Face to Face Advent Reflections

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Face to Face with the God of

First Sunday- Zechariah: A Costly Hope by Susan Horikiri

First Monday- Elizabeth: Waiting Out Disgrace by Tanya Eichler

First Tuesday- Elizabeth & Mary: Impossible Longing, Hidden Hope by Kelly Dycavinu

First Wednesday- Mary: Mary Mary by Linda Smythe

First Thursday- The Magi: Waiting Correctly by Kathy Krahn

First Friday- Simeon: Wait Right Here by Esther Hizsa

First Saturday- Anna: The Long Wait by Esther Hizsa

Face to Face with the Prince of

Second Sunday- Sleep in Heavenly Peace by Kelly Dycavinu

Second Monday- Zechariah: In Silence by Susan Horikiri

Second Tuesday- Zechariah: A God of His Word by Kelly Dycavinu

Second Wednesday- Joseph: Heavy Weight Lifted by Kelly Dycavinu

Second Thursday- Shepherds: A Shepherd’s Song by Kelly Dycavinu

Second Friday- Simeon: It’s Time by Esther Hizsa


Second Saturday- Zechariah: His Name Is John! by Susan Horikiri

Third Sunday- Shepherds: What Does the Fox Say? by Kelly Dycavinu

Third Monday- Angels: What Joy by Kathy Krahn

Third Tuesday- Shepherds: The Shepherd and The Lamb by Kelly Dycavinu

Third Wednesday- Simeon: Uncontainable Joy by Esther Hizsa

Third Thursday- Anna: Soon We Will Be Free! by Esther Hizsa

Face to Face with the King of

Third Friday- Herod: What Kind of King by Kelly Dycavinu

Third Saturday- Zechariah: The Wildest God-Thing of All by Susan Horikiri

Fourth Sunday- Simeon & Mary: Bewildering Words by Esther Hizsa

Fourth Monday- Anna: Praise Jesus! He Really Loves Us by Esther Hizsa

Fourth Tuesday- Mary: On Being Loved by Kelly Dycavinu

Christmas Day- Impossible Gift by Linda Smythe

Introduction

Our title, Face to Face, captures two main ideas. First, we realize that for many people the Christmas

Story is familiar—perhaps so familiar we may skim over the story thinking, “I’ve heard it all before.” Our

desire is for each reader to come face to face with the biblical characters in order to see and hear the

Christmas Story anew. What are the nuances of their stories? The details that may get overlooked in a

quick read? The significance of their stories for us today?

Second, the Christmas Story does not stand in isolation from other scripture. It begins “In the

beginning…” and is about God’s desire and efforts to bring us back into a face to face relationship with

Himself. We invite readers to consider how the events and happenings of the Christmas Story tie into

God’s grand design to reconcile us to Himself.

These reflections are intended to be family-oriented. In seeking to reach a wide variety of age categories,

we recommend that parents use, adapt, or set aside the various components according to the needs of

your family.

May your Christmas season be filled with wonder as you meet the God of hope, peace, joy and love face

to face!

Kelly Dycavinu, Editor

Contributors: Kelly Dycavinu, Esther Hizsa, Susan Horikiri, Kathy Krahn, and Tanya Eichler

Design/Layout: Terri Bowe


A Costly Hope

There are hurts a man buries deep. He does it to keep their jagged edges from piercing those he

loves, or crippling his very spirit, or decaying into blasphemous bitterness.

I carried mine wrapped securely in a shroud of faithfulness. Faithful to my wife Elizabeth. Faithful to

my priestly duties. Faithful to my God. The same God who showed me no outstanding sin, yet year

after year withheld His primal blessing from my dear Elizabeth.

As tears flowed into her childless hands I held her tight, and my own hurt tighter, driving it down,

down, down. Down so deep, wrapped so tight, I thought I couldn’t find it anymore.

Until the angel came! “A baby,” he said. “Like in spirit unto Elijah,” he told me. “A way-maker for

the Lord Himself,” he declared.

My heart leapt at his words, but bile filled my mouth. So many years swallowing disappointment, this

promise like a fist to the gut, brought it all back up.

“How can I know?”

Hope costs so much you see. I couldn’t afford it, not anymore.

by Susan Horikiri

Question: Have you ever felt God let you down?

Together: Take a moment to tell God how you feel about this (silently, unless you feel comfortable

sharing.)

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you know us and love us. Help us to trust you, even with the places

inside us that hurt, especially with the places that hurt. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

First Sunday: Zechariah

Read: Luke 1: 1-18

First Sunday: Zechariah

Read: Luke 1: 1-18

25

25

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you know us and love us. Help us to

trust you, even with the places inside us that hurt, especially with the

places that hurt. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Waiting Out Disgrace

Imagine, waiting for years, wanting a baby, yet never being able to have one. In the time when Jesus was

born, people believed that children were a sign of God’s favour; to not be able to have a baby was a

disgrace.

Even in her old age, it appears that Elizabeth didn’t give up hope for a child. Perhaps she remembered

Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who became pregnant with Isaac when she was too old to be a mother. Maybe

God would do the same for her?

So Elizabeth waited and continued to pray and hope for many years. All the while, she put up with

people around her gossiping, wondering why she hadn’t been blessed with children like they had been,

wondering what she had done to fall out of favour with God.

