? Talk about a time when you’ve felt abandoned by your family or friends.

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Family Advent Activity

CHRISTMAS MOSAIC

Take a cheap glass Christmas plate and (safely) smash it into pieces. Help your kids glue the pieces onto a piece of 8x10 cardboard in a new pattern, and put it into a frame. Mention that Tamar’s life was in pieces, but God used the pieces to make something beautiful.

Advent Prayer From Isaiah 2:1-5 to read aloud together:

O come, O come, Immanuel And bless each place your people dwell.

Melt ev’ry weapon crafted for war, Bring peace upon the earth forever more.

Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear, God’s chosen one, Immanuel, draws near.

God, thank you that you can take the worst things in our lives and make them good. Help us to honor you even when no one else is. Thank you for being faithful to us no matter what.

Amen.

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WEEK TWO:

Rahab Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Joshua 2

THEME Waiting and Anticipating Hope in a Dark Place

ACTIVITY Relight candle 1 and now light purple candle 2 while reading: The darkness occurs when humanity is still separate and asleep, but we wait and hope for God’s awakening in this advent season.

Devotional Why would the Israelite spies stop at the business of a harlot, named Rahab?

The house was in an ideal location because it was set in the city wall. Maybe the spies believed they could escape easier or maybe it was divine intervention. But would these Jewish spies think that a woman who makes her living of off men’s weakness be a strength in their plans of spying out the city? How would the spies know that her home of darkness would bring light to God’s people?

God does not see as we see. God sees the heart of hope for a new beginning, a new start. Rahab heard the rumors concerning the unknown God and the Israelites. She also knew Jericho was their next stop of war. Despite Jericho’s huge walls and military strength, Rahab risked everything she tangibly knew by placing her hope in an unknown God, represented through strangers. She recognized that these spies had great faith in the God they trusted. Rather than placing her hope in what she could see (huge, seemingly impenetrable walls, her neighbors and established business), Rahab put her hope in an unseen God. It was God who directed these spies to her house. It was God who alone knew that Rahab’s heart was ripe to be open and filled with the Spirit. It was God who knew she would be instrumental in the Israelites victory over her hometown of Jericho. God uses people of all kinds and all backgrounds if they have great faith. Rahab did not allow her past to keep her from a new future. She was a survivor and a risk taker to hide the two foreign spies. She hoped her future safety would be secure.

God works through people that most of us reject. God’s light is brighter than the darkest heart. The Spirit moves in ways that cannot be determined or measured by our eyes. God sees the eyes of our hearts. And God alone knows where we place our hope. Rahab was honored greatly by being one named in Jesus’ genealogy.

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Journaling Questions 1.

Rahab stepped out and risked her own life by helping the spies. Although she was a woman with a dishonorable reputation, Rahab demonstrated great courage and honor in her willingness to help God’s people.

What did Rahab know about the people she was helping?

2.

Instead of fearing the King of Jericho, she hoped in the God of the Jews. How would you describe the atmosphere in the city of Jericho at this time?

3.

We all fall short of God’s glory. When we are fearful or scared, it is easier to hide in the dark than run to the light. However, God’s light exposes our darkness. And God’s ways can even use those dark things for God’s glory. In what ways has the Lord used darkness to display light in your life?

Our hope in waiting for God is not in vain. We should not bother with speculation but to be about the business of participating actively in the hope that Jesus came and is coming again. Advent is a time of waiting in hope for the day of Christ to begin the age of Grace.

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Thinking about an Advent Lectionary Scripture LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE Psalm 72:1-7

This Psalm discusses a righteous king. This king is one who judges God’s people with righteousness and helps those afflicted. He saves the needy and crushes the oppressor. During this advent season, we too hope for the Righteous King to reign in our hearts. We hope to be found faithful with the work given to us to accomplish while on earth. We hope in a God who saves the afflicted and heals the wounded. God is worthy to be praised so we place our hope in the saving Light of life.

Advent Prayer A Prayer from Psalm 72:18-19 to read aloud together:

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and Amen.

