advent1-combined

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOVEMBER 28, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING… There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, • Make an Advent Wreath by grouping 4 candles a call from the ways untrod: together and decorating Prepare in the desert a highway, them with some greenery from your yard. a highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, • Light the first candle as the lofty hills brought low; you read aloud today’s make straight all the crooked places reading — either by where the Lord our God may go! yourself or with your family. Hymn 75 vs. 1, The Hymnal 1982 • Sit quietly for a few minutes and think how you might prepare for Christmas this year — without knocking yourself out! KIDS’ CORNER… • Draw a picture with 3 purple candles and one pink candle. With a yellow crayon, draw a flame on one of the purple candles. Post you drawing on the refrigerator. You can add a flame each Sunday until your “Advent Wreath” is all lit and ready for Christmas! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 9, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE…Ouch! TODAY’S READING: Amos 6: 1, 3-7 Today’s reading hits a little “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,…you too close for comfort! notable men of the foremost nation… You put off the Amos lived circa 783-742 evil day and bring near a reign of terror. You lie in BCE. He must have been beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. one amazing prophet; he You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You nailed it! So, how can we strum away on your harps like David and improvise “turn our squirmin’ into on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful learnin’,” and work to and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over improve on Amos’s view of the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the God’s people — then and first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will now? The nuclear option end. “ would be to divest ourselves of everything we have. If that seems a bridge too far, we can, at the very least, donate the gently used clothes we no longer wear to a charity’s thrift shop, and load up Alice Larse’s van each month with canned goods for CSA. It’s a first step. KIDS’ CORNER… Look in your closet to see if you can find some clothes you have outgrown that some other kids might like to wear — or some toys or games you no longer enjoy. Bag them up and take them to a local Family Shelter. Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 10, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING: Hymn 73, vs.1-2: • This Advent hymn tells of The King shall come when morning dawns the coming of God’s and light triumphant breaks; Kingdom, when Christ the King will return, not as when beauty gilds the eastern hills Baby Jesus, but crowned and life to joy awakes. in glory. Jesus is often metaphorically associated Not, as of old, a little child, with “the Sun.” to bear, and fight, and die, but crowned with glory like the sun • At least one day this week that lights the morning sky. get up early enough to watch the sun rise. You The Hymnal, 1982 can find the exact time on your iPhone in the Weather app. Brew a cup of tea and sit by a window — or better still, bundle up and go outside to watch… and wonder. KIDS’ CORNER… • See if your Mom or Dad knows the song, “You Are My Sunshine,” and if they do, ask them to teach it to you — if you don’t already know it…Sunshine! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 11, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING…: The chance of “snow-on- In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan; snow” on Christmas Day is earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; pretty slim here in Los Altos. But we can pretend! Mull snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow, some wine, or make hot in the bleak mid-winter, long ago. chocolate. Bundle up in a blanket with a copy of Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; Dicken’s “A Christmas heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to Carol,”and let the story and your imagination transport reign: you to a snowy evening in in the bleak mid-winter, a stable-place sufficed Victorian England! All the fun without the shoveling! the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ. What can I give him, poor as I am? KIDS’ CORNER… If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; Kids who live where it if I were a wise man, I would do my part; snows in the winter make a yet what I can I give him, give my heart. special “snowball dessert.” They pack the snow into a —Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) ball, put the snowball into a Hymn 112, vs. 1, 2, & 4 The Hymnal 1982 bowl, then race in the house, pour some chocolate syrup over the snowball, and eat it with a big spoon. You can enjoy this treat, too! Ask Mom to make “snow” in the blender, and pack it into home - made “snowballs.” Quickly pour on the chocolate syrup. EAT FAST…SNOW MELTS! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 12, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAYS READING…Luke1: vs. 26-38 (abridged) • Light the pink, or third In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a candle on your Advent town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to marry a man named Wreath. This is sometimes Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. called the “Mary Candle.” The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was troubled by his words, • Read “Today’s Reading “ but the angel said, “Do not be troubled, Mary; you have found aloud, by yourself or with favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, your family or a friend. and you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the • If something wonderful or throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of fun has happened to you Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Mary asked the lately…or if you’ve just angel how she, a virgin, could bear a child. The angel said, read a good book or “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the watched a great series on Most High will over-shadow you. So the holy one to be born Netflix…call a friend and will be called the Son of God.” And Mary said, “I am the Lord’s tell them! servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. KIDS’ CORNER: • Color a flame on the pink candle on your Advent Wreath drawing. • Wouldn’t it be fun to be an “Angel for a Day?” Try it! Spread your sparkly “pretend wings,” and fly over to your Mom or Dad, and tell them something REALLY, REALLY SPECIAL! like: “GOD LOVES YOU!” Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA - All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 13, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING…Luke 1:46-50 “Mary’s Song” And Mary said: • Today’s reading is a shortened version of The “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Magnificat. Read the Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. whole beautiful “song” today: Luke 1:46-55. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — • If you haven’t already done so, today might be a holy is his name. good day to bring some His mercy extends to those who fear him, evergreens into the house, or put out a special from generation to generation…” Christmas decoration…to celebrate Mary’s joy in being God’s humble servant. KIDS’ CORNER… • The pottery figurine of the Virgin Mary shown in today’s picture was made in Mexico, where the Virgin Mary is called “Virgen Maria.” In Germany she is called “Jungfrau Maria.” In France she is called “Mere Marie.” In Hawaii, she is called “Malia O Ka Malu.” Lots of different names for the same very special mother —Jesus’s mother, the Virgin Mary! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 14, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING…Isaiah 11:6-9 “The wolf will live with the lamb, Today’s reading paints a touching and compelling vision the leopard will lie down with the goat, of the world as it will be when the calf and the lion and the yearling together; Jesus returns to earth. The idea of such astonishing tranquility is and a little child will lead them. often referred to as “The The cow will feed with the bear, Peaceable Kingdom” that is yet their young will lie down together, to come: a land of no danger, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. no fear, no distrust, no hostility, The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, not political parties, no wars, no and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest. “them and we.” Just love, They will neither harm nor destroy generosity, acceptance, and understanding: perfect peace. on all my holy mountain, Come, Lord Jesus, come! for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord KIDS’ CORNER… as the waters cover the sea.” The prophet Isaiah tells us there will be a time when lions and tigers and snakes and great white sharks, and all the other fierce animals will be as tame and friendly as our own pets! It will also be a time when there are no more bullies on the playground or the internet! We’re not there yet, but you can get us a step closer, just by hugging someone you love today. Hug your pets, too…and thank them for being so tame and friendly already! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 15, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING… Hymn 81, vs. 1-2: Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming Jesse was the son of Obed, from tender stem hath sprung! and the grandson of Boaz Of Jesse’s lineage coming and Ruth. He lived circa as seers of old have sung. 1000 BCE, and was a farmer It came a blossom bright, and sheep breeder. He had amid the cold of winter, eight sons. The youngest when half spent was the night. son was David…who Isaiah ’twas foretold it, became King David, which the Rose I have in mind, makes Jesse of great with Mary we behold it, importance in Judaism. In the Virgin Mother kind. Christianity, Jesse is of great To show God’s love aright, importance because he was she bore to us a Savior, an ancestor of The Virgin when half spent was the night. Mary and Jesus. Now you know the REST of the story! The Hymnal 1982 KIDS’ CORNER… A “Jesse Tree” is like a family tree that tells the story of Jesus’s family from the time of his relative, Jesse, who lived about 1,000 years before Jesus was born. You can make a “Jesse Tree” by cutting out paper ornaments in shapes like: (1) a crown, (2) a cross, the symbols for (3) Alpha and (4) Omega (5) a star, and (6) a dove. Hang them on your Christmas tree! COPYRIGHT © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 6, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING: PSALM 42:1-6 (excerpted) Christmas, and the days As the deer pants for streams of water, leading up to it, can be so my soul pants for you, O God. very difficult and sad for people who are grieving My tears have been my food day and night, the death of a loved one, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” or for those who have had a setback in health These things I remember as I pour out my soul: or circumstances. Reach how I used to go with the multitude, out to them: ask if you can come to visit; meet leading the procession to the house of God, them for lunch; send with shouts of joy and thanksgiving… them a note; take them to church; or invite them Why are you downcast, O my soul?: why so disturbed within me? to share in some of your Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, family’s preparations and my Savior and my God. holiday traditions. Friends halve our sorrow and double our joy! KIDS’ CORNER… Is there a kid at your school who often eats lunch by him or herself? Advent is a good time to invite them to sit with you and your friends. Ask them what games they like to play, or what their favorite food is. You might find a new friend! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 7, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING: Hymn 61 vs. 3, The Hymnal 1982 Lamb of God, the heavens adore you; The third verse of Hymn 61 let saints and angels sing before you, gives us a glimpse of what as hands and cymbals swell the sound. awaits us beyond the Twelve great pearls, the city’s portals; portals of God’s City — his Kingdom come: sounds of through them we stream to join the immortals such delight never before as we with joy your throne surround. heard. The closest sounds No eye has known the sight, of such delight that we no ear heard such delight: Alleluia! have heard on earth just Therefore we sing to greet our King: may be the sounds of Forever let our praises ring. children singing! • Today, find a Christmas album by the Vienna Boys Choir on Spotify, and wrap yourself in its angelic beauty. KIDS’ CORNER…Sing “Jingle Bells” to your parents — sing it with GUSTO! Which means, with lots of ENTHUSIASM! Which means, REALLY LOUD!! Oh, come on… YOU CAN SING LOUDER THAN THAT!! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 8, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE TODAY’S READING: Isaiah 35: 1-2: Joy of the Redeemed After looking at our brown lawns and withered trees all “The desert and the parched land will be glad: summer, the recent deluge the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. —though a bit over the top— Like the crocus, it will bust into bloom; was a welcomed event for it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. those of us who like to till The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the soil. Sort of like Isaiah’s the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; prophesy that “the parched they will see the glory of the Lord, land will be glad…it will the splendor of our God.” burst into bloom.” Today, if you have a garden or planter box, consider a trip to the nursery to buy a cyclamen or two to plant in your yard. No garden? A big potted cyclamen will look great on your dining room table…and it will still be blooming at Christmas! KIDS’ CORNER: Time to take out your crayons and draw a big picture of flowers in a pot! LOTS of flowers in BRIGHT COLORS. When you are finished, SHOUT FOR JOY! (Advent sure is getting loud around your house!) Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 17, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING…:Hebrews 10:32-39 You could say that the early “Remember those earlier days after you had received the Christians were a whole lot light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the like we “late Christians:” face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to quite zealous when we first insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by “get the light.” Our ticket to side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with heaven is punched. We feel those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of the need to “share” with your property, because you new that you yourselves had everybody. But that zeal is, better and lasting possessions. sadly, short-lived. So it was, with the followers of Jesus. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly Over time, their confidence rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have in their faith began to wane done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. and their resolve withered. It For in a little while, seems we Christians need cheer- leaders, like St. ‘He who is coming will come and will not delay, Paul…or Rev. Claire!…to But my righteous one will live by faith. remind us of our incredible inheritance, and our need to And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.’ spread the Word. As Paul said, “We are not of those But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, who shrink back…but of but of those who believe and are saved.” those who believe and are saved.” KIDS’ CORNER…When you learn to jump rope, you want to do it all day long. But after a week or so, the rope lies on the ground and you go off to try something new. Today, jump rope again!! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 16, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… TODAY’S READING…Jeremiah 31: 31-34 “The time is coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will In two simple sentences, make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with Jeremiah tells us of God’s the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I most affirming news for a made with their forefathers when I took them by the broken world. “I will put my hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke law in their minds and write my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” it on their hearts. I will be declares the Lord. “This is the covenant I will make their God, and they will be with the house of Israel after that time,”declares the my people.” In the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on preceding verse, v.28, God their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my says,”Just as I watched over people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor or a them to uproot and tear man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they down, and to overthrow, will all know me, from the least of them to the destroy and bring disaster, greatest,”declares the Lord. For I will forgive their so I will watch over them to wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” build and to plant.” People, hope is on the way! Today, open your heart to God so he has an extra- large slate upon which to write, “I am your God, and you are my beloved child.” KIDS’ CORNER… Draw a big outline of a heart. Write this inside the heart shape: “God lives here!” If you need some help, I’ll bet Mom or Dad would be glad to give you a hand! Copyright ©2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 5, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE… ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE… • Light the second In Philipians 1:9, Paul writes to all the saints in candle on your Advent Christ Jesus at Philippi : Wreath as you read aloud today’s reading — “And this is my prayer: that your love may either by yourself or abound more and more in knowledge and with your family. depth of insight, so that you may be able to • Pull out a cookbook discern what is best and may be pure and and find a good cookie blameless until the day of Christ…” recipe to make for your family or friends. You Love…that’s the key; that’s always the key. It know what the is the “not-so-secret” secret of preparing Pillsbury Doughboy ourselves for the coming of God’s Kingdom. says: ”Nothin’ says lovin’ like somethin’ from the oven! “ KIDS’ CORNER… • Color in another “flame” on your Advent Wreath drawing. • OVEN S’MORES: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put 4-6 graham crackers on a baking sheet. Top each cracker with a square of chocolate, then a marshmallow. Bake at 350 degrees until melty! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA

DECEMBER 18, 2021 ANTICIPATION We Wait…We Watch…We Listen…We Pray PARTICIPATE: There are so TODAY’S READING…Hymn #108, v. 2 What tribute shall we pay many references to “light” in the Bible. Starting with Genesis 1:3, to him who came in weakness, “Let there be light;” and Isaiah and in a manger lay 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” to teach his people meekness? And there is John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” There are lots more; clearly, light is an important metaphor in scripture. Light makes things bright! Today’s reading says, “Let every house be bright,” so how about putting a candle in your window tonight, or stringing up some lights around your front door. Let them be a beacon of welcome to your friends and neighbors — and the Christ Child. KIDS’ CORNER: SANTA CUPCAKES: Ice cupcakes Let every house be bright; with pink-tinted icing. Use red let praises never cease; sugar sprinkles for the hat, mini with mercies infinite marshmallows for the beard and pompom, choc. chips for eyes, and our Christ hath brought us peace. a cinnamon drop for the nose! Copyright © 2021 by Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, CA All rights reserved.