How difficult it can be to continue to hope when it looks like God has not answered our prayers. How

much more difficult, when people around us think we’re to blame.

by Tanya Eichler

Question: Have you been waiting a long time for God to answer a prayer? Do you wonder why it’s taking

so long? If maybe you’ve done something wrong?

Together: Have each person hold a Bible up in the air. On the count of three find Luke 11:9-13. The

first one who finds it reads it out loud.

Prayer: Father of good gifts, help us to keep hoping and keep asking You for what we need. Thank you

for giving us the Holy Spirit who stays with us while we wait and helps us receive the gifts God has given.

Amen.

First Monday: Elizabeth

Read: Luke 1: 5-7

First Monday: Elizabeth

Read: Luke 1: 5-7

24

24

Prayer: Father of good gifts, help us to keep hoping and keep

asking You for what we need. Thank you for giving us the Holy

Spirit who stays with us while we wait and helps us receive the

gifts God has given. Amen.

Impossible Longing, Hidden Hope

Looking at the lives of both Elizabeth and Mary reveals a God who works in mysterious ways. On one

hand, there’s Elizabeth. She’s married but she’s old and barren. On the other hand, there’s Mary. She’s

young, unmarried and a virgin. Yet both Elizabeth and Mary are pregnant! Here are two women on

opposite ends of impossibility.

Luke tells us Elizabeth was “upright in the sight of God observing all the Lord’s commandments and

regulations blamelessly,” yet she feels disgraced among her people because of her childlessness (vs. 25).

Imagine Elizabeth, after decades of desire, after decades of disgrace. Did she ever give up hope for a

child of her own? Could she fathom the fulfillment of her impossible longing?

And what of Mary? The angel tells us Mary is highly favoured

by God, but to be given a child out of wedlock? I’m sure this

would not have been even last on her list of hopes. Especially

since, in her day and age, pregnancy outside of marriage could

lead to public trial and humiliation. Imagine Mary, and all

those around her, struggling as their ideas and expectations

are uprooted. Would any of them have asked for this

experience? Not likely. Yet this child, Jesus, would bring to

light unacknowledged longings and satisfy their hidden hopes.

We may never understand or solve the mysteries of God and His ways, but through the lives of Elizabeth

and Mary, God demonstrates His ability to fulfill our impossible longings and to satisfy our hidden

hopes.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Question: Can you think of other Bible stories where God does something no one expected?

Together: Share stories of God’s mysterious ways. (hint: Exodus 14:19-21; Numbers 22:21-34; 1 Samuel

16:7-12)

Prayer: God, help us to trust You when You don’t do things the way we want or expect. Amen

First Tuesday: Elizabeth & Mary

Read: Luke 1: 5-7, 24-37

First Tuesday: Elizabeth & Mary

Read: Luke 1: 5-7, 24-37

God’s Plan All Along

Matthew 1:22

All this took place to fulfill what the

Lord had said through the prophet:

“The virgin will be with child and will

give birth to a son, and they will call

him Immanuel”—which means, “God

with us.”

23

23

Together: Share stories of God’s mysterious ways. (hint: Exodus

14:19-21; Numbers 22:21-34; 1 Samuel 16:7-12)

First Wednesday: Mary (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly)

Read: Luke 1: 26-38


Read: Luke 1: 26-38

Mary Mary

Imagine two girls; both named Mary, both nearing the age of marriage, both living in Nazareth around 15

B.C.

One girl’s father was a devout Jew, a man who loved the God of the Israelites. This girl’s home was often

noisy with joyful laughter and song. She was betrothed to Joseph.

The other girl’s father was dark and surly, a tax collector who preferred his tankard to his Torah. This

motherless Mary was called Kelev—dog—by her father, because he was cruel. In those days, this was the

worst thing you could call someone. Like the other Mary, Kelev’s home was noisy, but with loud drunken

cursing and smashing pottery. Who would marry this girl?

Perhaps you might imagine these two girls as friends, being the same age and living in the same area, but

they were not. Their lives were lived as though they were worlds apart—until one night the two girls did

meet.

Something had happened: Mary and Joseph were not yet married but she was already pregnant! Her

father wept; her mother howled. Mary spoke of an angel, a strange visitation. They wanted to believe her,

but how could it be? Hide, they said.

Late at night, Mary went to the well for water. Only people with something to hide went to the well at

night.

Kelev was hiding, too. She didn’t see Mary near the well until it was too late. Mary cried out, “Wait!

Don’t go!”

Kelev cringed.

“My baby – when I saw you – He stirred!” Mary gasped, “Oh! I have to tell you something…”

Kelev tried to hide her bruised face. Mary reached out, touched the other girl’s cheek. The bruises

disappeared. “Mary. You are Mary. God sees you; He’s here, He’s coming. He will rescue you.” There

in the darkness, both Marys embraced, wept, laughed, and believed the unbelievable.

by Linda Smythe

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22

Prayer: Jesus, please call (fill in her/his name) by their name. Let

her/him know s/he is loved. Show me ways to love them, too.

Question: Does Kelev remind you of anyone you know?

Together: Talk about what God might be doing right now to help that person know God loves and

cherishes them. Sing Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.

Prayer: Jesus, please call (fill in her/his name) by their name. Let her/him know s/he is loved. Show me

ways to love them, too.

Infant holy, infant lowly,

For His bed a cattle stall;

Oxen lowing, little knowing

Christ, the babe, is Lord of all.