Lord, You are amazing in Your accomplishments.

You use the foolish to confound the wise.

We pray to be used for Your purposes and Your glory.

May we not determine what Your ways and thoughts should be.

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WEEK TWO FAMILY STUDY:

Rahab

Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Entire Story: Joshua 2:1-24, 6:25 For young children: Say “innkeeper” instead of prostitute.

THEME Hope

MINI GAME [Play after devotional] The fastest person to find Rahab’s name in Matthew chapter 1 wins! Read verse 5 out loud. Race to Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25-26. Read those scriptures out loud.

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Devotional God’s people the Israelites were ready to move into their new home that God had promised them. There was only one thing in the way: the HUGE city of Jericho! It had enormous walls and a big army inside. A woman named Rahab lived inside the city too. She had a house that was built into those big walls- so she knew exactly how strong the walls were! One day, two Israelite spies crept into the city to check it out. They spent the night at Rahab’s house.

But someone betrayed the spies and told the king of Jericho where the spies were staying! Soldiers showed up to Rahab’s house and asked her where the spies were, but she was ready for them. Rahab had already hidden the spies up on her roof! She lied to the soldiers and sent them off on a wild goose-chase.

Then, she went up to the roof and told the soldiers that she had heard of all the great things that God had done, and that she believed in their God! When the city of Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her family were saved because Rahab believed in God and risked her own life for the spies. Rather than putting her hope in the huge walls that she could see in front of her, Rahab put her hope in the One True God. Many, many years later, someone in Rahab’s family gives birth to the greatest Hope the world has ever seen!

Questions Ages 2-5: Who did Rahab put her hope in? Who was Rahab’s great-great-greatgreat-great-great (etc. etc.) grand-son?

Ages 5-11: How did Rahab show that she put her hope in God? How was she rewarded for putting her hope in God? Ages 12-15: Why or why not is it hard to put our hope in something that we can’t see? James said Rahab was an example of the principle that real faith is linked to action. How did she demonstrate this and how can we do it?

Family Advent Activity

GINGERBREAD JERICHO

Make a gingerbread house and gingerbread men and women. Read Joshua 6:3-5 and have the kids act it out with the gingerbread house and people. Let them knock the walls down and enjoy the yummy snack! If you’re not in a cooking mood or are out of time, use whatever blocks and dolls/toy figures you have on hand!

Advent Prayer From Psalm 72:18-19 to read aloud together:

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and Amen.

Dear Jesus, help us put our hope in you even when it’s hard.

Thank you for all of the amazing things you have done and that you will do! Amen.

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W EEK

THREE :

Ruth Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Ruth 1:1-7, 22; 2:113, 23; 4:13-22

THEME Waiting and Anticipating Joy in Dark Circumstances

ACTIVITY Relight candles 1 and 2. Now light the pink candle 3 while reading: The darkness occurs when humanity is still separate and asleep, but we wait and hope for God’s awakening in this advent season to turn our sadness to joy.

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Devotional Naomi had two sons who married Moabite women. After her husband and sons die, Naomi decides to leave Moab and return home to Bethlehem. She told her daughters-in-law to stay behind and to go back to their families. One stayed but the other refused to leave Naomi. Ruth’s reply to Naomi’s is still quoted today at weddings: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 Her words speak commitment, love and devotion despite Ruth’s personal sadness, loss and depressing circumstances as a young, childless widow leaving the place she had known as home. In time, Ruth settled in Bethlehem and married an Israelite named Boaz. She had a son who would be the grandfather of King David. Her determination not to give up on Naomi was no doubt part of God’s plan for Ruth. She had a purpose in God’s kingdom as she was chosen by God to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Many people today use the book of Ruth as a study on love, commitment and friendship but this story is also one of joy. Ruth’s sadness was replaced with joy. Her patience and loyalty through difficult circumstances produced a harvest of joy.

