Thoughts on Advent

 From the 1984 booklet "Thoughts on Advent" which was prepared by the Worship Committee at St. Mark Presbyterian:

 "The Mystery of Christmas"
Scripture Matthew 2:1-10

With all of the mystery and excitement at Christmas, it's easy for children to forget about Jesus.  One of the ways our family puts the season more in focus is by creating a little mystery with our Nativity scene.



We set up the entire manger with two exceptions:  the Three Kings are put in a prominent spot somewhere else in the house;  Baby Jesus is omitted.

As Christmas gets closer, the Three Kings move closer each week.  Some years they make it to the stable on Christmas Day; others a week later.  But each year the kids delight in being the first to spot their new location.

So many of our children's friends have looked at our beautiful Nativity in awe and then puzzlement. "Where is Baby Jesus?" they ask.  The simple answer, "He hasn't been born yet, " usually brings giggles.

Adding a little mystery to the birth of Jesus intrigues the children enough to serve as a daily reminder of the meaning of Christmas.

Prayer:  Please help us to remember that the simple story of Jesus' birth can be exciting if we just open up our hearts.  Give us an open heart and mind to let the spirit of Christmas shine in. Amen.