Swift are winging, angels singing,

Noels ringing, tidings bringing:

Christ the babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping

Vigil till the morning new

Saw the glory, heard the story,

Tidings of a gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,

Praises voicing greet the morrow:

Christ the babe was born for you.


Read: Luke 1: 26-38


Read: Luke 1: 26-38

Waiting Correctly

I sit with children as they colour. I ask them about waiting, and they begin to talk.

"I don't like waiting for a long time."

"If I’m waiting for a good thing, like ice-cream, then I’ll wait."

"My mom says that I wait loudly, and all over the place, like a jumping bean."

"Waiting rooms are always full."

"I don't wait for my uncle anymore, he doesn't come... sometimes he does though."

"It’s hard to wait for my birthday, because I know that it’s soon."

"I don't like waiting in a line at the restaurant when I’m hungry. When I complain, my brother says

that I’m waiting wrong."

Children learning to be patient as they wait. Watching, imagining what is to come, who is to come, waiting.

For what were the Magi waiting? Or for whom? Why were they looking to the skies? Had the Magi

learned to wait correctly? With hope, listening, on the move, attentive? Matthew says they were

“overjoyed” when they saw the star over the place where Jesus was—their motion-filled waiting coming to its

conclusion.

Am I waiting correctly? With hope, walking towards God?

by Kathy Krahn

Question: How have you seen others wait (in grocery line-ups, traffic jams, etc)? How do you wait? Is it

different from how you want to wait?

Together: Play a game of Red Light, Green Light.

Prayer: Father, help us to wait patiently. We know that patience develops strength of character in us and

helps us trust You more each time, until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Amen.

First Thursday: The Magi

Read: Matthew 2: 1-12

First Thursday: The Magi


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21

Together: Play a game of Red Light, Green Light.

Wait Right Here

Simeon was a devout and righteous man who loved to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem. He

talked with God a lot and did whatever God asked of him. Simeon often told God how sad he was that

God’s people were mistreated by the Romans. Simeon waited patiently for the day when God would

send the King He promised. Would he live to see the day?

One day God told Simeon that, yes, before he died he would see the King with his very own eyes. Can

you imagine Simeon’s joy? But where would he see Him? Simeon wondered. In the north, the south,

the east, the west? In Bethlehem, in Nazareth? In Jericho or Jerusalem? Then he got it. He knew where

to go to meet the King. The temple. Every boy born in Israel was brought to the temple in Jerusalem to

be presented to God. Simeon did not have to go looking all over the place to find Jesus. He just had to

stay right where he was and the baby King—King Jesus— would come to him.

Do you ever have trouble seeing Jesus in your life? I don’t mean seeing with your eyes, but in your

mind, believing He is right there with you, face to face? Like Simeon, you don’t have to go looking all

over the place to find Jesus. You too can wait right where you are. The Bible says our bodies are the

temple where Jesus’ Spirit lives. As you wait right there and think about Jesus and talk to Him, you will

see Him. You will recognize Him by the smile on His face.

by Esther Hizsa

Question: Do you ever have trouble seeing Jesus in your life? When did you last see Him and what was

He doing?

Together: On your chain link write down a feeling word that describes how you felt when you saw Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, when I see You I feel ________ . When I don’t see You, I feel________. Help me to be

patient and remember that if I keep looking for You, I will find You. Amen.

First Friday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 21-35

First Friday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 21-35

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20

I felt when I saw Jesus.

The Long Wait

There was someone else that was watching and waiting for the King. Anna was an old woman. She

became a widow after she had been married for only seven years—and that was eighty four years

ago. That means she was over a hundred years old! Old Anna never left the temple. All day, every

day and every night, she prayed and worshiped God. She waited and waited and waited. And

while she waited she hung onto hope that, one day, she would see the King.

by Esther Hizsa

Question: Have you ever had to wait for something? For how long? Can you imagine waiting for

84 years?

Together: Set aside a special treat for each family member. See who can wait the longest to enjoy

the treat. Will it be minutes? Days? Weeks?

Prayer: God, help us to hold onto to our hope in You. For the rest of our lives may we hope in

You each and every day—even if we live to be older than 100! Amen.

First Saturday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-38

First Saturday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-38

19

19

Prayer: God, help us to hold onto to our hope in You. For the

rest of our lives may we hope in You each and every day—even

if we live to be older than 100! Amen.

Face to Face with the Prince of

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

The authors of the book Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life tell the following

story:

During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left

to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they

received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not

sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without

food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each

child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally

sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, “Today I ate and I will eat

again tomorrow.”

Most of us do not have firsthand experience of war. Most of us have never experienced the threat

of homelessness or starvation. Most of us live our day-to-day lives with our physical needs met. But,

spiritually, have you ever felt homeless? Hungry? Starving? Have you ever longed for real peace

with God? Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is at work in our lives. When we take time to notice how He

brought us peace today, we can trust He’ll bring us more peace tomorrow.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Question: Name one thing from your day that brought you comfort or peace, made you happy,

nourished your soul?

Together: Cut out six loaves of bread for each family member using the sheets provided. Over the

next six days, before bedtime, write on a loaf of bread one thing that brought you comfort or peace,

made you happy, or nourished your soul. Sleep with this under your pillow as a reminder of what

Jesus has done and can do.

Prayer: Jesus, please bring peace to those at war, joy for those who are sad, and food for those who

are hungry. Amen.

Second Sunday

Read: Luke 2:14

Second Sunday

Read: Luke 2:14

18

18

Question: Name one thing from your day that brought you

comfort or peace, made you happy, nourished your soul?