How do you compare to Ruth in your circumstances today? Are you as devoted to Jesus as she was to her mother-in-law? Or are we more easily swayed by others than we think? Are we seeking for happiness (rooted from the word happenstance) or everlasting joy as granted through waiting for eternal joy?

Happiness comes with happy circumstances. Joy remains because of deep, lasting commitments and longings fulfilled. Friendship at any level requires commitment and devotion, but especially in our friendship with Jesus. We express our joy in Christ as the Spirit’s timing removes the darkness with

God’s light. The story of Ruth is set in the dark and bloody days of the Judges. There was hostility between the Israelites and the Moabites, although the tension is silent in the Book of Ruth. Moabites were despised by Israelites and yet the bond between Naomi and Ruth was tightly woven.

Journaling Questions 1.

Although Ruth was a Moabite woman, God honored her resolve to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law. Why do you think Ruth had a strong desire to go with Naomi to a foreign land?

2.

Ruth’s circumstance became more difficult and probably confusing at times. It’s through these hardships that the Light of God shines brightly through the darkness. Only a glimmer of light can grow into joy. What are you struggling with today that is in the glimmer stages of joy?

3.

When Naomi discovers that Ruth was led into her relatives field, she gives thanks to the Lord. This news becomes a turning point of hope and joy in the story. The Israelites despise the Moabites. Why did Boaz extend his hand in marriage to the Moabite Ruth?

Again, God does not overlook the despised, Gentile widow but makes a way for redemption, love and joy through the hurtful trials to be in the lineage of Jesus. It is best and it is wise to Trust the Lord.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 16

Thinking about an Advent Lectionary Scripture “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble Isaiah 35:1-10 hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, Circle the word do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retri“Joy.” bution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

Advent Prayer A Prayer from Psalm 146:5-10 to read aloud together:

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.

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Dear Jesus, thank you that we can be joyful even when we aren’t happy because you are with us no matter what! Help us to bring joy to the world! Amen.Amen.

WEEK THREE FAMILY STUDY:

Ruth

Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Entire Story: Ruth 1:1-7, 22; 2:1-13, 23; 4:13-22 Challenge older kids to read through the whole book of Ruth this week!

THEME Joy

MINI GAME [Play after devotional]

The fastest person to find Rahab’s name in Matthew chapter 1 wins! Read verse 5 out loud.

Devotional Ruth was very happy. She was married to an Israelite man who she loved very much and she had a great mother-in-law named Naomi! That happiness was taken away when her husband died, but Ruth still trusted God. Ruth and Naomi went to live in Naomi’s old town, Bethlehem (do you recognize that town?). They were very poor and Ruth even had to take the leftover scraps of wheat from the men as they harvested the fields. Despite being so poor and having to work so hard, Ruth didn’t give up. The owner of one of the fields was a good man named Boaz. He saw Ruth picking up the leftovers and decided that he wanted to know more about her. Ruth came to him and they decided to get married. God blessed them with a son named Obed! Ruth began with a lot of happiness in her life, but it was taken away from her. Despite that, she trusted God and never gave up. There’s a big difference between happiness and joy. Ruth had joy because she trusted in God and didn’t give up, even when her happiness was taken away. In the end, she had both happiness and joy when God gave her a family! God didn’t give Ruth just any family, but she became Jesus’ great, great, great, great, great, great… grandmother!

Ruth had deep joy even though she wasn’t happy all the time, and she got to become part of God’s plan to bring the greatest Joy of all to the whole entire world!

Questions Ages 2-5: Where did Ruth go to live? Where was Jesus born?

Ages 5-11: When was Ruth happy? When did she have joy?

Ages 12-15: What is the difference between happiness and joy? Why did the birth of Jesus bring joy to the entire world?

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Family Advent Activity

JOY PHOTO BLOCK LETTERS

Buy large wooden letters spelling “joy.” Paint the sides and backs in Christmas colors and the fronts black (this will make the gaps between photos less noticeable). Have your kids choose a bunch of photos that represent joy to them and print them out in black and white (4x6’’ photos work well for 12’’ letters). Cut the photos down to the right size and place on the letters. Attach the photos to the letters using matte decoupage sealant. Display as a fun Christmas keepsake! Out of time? Use old photos and make a collage on paper.

