Fourth Sunday in Advent - December 20, 2009

 This Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, the scriptures take us to a favorite passage of The Circle of Mercy, "The Magnificat of Mary". Here it is:

Luke 1:46-55 (The Message)

 ^46-55And Mary said,
   I'm bursting with God-news;
      I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.
      God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
      I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!
   What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
      the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
   His mercy flows in wave after wave
      on those who are in awe before him.
   He bared his arm and showed his strength,
      scattered the bluffing braggarts.
   He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
      pulled victims out of the mud.
   The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
      the callous rich were left out in the cold.
   He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
      he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
   It's exactly what he promised,
      beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

This Sunday's Advent theme is PEACE. Here's the fun-work, and it will involve talking (interviewing) an adult, like one of your parents, a teacher ... hey, you can even call or email me.

May I suggest the following questions for the interview?

1. What is the most fun part of the Christmas season to you? ... shopping? decorations? church? family time? something else? Why do you like this? Tell me a story, please.

2. What is your favorite Christmas song or carol, and why? Can you tell a story about how that music really affected you in your life?

3. What is your favorite Christmas memory while growing up? Where were you? What happened? Did it change you or anyone?

4. Finally, this week's Advent Candle represents PEACE. What does this candle of peace remind you of, or give you hope for? Telling a story would be just fine. 

Have a good week, guys.