In silence I stumbled like a chastised child out of the Holy Place and into the bright morning sun

beyond. All the people were there, waiting faces turned up to see what had been taking me so long.

Instinctively I raised my hand in blessing, and the crowd fell silent, but it was a silence I could not fill.

There was an awkward pause, and then suddenly everyone was talking at once. (Everyone except me of

course.)

“Surely he’s seen a vision!”

“…..Or maybe an angel!”

“…..Give him space!”

“……Give him water!”

“….Let him pass, clearly the hand of God goes with him!”

I could hardly wait to finish my assigned time at the temple. I fled home to the arms of my Elizabeth,

away from the fawning respect of those who did not understand that indeed the hand of God followed

me, but in judgment, not in blessing.

Or so I thought.

Have you ever heard of a God that seeks you in the darkness? That meets you best in brokenness? Who

plucks you from despair? Even the despair of your own sinful heart?

The hurt and anger I had worked so hard to hide were forced into His light… and yet I found He loved

me still! He knew all about my dark secret and still had included me in His glorious plans.

I found my peace with God in the silence.

by Susan Horikiri

Second Monday: Zechariah

Read: Luke 1: 19-23


Read: Luke 1: 19-23

17

17

Together: Tell about an unexpected way that God has met you

in your life.

Question: What did Zechariah learn about God?

Together: Tell about an unexpected way that God has met you in your life.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you gladly come and find us right in the very middle of our

messes and imperfections. Grant us eyes to see You coming! Amen.


Read: Luke 1: 19-23


Read: Luke 1: 19-23

A God of His Word

How can I be sure?

In many ways, Zechariah’s question seems reasonable. He’s old. Elizabeth’s old. Not only is his wife

beyond child-bearing years, but she’s barren. Even if age isn’t an issue, she’s unable to have children. For

these reasons, when the angel tells Zechariah that he and Elizabeth will have a son, it seems a natural

response for Zechariah to doubt, to disbelieve what he hears. How can I be sure?

Except for one thing. Zechariah forgets whose words are being spoken.

The angel, Gabriel, is one who stands in the presence of God, one who is sent by God to deliver this

message. The words Zechariah hears are God’s words. And when God speaks, it’s a done deal. Look, for

instance, at the first chapter of Genesis. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Seven times

you’ll read “God said… and it was so.” He’s a God of His word.

When Zechariah is struck silent for his disbelief, there’s a sense of reprimand, there’s a sense of caution,

but there’s also a sense of grace and mercy. It seems to me God understands we have a better chance of

hearing and believing His words when our own words of doubt don’t get in the way.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Question: What are some miracles that Jesus spoke and made happen? What is something that God

spoke that we are yet looking forward to happening? (hint: Revelation 21:3).

Together: Take one minute to sit in silence and then sing Silent Night.

Prayer: Lord, we believe. Help us in our unbelief! (Mark 9:24) Amen.

Second Tuesday: Zechariah (Silent Night)

Read: Luke 1: 11-20


Read: Luke 1: 11-20

16

16

Question: What are some miracles that Jesus spoke and made

happen? What is something that God spoke that we are yet looking

forward to happening? (hint: Revelation 21:3)

Silent night! holy night!

All is calm all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace!

Sleep in heavenly peace


Son of God love's pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord at thy birth

Jesus, Lord at thy birth


Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia

Christ the Saviour is born

Christ the Saviour is born!


Read: Luke 1: 11-20


Read: Luke 1: 11-20

Heavy Weight Lifted

A child?

Impossible.

Surely there’s been a mistake. A misunderstanding?

Not Mary. Not my Mary.

Fear and doubt wrestle me to the ground. It can’t be true, can it? Mary with child? We are yet to be

united as one. How can this be?

Anger grips me in a choke hold. I can’t breathe. If anyone has harmed her!

But, no. She says that’s not so.

If she’s not been harmed, and the child is not mine… what then?

Sorrow slams into my soul, dropkicking me to the dirt. I’m down for the count.

One.

My Mary with another man?

No, she wouldn’t, would she?

Two.

You’re a fool, Joseph. There had to be someone else.

What other explanation is there?

Three.

I will call off the marriage. Quickly. Quietly.

I wait for the bell, the ding ding ding, to announce my defeat. But it does not come. Instead, I hear:

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her

is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he

will save his people from their sins.”

A heavy weight lifts from my shoulders. There is no other man. The someone else—the other

explanation—is God!

by Kelly Dycavinu

Second Wednesday: Joseph (What Child Is This?)




15

15

Together: Sing What Child Is This?


Matthew 2:23

Joseph took the child and his mother

and he went and lived in a town

called Nazareth. So was fulfilled

what was said through the prophets:

“He will be called a Nazarene.”

Question: Sometimes earthly explanations fall short because God can work the impossible. Do you

have any examples from your own life? Have you ever struggled to make sense of a situation only to

discover God was in it all along?

Together: Sing What Child Is This?

Prayer: God, we may not always understand Your ways, but we trust in Your promise that, in all

things, You work for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). Amen.

What Child is this who laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails and spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,

Come peasant, king to own Him;

The King of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.





A Shepherd’s Song You’re dirty!”

“You stink!”

“Is that dung in your hair?”

The town boys skipped around Jered as he walked through the market square.

“Dirty dumb dung boy,” they began to chant, over and over. “Dirty dumb dung boy, dirty dumb dung

boy.”