Advent Prayer From Psalm 146:5-10 to read aloud together:

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.

Dear Jesus, thank you that we can be joyful even when we aren’t happy because you are with us no matter what! Help us to bring joy to the world! Amen.

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W EEK

FOUR :

Bathsheba

Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING 2 Samuel 11:1-25; 12:1-25

THEME Waiting for Everlasting, Sacrificial Love

ACTIVITY Relight the first and second purple candle and third pink candle while reading:

The darkness occurs when humanity is still separate and asleep, but waiting for further awakening to God is key during this advent season.

Devotional Theologian Sara Koenig states, “Bathsheba’s relatively short story is packed with scandal and intrigue. Despite her being married, David sends for Bathsheba and has sex with her.” David attempts to cover up his indiscretion by having her husband, Uriah killed on the battlefield. The prophet Nathan confronts David and God punishes them through the death of their baby. While they could not erase the consequences, they could live in the full assurance of God’s complete forgiveness based on genuine love. It was a great blot on David’s life, the only major blot (cf. 1 Kgs. 15:5). But neither he nor Bathsheba let it ruin the rest of their lives. God forgave them, they forgave themselves, and they went on to live productive lives that glorified the Lord. That is exactly what God wants us to do. He does not want us to torture ourselves with the guilt of our sin. He wants us to confess it, forsake it, and forget it.

Bathsheba seems to have assumed the most prominent place among David’s wives. There is no record that he ever took another wife after her. As an indication of God’s forgiveness, he gave them another son whom they named Solomon, which means “peace.” The Prophet Nathan called him Jedidiah, which means “Beloved of the Lord.” And God assured David that Solomon, son of Bathsheba, would reign in his place and build the Temple (1 Chron. 22:9, 10).

As added evidence of God’s love and grace, Bathsheba was chosen to be one of the five women referred to in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.

1:6) (excerpts taken from Sara Koening, Associate Professor at Seattle Pacific University).

Today, we also try to fill the void of emptiness by mistaking God’s patient, kind and eternal love for impulsive, romantic, scandalous love. By waiting for the love of God to pierce the darkness, we too are called beloved of the Lord.

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Journaling Questions 1.

From 2 Samuel 12, we read about Nathan’s parable that parallels David’s sin in taking another man’s wife. It took one year for Nathan to confront David and by that time, David was hardened to think of himself as the man who sinned. Which friends, family members or associates do you find easy to criticize and hard to forgive and love?

2.

David acted impulsively and there were great consequences and ramifications for pursuing an immediate pleasure. What areas have you been impulsive to act without prayerfully considering the consequences?

3.

God’s love is extended through forgiveness of our sins. We sin against God and others. God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) but we must embrace the love of God and submit to God’s ways over our own for true repentance to shine in our darkened heart. This Advent Season, close your eyes and present those areas of darkness to the light of God. Meditate quietly for God’s love and forgiveness to replace the shame, fear and regret. God makes all things new.

God opened the way for us to be forgiven of our sins through Jesus Christ. The process of forgiveness began through the birth of Jesus. Each individual has committed thoughts, acts and words against God and others. We do not wait in vain for the promises of God to be fulfilled but we acknowledge that we serve a God who extends love to all who are called. We wait with expectation and anticipation to worship the Christ through his birth on earth. Jesus came down to earth to meet us here in our sinful and shameful state. It is God’s Spirit who takes us and makes us into a new creation for God’s glory.

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Thinking about an Advent Lectionary Scripture “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to LECTIONARY be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to SCRIPTURE the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:18-25 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream NIV and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Throughout Jesus’ life on earth, Mary was accused of having an illegitimate child. As we consider the story of David and Bathsheba, why do you think our God of love would allow Mary, Joseph and Jesus (all of whom are God’s chosen and beloved) to bear that kind of reputation when it was not true?

