Advent Assembly/Family Talk

With these introductions perhaps give two pairs of children a sheet of paper to write a list...

How many children here have a younger brother or sister?

Can you think of the things that parents have to do, get ready and buy to prepare for the birth of a baby? Think of a list of things you would need.

clothes, hat and gloves, cot, car seat, buggy, nappies , wipes, bags, changing mat, bath, soap, shampoo, get room redecorated,

Also need to be ready to welcome a baby into your family and into your hearts

Alternative intro.

How ready are you and your family for Christmas?

What things do you need to do to prepare?

Food: buy turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sausages and bacon, Christmas pudding, sprouts (!), etc.

Presents; make a list of what we want; buy presents for others.

Buy and send Christmas cards.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent means 'coming'. This is a time when Christians get ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday and think about the first coming of Jesus to earth as a tiny baby over 2000 years ago. God had been planning that birth before time began.

Whilst most of us will be involved in preparing for Christmas by buying presents, and sending cards and going to parties we shouldn't forget the true meaning of Christmas and prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts.

Babies grow. They soon eat solid food, talk, laugh, crawl then walk. The baby Jesus grew up and became a man.

During Advent Christians also look forward to the second coming of Jesus. This reminds us that Jesus grew up to become a man, died, was raised from death, and went back to heaven. He is there now waiting to return.

Ten years ago our house was burgled. If we had known that we were going to be burgled that day we would not have gone into town.

Jesus said that when he returns it will be unexpected. As surprising as being burgled. But when Jesus does come back he will take all those who love and follow him to be with God the Father forever. Those who go with Jesus can look forward to living in the love of God forever, with no more sadness, sickness or death.

So, as we prepare for Christmas I would like to invite you :

to be ready to welcome the baby Jesus into your heart;

to be ready for Jesus' return so that you can look forward to being with God forever.

PRAY