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During Advent on Living Lutheran, there will be a weekly prayer, Scripture and accompanying activity. Each week’s Advent activity can be completed with a group or as a solo project. Use it to create a space for reflection, community and celebration as you anticipate the joy of Christmas.
PRAYER (FROM ELCA PRAYER VENTURES):
Pray for the Spirit to form us into faithful yet ever-maturing disciples of Christ who, like John the Baptist, proclaim the gospel, invite others to believe, and boldly serve our neighbors.
SCRIPTURE:
“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.’
“As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“‘“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”
“‘Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’” —Matthew 11:2-11
ACTIVITY: JOY JAR
Materials needed:
A jar or container (glass or plastic)
Advent-colored ribbons or stickers for decoration
Slips of paper (cut from colored or plain paper)
Pens or markers
Optional: Glitter, washi tape or small Advent symbols for extra decoration
Instructions:
- Choose a jar or container (glass, ceramic or even a decorated box).
- Decorate the jar with Advent colors, stickers or words such as “joy,” “hope” and “love.”
- Cut small slips of paper and keep them nearby.
- Each day, write down one moment of joy or gratitude and place it in the jar.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, read the notes aloud as a celebration of joy during the waiting season.
REFLECTION:
Discuss these questions in your small group or journal about them.
- As you fill your Joy Jar, do you notice any patterns? Are there particular themes in the moments that bring you joy or gratitude?
- How can you share joy and hope with someone in your community this week through words or actions?
As we continue to celebrate Advent together, submit photos from your experience and take inspiration from other Living Lutheran activities and seasonal content. We may repost submitted content to LivingLutheran.org or social media.