Advent Prayer A Prayer from Psalm 80:1-7 to read aloud together:

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might; come and save us.

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

How long, Lord God Almighty,

will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins because of your great forgiving love for us.

No sin can keep your love from touching us and changing us for your glory. Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. And teach us how to love each other despite their attitudes and behaviors towards us. We love you! Amen.

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WEEK FOUR FAMILY STUDY:

Bathsheba

Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Entire Story: 2 Samuel 11:1-25; 12:1-25 For young children: 11:1-4a, 5, 14-17, 26-27; 12:13-14, 24-25

THEME Love

MINI GAME [Play after devotional] The fastest person to find Bathsheba’s name in Matthew chapter 1 wins! Read verse 6 out loud.

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Devotional Bathsheba was a beautiful woman who was married to a high-ranking officer in King David’s army. During that time, people took baths to cleanse themselves after important times in the year. One day Bathsheba was doing this on her roof when King David saw her. Bathsheba’s husband was off to war, so he called for her and slept with her. *There’s no way to avoid saying what happened in this story, however for very young kids you can say that David kissed Bathsheba. If David had really loved Bathsheba, he would not have done that!

Later, Bathsheba became pregnant and David felt so guilty that he had Bathsheba’s husband killed in battle so that no one would know what he had done.

He tried to hide his sin. After Bathsheba’s husband was killed, she married David. She probably didn’t really love David, but she had to marry him because of the baby. That baby died, but God blessed David and Bathsheba with another baby after David said sorry to God for what he had done to Bathsheba’s husband. David did a terrible thing and Bathsheba suffered for it. Yet, God still forgave David and made good come out of the bad by making Bathsheba a queen. The only person to show love in this story is God. David didn’t love Bathsheba, she didn’t love David, but God loved both of them so much that he used them to help accomplish the greatest act of love of all: the life of his son Jesus.

Questions Ages 2-5: Did David really love Bathsheba? Who showed love in the story?

Ages 5-11: What did David do after he had sinned? How can we show real love to our family and friends?

Ages 12-15: How did God make good come out of the bad in this story? How do you think Bathsheba felt in the beginning, middle, and end of the story?

Family Advent Activity

HEARTS OF LOVE WREATH

Talk about what true love is (loving others like God loves us). Help kids come up with at least 7 ideas to show true love to others. Cut out small hearts and write each idea onto a heart. Attach hearts to a string with clothespins and hang the line up where everyone can see it. Each day, choose an idea to do together as a family. Examples: collect toys to give to a homeless shelter, everyone pitch in money from their allowance to donate to a charity, each person call/write a letter to a home-bound friend or relative.

Advent Prayer From Psalm 80:1-7 to read aloud together:

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might; come and save us.

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us no matter what sins we commit. Teach us how to love each other better, and even to love the people that don’t love us. We love you! Amen.

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TM CHRIS AS:

Mary Let’s Begin SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2: 1-20 THEME Welcoming Peace on earth with whom God’s favor rests

ACTIVITY Relight purple candles 1-3 and pink candle 4. Then light the white candle while reading: The darkness occurs when humanity is still separate and asleep, but we wait no longer for the Light of Christ has now come to earth to penetrate the darkness for all women, men and children.

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Devotional Mary was probably only about 12 or 13 years old when the angel Gabriel came to her. She was presently engaged to Joseph, a carpenter by trade. Mary was an ordinary Jewish girl, who suddenly was asked to trust God with a huge task of bearing the Christ child, God’s son. Her life would forever be changed.

Luke 1:29-33 says, “Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’” Although she could not comprehend how she would conceive the Savior, she responded to God with belief and obedience.

Although Mary’s life held great honor, this calling demanded great suffering.

To be favored by God does not mean peace with people or circumstances on earth. Just as there is pain in childbirth and motherhood, there would be much pain in the privilege of being the mother of the Messiah. Jesus brought peace to earth to whom God’s favor rests (Luke 2:14 NRSV). We have peace with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He was born to die and was resurrected from the death to bring us into a relationship of peace with God. Today, we wait no longer to find peace with God. Like Mary, our circumstances and relationships may not be peaceful on earth but the peace of God penetrates our hearts to bring wisdom and love through the eternal light of Christ.