Jered hated the days when he was sent to town to collect supplies. The boys knew when he would come:

at the end of the day when discounts were given on the day-olds. It was the same thing every time. The

boys taunted and mocked him. They stared and, sometimes, they threw stones. They always sang.

Dirty dumb dung boy. The four words echoed in Jered’s mind as he walked back to the fields. The sky

was darkening and soon the campfire would be lit to keep off the cold. Dirty dumb dung boy. If only I

didn’t ever have to go into town, he thought. If only I was anything other than a shepherd. Dirty dumb

dung boy. If only I could get that song out of my head.

And then, the night sky brightened as though it were day. Jered’s heart raced with fear and he ran to join

the others. There was a stranger among them—a glowing stranger! “Do not be afraid,” he said, “I bring

you good news of great joy….” There was ringing. Bells, Jered thought, do I hear bells? He looked to the

others. They were as astonished as he was. They all looked like camels with their jaws dropped to the

side.

The ringing grew louder. Lights of all colours shimmered in the sky. Then the song erupted. “Glory to

God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.” It was the most dazzling

dance, the most majestic music, the sweetest sound! It was a song Jered knew he would sing for the rest of

his life. “Glory to God in the highest!”

by Kelly Dycavinu

Question: How did the boys’ taunting make Jered feel? How did he feel when he heard the angels sing?

Together: Sing Do You Hear What I Hear?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the angels’ joyful song. Thank you for the beautiful songs You sing to us and

the wondrous sights we have seen. Amen.

Second Thursday: The Shepherds (Do You Hear What I Hear?)

Read: Luke 2: 8-14


Read: Luke 2: 8-14

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14

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the angels’ joyful song. Thank you for the

beautiful songs You sing to us and the wondrous sights we have seen.

Amen.

Said the night wind to the little lamb:

"Do you see what I see?

Way up in the sky, little lamb

Do you see what I see?

A star, a star, dancing in the night

With a tail as big as a kite

With a tail as big as a kite"

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy:

"Do you hear what I hear?

Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy

Do you hear what I hear?

A song, a song, high above the trees

With a voice as big as the sea

With a voice as big as the sea"

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king:

"Do you know what I know?

In your palace warm, mighty king,

Do you know what I know?

A Child, a Child shivers in the cold

Let us bring Him silver and gold

Let us bring Him silver and gold"

Said the king to the people everywhere:

"Listen to what I say:

Pray for peace, people everywhere!

Listen to what I say!

The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night

He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light"

Second Thursday: The Shepherds

(Do You Hear What I Hear?)

Read: Luke 2: 8-14


Read: Luke 2: 8-14

Second Friday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 25-32

Second Friday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 25-32

It’s Time

There was something special about Simeon and everyone knew it: he loved God more than anything

else. Whatever you can think of, Simeon loved God more than that. For that reason, the Holy Spirit

loved to rest on him. And that was in the days before Jesus, when very few people had the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit told Simeon that God’s King, the Saviour of the world, would come before Simeon

died. He would see the King! So Simeon waited and watched for Him in the temple. And while he was

in the temple he prayed about all the bad things he saw in the world “Please send the King soon,” he

prayed.

Simeon wanted to be in the temple all the time because he didn’t want to miss seeing the King, but he

had to leave sometimes to eat, sleep, and spend time with his family. He didn’t have to worry that he

would miss seeing Jesus though. The Holy Spirit would let him know.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, the Holy Spirit whispered in Simeon’s ear. “It’s

time.” And Simeon went and saw the King, the Saviour of the world. Simeon saw Him with his very own

eyes, just like God promised. He could trust the Holy Spirit to lead him to Jesus.

by Esther Hizsa

Question: Are you ever afraid you will miss out on something important?

Together: Take turns guessing what important things each person doesn’t want to miss (a TV show, an

event, etc.).

Prayer: Jesus, help us trust that you know what is most important for us and Your Holy Spirit will remind

us so we never miss it. Amen.

13

13

Together: Take turns guessing what important things each person

doesn’t want to miss (a TV show, an event, etc.).


Questions: John’s name means “the Lord is gracious.” Imagine how Zechariah felt holding his son,

John, for the first time.

Together: Talk about the names in your family. What do they mean? Do you know why they were

chosen?

Prayer: Thank You, Father God, that You know us. You know the number of hairs on our heads. You

know what makes us happy or sad or angry. You knew us even before we were born and You call us by

name. Amen.

Second Saturday: Zechariah & Elizabeth

Read: Luke 1: 57-80

Second Saturday: Zechariah and Elizabeth

Read: Luke 1: 57-80

His Name Is John!

“Call him… ‘the Lord is gracious!’”

He Himself plunges into our darkness,

Scoops us—dripping, nascent—lightward.

From ancient roots, and promises,

blood of prophets.

From gnashing lips, hate-bittered,

and destruction.

From enemies without, terrors within,

He brings us forth.

In blazing love-fury

Dries our tears

Plies our hearts

Prepares us

Stretched, stilled, resplendent,

Joy-mongers on

His path of peace.

“Call him…”the Lord is gracious!”

His name is John.

by Susan Horikiri

12

12

Together: Talk about the names in your family. What

do they mean? Do you know why they were chosen?

What Does the Fox Say?

