Freeze! Advent Devotion for Wednesday, December 4

Gather: around the Advent wreath and light one purple candle. Remind each other that this is the Hope candle. 

Read Together: Matthew 5:15-16

“People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise God who is in heaven.”

Think About: Jesus wanted his friends to show others how they cared for people and loved each other. He knew that if everyone saw people sharing love they would understand how much God loves them. The Christmas season is a great time to invite friends who don’t have a church home to join you. Who could you invite to the Candlelight Carol service this Sunday? Or maybe they could come with you to the One Starry Night morning on December 21st?

Do Together: Take a paper bag and punch holes in it with a hole punch or cut small holes and shapes. Fold over the top so it stays open. Put your candle in it and put it out on your yard (you may need to put some small rocks or sand in it so it doesn’t blow away. 

There is a story that the shepherds lit fires along their journey to Bethlehem to visit Jesus so they would light a path for others. Since then, it has been a tradition to light a candle or even a small fire in front of your home to welcome Jesus at Christmas. The candles also tell people that those that live in the house love God and follow Jesus. These candles are called luminaries.

Pray Together: over your candle: Bless this light that it shine brightly for all to see and know God’s love.