Journaling Questions 1.

Mary’s call was unusual and the price was high. She must have thought Joseph would abandon her and she must have wondered who would believe her. But she was willing to submit to God’s plan. How do you think you would have handled that kind of message?

2.

Do you think you are willing accept God’s plan no matter how difficult it might be? Right now, are you in a situation that you know within your heart it is God’s plan but the path is difficult? Are you rejoicing like Mary did?

3.

Joseph also had a huge decision to make. Nazareth had a reputation that nothing good came out of it. How could this plan be good to Joseph? How do you relate to Joseph today? He too had a choice to be obedient.

When God’s finger points, then God’s hand makes a way. We are to be obedient but God’s peace and presence will surpass our understanding and our shortsightedness. It is easier to walk in the Light of the Savior than to fight the Lord in darkness. We might be able to pull the curtain down but we cannot hide from the dawn. Your peace will come by choosing to participate in God’s mission to redeem the world through Jesus Christ. Only by staying with the Lord will you find the peace of God. 26

Thinking about an Advent Lectionary Scripture LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE Isaiah Isaiah 9:2-7

Approximately 750 years before the birth of Christ, God gave the prophet Isaiah promises about the coming Messiah. The people of Israel were living in darkness and had hope that the Messiah would bring light to their difficult lives. Jesus did become the Light of the world. There is no need to live in darkness, hopelessness or despair. We have Jesus Christ’s light that brings us great peace if we embrace it.

During this Advent Season, how can God use you to help speak His light in this dark world of worry, fear, and shame? Has Christ become your light that shines through the darkness of those around you?

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Advent Prayer A Prayer from Isaiah 9:2, 6 to read aloud together:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Prince of Peace! Help us bring peace into our world, not anger or selfishness or greed. Thank you for our friends and family that we get to celebrate your birth with today! Amen.

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CHRISTMAS FAMILY STUDY:

Mary

Let’s Begin

Devotional & Scripture Reading

THEME

Read Luke 2:1-7

Peace

Mary and Joseph had to travel 70 miles by foot.

I wonder how they felt when they got to Bethlehem?

I wonder how they felt when there was no room for them in the inn?

I wonder how the stable where Jesus was born looked, smelled, and sounded?

When all the animals were asleep, and when baby Jesus was asleep it must have been very quiet. Sing “Away in the Manger” together. One line of the song is “Sleep in heavenly peace.” I wonder if Mary felt peace that night as her baby slept?

Merry Christmas! This family activity is meant to be a short, experiential activity that helps kids reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. To get the maximum anticipation and attention out of your kids, we suggest doing the study right before your family opens presents. Have your kids sit around a manger scene if you have one. The questions are open-ended, “I wonder” questions. There are no right answers and kids are free to go wherever their mind takes them!

Revel in the joy and peace of Christmas day as you spend time together as a family.

Read Luke 2:8-14 I wonder what the fields were like that night?

I wonder what the angels looked like?

I wonder how the angels sounded when they sang to the shepherds?

The angels say “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

I wonder what “peace among people” means to you?

Read Luke 2:15-20 I wonder how the shepherds felt when they saw the Savior in a barn?

I wonder how Mary felt when strangers wanted to come see her baby?

The Bible says that “Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” I wonder what that means?

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Mary was just a normal girl who God used to do an extraordinary thing: bring the Prince of Peace into the world. She had a long journey and must have been very afraid sometimes, but God gave her peace in her heart as she served the Lord.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let’s think about how we can be more like Mary and bring peace into our own homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

Advent Prayer From Isaiah 9:2, 6 to read aloud together:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the Prince of Peace! Help us bring peace into our world, not anger or selfishness or greed. Thank you for our friends and family that we get to celebrate your birth with today! Amen.

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Merry Christmas!