You may be familiar with What Does the Fox Say?— one of the latest songs to go viral on the

internet. The lyrics state the obvious: Dog goes woof. Cat goes meow. Bird goes tweet and

mouse goes squeak. But then the song raises a question with a little-known answer: What does

the fox say?

Today, Fox is going to help us see beyond the obvious or well-known parts of the shepherds’

story and help us discover something new.

While one family member reads Luke 2:8-20, have everyone else close their eyes and imagine

they are a fox. You are in the field with the shepherds when the angels appear. What do you

hear? See? Smell? What do you think? What do you say? Follow the shepherds to Bethlehem

and ask these same questions again.

Read the scripture passage through two or three times, if necessary. You may wish to write down

what each person shares.

Remember, this imagining is meant to help us experience more than what’s familiar and

hopefully uncover little-known answers to the some unasked questions.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and fun to explore.

Amen.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Fun Fact

The stuttering, throaty noises

made by kits- or young foxes-

when the play is

called gekkering.

Third Sunday: Shepherds

Read: Luke 2: 8-20

Third Sunday: Shepherds

Read: Luke 2: 8-20

11

11

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your word is living and active

(Hebrews 4:12) and fun to explore. Amen.

What Joy What joy,

Dear Angels,

to be sent

to proclaim

that God

had arrived.

Each of you

tes�fied

so greatly

wholeheartedly

with determined abandon

and celebra�on

brighter and brighter

the sky awash

with wonder.

What joy,

Dear Angels,

to finally

announce:

God With Us.

My hope is

to celebrate

and echo Your joy.

I long to

live my life

so bright

with announcement

that it makes

the world wonder:

who has walked in?

I would love

to make

that introduc�on-

What joy

that would be!

Kathy Krahn

Third Monday: Angels

Read: Luke 2: 8-14


Read: Luke 2: 8-14

10

10

Together: Draw on the paper provided how you think that

night might have looked.

Question: How do you imagine the angels? Do you think they were excited to tell the shepherds

that God was coming?

Together: Draw on the paper provided how you think that night might have looked.

Prayer: Jesus, may each day of our lives be an announcement to others that You are with us!

Amen.


Read: Luke 2: 8-14


Read: Luke 2: 8-14

The Shepherd and The Lamb

Jered ran towards Bethlehem; his legs aching, lungs stinging, ears still ringing. Glory to God in the

highest! Only a few short hours ago, he had hoped never to set foot in town again, and now, here he

was. He couldn’t get there fast enough!

Jered was the first shepherd to arrive. At the sound of his approach, the sleeping mother stirred. A

man, seated against the wall, resting, raised his head. His arm was cradled around a feeding trough at

his side.

“The angels!” Jered gasped. “They said I’d find a baby.”

The man, Joseph, studied the breathless and bewildered boy. Clearly he had heard from God and had

been sent to them.

“The child is here,” Joseph said. He motioned to where the baby lay in the trough beside him.

“This is Christ the Lord!” Jered said. Joseph smiled softly. He watched the young shepherd gaze with

wonder at the child.

“Have you ever held a baby?” Joseph asked.

“No. Not unless sheep count. I’ve helped with the birth of many lambs,” Jered replied.

“Well, then, he’ll be in good hands.” Joseph picked up his son and Jered realized what was being

offered.

“I’m dirty,” Jered said, looking at his hands, his clothes.

Joseph looked around the stable. “There’s not much here that isn’t,” he said.

As Jered held the infant, his joy overflowed into praise. Glory to God in the highest!

The other shepherds arrived and filled the small stable. Soon they all sang in joy and praise. It was near

dawn when they finally left. Jered told everyone he met about what he had seen and heard. Crowds

gathered to listen. Among them, Jered saw the boys from the market place.

“Today a Saviour has been born to you,” he said looking into their astonished faces. “He is Christ the

Lord! The Lamb of God!”

Being a shepherd wasn’t so bad after all.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Third Tuesday: The Shepherds

(Go Tell It On The Mountain)

Read: Luke 2: 15-20



Read: Luke 2: 15-20

9

9

Prayer: Pray for your friends, family and neighbours who

need to hear about Jesus.

Question: God had a special job for Jered and it brought him much joy. What do you think

God might like you to do that also fills you with joy?

Together: Sing Go Tell It On the Mountain.

Prayer: Pray for your friends, family and neighbours who need to hear about Jesus.



Read: Luke 2: 15-20



Read: Luke 2: 15-20

Go, tell it on the mountain

Over the hills and everywhere


That Jesus Christ is born

Down in a holy manger

The humble Christ was born

And God sent down salvation

That blessed Christmas morning





While shepherds kept their watch

O'er silent flocks by night

Behold throughout the heavens

There's shone a holy light

Halleluiah







Matthew 2:4-6

When Herod had called together all the people’s chief priests and teacher’s of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Uncontainable Joy

Simeon had no doubt when he saw Mary and Joseph holding their first born son that this baby was

the Saviour-King God had promised. He knew because the Holy Spirit that had been resting on him

was now dancing inside of him. When Simeon took Jesus in his arms, his joy and the Holy Spirit’s

joy were so great that he could hardly contain himself. Their joy burst out in praises to God. Joy

came in wondrous words, through a laughing mouth with hot tears rolling down Simeon’s cheeks.

He praised God saying, “My Master my job is done; You can dismiss me in peace, for I have seen

with my own eyes the King You sent. This child will one day invite all people, the ones who know

You and the ones who don’t, to see who You really are, receive God’s love and share God’s love the

way you do.”

