I Wonder...

  I Wonder . . .  Invited Home  Luke 2:1-20  Read: This is what happened the night that Jesus was born:* “While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. There were no rooms left in the inn. So she wrapped the baby with cloths and laid him in a box where animals are fed. That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord stood before them. The angel said to them, 'Don’t be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a feeding box.' So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph. And the shepherds saw the baby lying in a feeding box. Then they told what the angels had said about this child.” —Luke 2:6-17, abridged (ICB) Wonder : I wonder what Mary and Joseph felt when there was no room for them. I wonde

Watch the Children's Sermon The Fourth Sunday of Advent Seeking Sanctuary (Love) Luke 1:39-55 | Luke 1:46b-55  Read: This is what happened after Mary found out she was pregnant with Jesus:  “Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the mountains of Judea. She went to Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside Elizabeth jumped. Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” —Luke 3:39-41 (ICB)  Wonder: I wonder why Mary needed to go stay with her cousin Elizabeth. I wonder if she felt safe at Elizabeth’s house. I wonder if Elizabeth needed Mary like Mary needed Elizabeth. I wonder if Mary felt like Elizabeth knew what she was going through, since they were both pregnant. I wonder if there are places where you feel safe and understood.  Say: The good news is that we have a safe place with God, and we can be a safe place for other people when we listen to what they need and take care of them like Elizabeth did for Mary. 

 Watch the Children's Sermon from this week The Third Sunday of Advent A Home for All (Joy) Luke 3:1-18 | Zephaniah 3:14-20 Read: This is what happened when John the Baptist was preaching in the desert:  “The people asked John, ‘What should we do?’ John answered, ‘If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.’ And John continued to preach the Good News, saying many other things to encourage the people." —Luke 3:10-11, 18 (ICB)  Wonder: I wonder whether the people who heard John went and did what he told them. I wonder if you’ve ever shared your things. I wonder what it feels like when you share. I wonder what it feels like when people share with you. I wonder if your family or your church ever shares with you. I wonder how we could make sure everybody has what they need.  Say: The good news is that we get to help each other create God’s home for all people by sharing our food, our clothes, our time, our space, and our

The Second Sunday of Advent Laying the Foundation (peace) Luke 1:57-80 | Philippians 1:3-11  Read: This is what Paul wrote to his friends in the city of Philippi while he was in prison for preaching about Jesus: “I thank God for the help you gave me while I preached the Good News. You helped from the first day you believed until now. God began doing a good work in you. And he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again. I am sure of that.” —Philippians 1:5-6 (ICB) Wonder: I wonder how Paul’s friends helped him. I wonder whether Paul helped start the “good work” he talks about. I wonder what good work God is doing in you. I wonder who is helping you right now like Paul helped his friends. I wonder what kind of person you’ll grow into.  Say: The good news is that we are always growing. Your family and your church and your teachers are all helping you to learn and grow into the person God has created you to be.  Pray: Let’s pray. Dear God, we are so glad to alw