Advent I Children's Message

​Mark 13:24-37, Matthew 24:36-44
Theme: Be Ready
 
Have you run in a race?  Or watched a runner?  What have you seen them do to get ready to run?  Runners have a special way to start so that they are ready for the race.
When the official starts, they say:
Get ready—get your feet and hands in position
Get set—get the rest of your body in position
Go—take off.
 
Today’s Gospel lesson is about being ready.  This is the time of the year we want to be ready to celebrate a birthday.  Whose birthday?  (Jesus) What do you do so you are ready for Jesus’ birthday? (Make or buy presents, put up decorations, light Advent candles)
This year as you do all those things, try whispering, “Happy Birthday, Jesus.”
Let’s do that now. Whisper:  Happy Birthday, Jesus.
 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we want to be ready for celebrating your birthday.  Prepare our hearts and our minds so all that we do to prepare for Christmas glorifies you.  Amen.
 
Created by Georgia Girvan