When Simeon heard what he had just said, he knew those words were not his own. The Holy Spirit

gave them to him. And that made Simeon all the more joyful because then he knew they were true.

This King, this Jesus, was going to do it.

by Esther Hizsa

Question: Have you ever felt so much joy you thought you would burst? When?

What made you feel so joyful?

Together: Sing Joy to the World.

Prayer: Give three cheers for Jesus!

Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, HOORAY! AHHHH-MEN!

Third Wednesday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 25-33

Third Wednesday: Simeon

Read: Luke 2: 25-33

8

8

Question: Have you ever felt so much joy you thought you

would burst? When? What made you feel so joyful?

Soon We Will Be Free

When Anna saw Simeon and Mary and Joseph with their baby boy, her old heart did a double

flip. She knew without a doubt that she was looking at the promised Messiah, the King, the

Saviour of the world. Just like Simeon, her joy overflowed into praises to God.

Now it was time. After eighty four years of fasting and praying in the temple, Anna went out

into the streets. Everyone must have wondered if their eyes were playing tricks on them. Was

that really Anna? And could she really be over a hundred? She looked so young!

Anna herself was surprised; she hadn’t had this much energy in eighty-four years. Tirelessly

she went everywhere telling everyone about the child Jesus. “He’s here!” she told them. “God

has sent his Messiah, The King, the Saviour of the world. Soon we will be free!”

by Esther Hizsa

Question: How do you express your joy?

Together: Take turns listing as many different expressions of joy as possible (e.g. yippee!).

Have fun saying them loud and joyfully.

Prayer: Jesus, we celebrate and rejoice in knowing that You are with us right here, right now.

Amen.

Third Thursday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-39

Third Thursday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-39

7

7

Together: Take turns listing as many different expressions of joy as

possible (e.g. yippee!). Have fun saying them loud and joyfully.

Face to Face with the King of

What Kind of King

King Herod. Who was he? He is often called Herod the Great, but take a look below and

see what you think? What kind of king was he? How does he compare to Jesus, the King of

Love?

When the Magi asked for the “one who has been born king of the Jews,” no wonder Herod

felt threatened! He had done many horrible things to become king and it was tricky trying to

maintain that power. If only Herod would have realized that Jesus was much more than king

of the Jews. If only he would have realized that Jesus is King over a much bigger territory, that

Jesus is Lord of All. If only he would have realized Jesus, the King of Love, came to love

him, too.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Third Friday: Herod

Read: Matthew 2: 1-8; 13-20

Third Friday: Herod


6

6

Prayer: Jesus, please forgive me for being mean sometimes. Help me

listen when You ask me to show love. Amen.

King Herod Jesus, King of Love

Appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate Appointed and sent by God

Non-Jewish, an Idumean: no claim to kingship

through David’s line

Both earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, from

the line of David; God’s Son

Reigned 37-4 BC Reigns forever

King over Judea, Galilee, Iturea, Traconitis King over all creation

Destroys his family: murdered his wife, three

sons, and other family members

Grows His family: invites us to become

children of the Father and share in His

inheritance

Killed innocent babies to maintain power and

control (vs. 16)

Sacrificed His life so that others may live

Rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem Established our bodies as God’s temple

Secretive, sneaky and deceptive The Way, the Truth and the Life

Died (vs. 19) Died and rose again

Question: What might have happened if Herod swallowed his pride, went with the Magi, and

worshipped Jesus? What did he stand to lose? What did he stand to gain?

Together: Sit quietly for a moment and think about a time when you were stubborn and wouldn’t

listen and others were hurt because of your pride.

Prayer: Jesus, please forgive me for being mean sometimes. Help me listen when You ask me to show

love. Amen.

Third Friday: Herod


Third Friday: Herod


6

6

Prayer: Jesus, please forgive me for being mean sometimes. Help me

listen when You ask me to show love. Amen.


Matthew 2:14-15

Joseph took the child and his mother during the

night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the

death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord

had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I

called my son.”

The Wildest God-Thing of All

How Elizabeth and I rejoiced in our Johnny, our walking, talking taste test of God’s insane

graciousness! How we thrilled to hear it, the thrum of God’s Spirit, pulsing ever louder in his

life. And then, too soon, it was time to surrender him, released into his future.

It is said there is a place of stillness in the eye of every storm. Perfect love can draw us in, shield

our hearts, free our spirits, and allow us to ride the waves with audacious confidence.

For years I struggled, trying to love enough, trust enough, obey enough to get into that place.

It’s taken long years of journeying for me to finally see that it is not my love or strength or

obedience that will ever hold me in that eye of rest. The perfect, fear-casting love is God’s, not

mine.

My son will do great God-things, for so it has been promised. Oh that he may also discover the

greatest, hardest, wildest God-thing of all: surrender into the vortex of God’s love.

by Susan Horikiri

Question: What makes it so hard sometimes to surrender fully into God’s love?

Together: Look one another in the eye and say: God loves you.

Prayer: Jesus, we pray for ourselves in the future, for our children, and for the generations to

follow, that we would discover the greatest, hardest, wildest God-thing of all: surrender into the

vortex of Your love. Amen.

Third Saturday: Zechariah

Read: Luke 3:1-19 and Luke 7:18-23

Third Saturday: Zechariah

Read: Luke 3:1-19 and Luke 7:18-23

5

5

Together: Look one another in the eye and say: God loves you.

Bewildering Words

When Simeon prophesied about Jesus, Mary and Joseph were amazed. Then Simeon felt the Holy

Spirit fluttering inside him again. The Holy Spirit had more to say. Simeon heard these words come out

of his mouth, “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will

be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul too.”

Mary and Joseph must have looked bewildered and wondered what Simeon was talking about. Simeon

was bewildered too. But in time the Holy Spirit would explain it. When Jesus grew up He said many

things that made people love Him or hate Him and that made it very clear whether they were really

God’s people or not. It made them see the state of their own hearts and if they realized they did hate

Jesus, it gave them a chance to say sorry and join God’s people.

But what about that last bit about a sword piercing Mary’s soul too? What did that mean? When Jesus

grew up and began preaching and doing mighty deeds, Mary saw peoples’ reactions to her Son. And

when she saw that some people hated Him enough to kill Him it felt like a sword had pierced her soul.

But she would also see that their hate was not bigger than Jesus’ love. There would come a day when

she would see just how big and unbeatable Jesus’ love really is.

by Esther Hizsa

Question: Do you have a friend who doesn’t know or like Jesus? Perhaps he/she even says bad things

about Him.

Together: Cut a heart out of a piece of paper and write that person’s first name on it. Tape it where you

will see it every day so you can pray for them.

Prayer: Jesus, I feel sad when people don’t know You very well. Please help my friend (fill in name) get

to know how much You love him/her. Amen.

Fourth Sunday: Simeon and Mary

Read: Luke 2: 25-35

Fourth Sunday: Simeon and Mary

Read: Luke 2: 25-35

4

4

Together: Cut a heart out of a piece of paper and write that

person’s first name on it. Tape it where you will see it every day

so you can pray for them.

Fourth Monday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-38

Fourth Monday: Anna

Read: Luke 2: 36-38

Praise Jesus! He Really Loves Us

The moment old Anna saw baby Jesus, she began to praise God. I wonder how she expressed her

thanks to God for loving us so much. Did she dance her praise? Did she sing her praise? Did she use

an old familiar psalm that fit just right? Or did she make up a song of her own?

Once I made up a praise song to the tune of “I Am Slowly Going Crazy” by Sharon, Lois and Bram.

It has actions too. You put your right hand on your cheek and your left hand on your right elbow and

sing:

Jesus really, really loves me. 1-2-3-4-5-6 switch. (put your left hand on your cheek and your right hand

on your left elbow)

Really, Jesus really loves me. 6-5-4-3-2-1 switch. (switch back)

by Esther Hizsa

Questions: How do you praise God? Talking, singing, dancing, drawing?

Together: Choose a song you all know and add your own lyrics of praise to Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you, God, that You love to hear, see, and feel our praise. Thank You for giving us fun

ways to praise You.

3

3

Prayer: Thank you, God, that You love to hear, see,

and feel our praise. Thank You for giving us fun ways

to praise You.

On Being Loved

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

As I think about Mary and the first time she held Jesus in her arms, I can’t help but recall when I

became a mother. I remember holding my newborn son. I remember watching him sleep and studying

his face, his nose, his lips. I remember the overwhelming love I felt for him. I marveled, not so much

about the extent of my capacity to love another, but about the nature of the love itself. It was a love

centered entirely on him, who he was, his very being. It was not associated with any aspect of behaviour

or what he had done (how could it be?). For the first time in my life, I felt I had a glimpse of the

unconditional love God feels for us—love that is directed toward our very being and completely

disconnected from our doing.

How often do we seek to earn His love? How often do we rely on our own actions to earn acceptance?

How often is our best behavior really about begging to belong?

God’s love is unconditional. It can’t be earned. It can’t be bought. It can’t be bartered or sold. Yet,

while we cannot earn His love with our actions, we can honour it with them. First, by receiving His love

and, second, by sharing it.

by Kelly Dycavinu

Question: Did you know that Jesus loves you as much as God loves Him?

Together: Read John 15:9. Share with your child(ren) about the moment you first met them, about the

first time you held each of them in your arms, and about how you felt.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for making me perfectly wonderful (Psalm 139:14) and for loving me the way

You love Jesus. Amen.

Fourth Tuesday: Mary

Read: Luke 2: 16-20

Fourth Tuesday: Mary

Read: Luke 2: 16-20

2

2

Christmas Day (Love Came Down at Christmas)


Impossible Gift

ancient bones, wrinkled skin

revived, enlivened, transformed

by new life,

this life inside

weary spirit, broken heart

surprised, thrilled, healed

by Holy Spirit,

God’s Spirit within

desperate dreams, fragile hopes

offered, prayed, answered

by only God,

only God Almighty

mind boggled, soul tickled

laughing, embracing, rejoicing

by this son,

God’s Only Son

by Linda Smythe

1

1

Together: Share how Jesus has changed your life.

Sing Love Came Down at Christmas.

Question: What words in this poem do you relate to?

Together: Share how Jesus has changed your life. Sing Love Came Down at Christmas.

Prayer: God, thank You for sending Jesus. Jesus, thank You for coming! Holy Spirit, thank You for

filling our hearts with love. Amen.

Love came down at Christmas

Love all lovely, love divine

Love was born at Christmas

Star and angels gave the sign

Worship we the Godhead

Love incarnate, love divine

Worship we our Jesus

But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token

Love be yours and love be mine

Love to God and all men

Love for plea and gift and sign



Documents

Face to Face Advent Reflections