In this Advent worship series for families, issued in honor of the 250th anniversary of the hymn “Amazing Grace,” we celebrate that Jesus is the Light of the World who shines on us with his amazing grace. Through worship in a more casual setting, we are reminded that Jesus makes his grace known through the undeserved gifts of hope, peace, joy and love—gifts revealed in special ways in the lives of Zechariah, Isaiah, Elizabeth and Mary and in the lives of our families.
Week 1: Hope: Zechariah (Psalm 39:7): In his old age, after years of waiting and not giving up hope, Zechariah is blessed with a son, John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Light of Grace, Jesus. Families will make a “stars of promises” mobile.
Week 2: Peace: Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6): Isaiah announces to an unsettled people that relief is coming soon through the Prince of Peace, the Son of God, the Light of Grace. Families will make a “river of kindness” collage.
Week 3: Joy: Elizabeth (Philippians 4:4): The boy in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy as so does she when Mary arrives, carrying the little Lord Jesus inside her. The Light of Grace is soon to come. Families will make a “joy to the world” globe decoration.
Week 4: Love: Mary (Isaiah 54:10): The mother of the Light of Grace sings a love song to the Lord for his undeserved favor toward her and toward all the world. Families will make a “Madonna and Child” Christmas tree ornament.
Each service features songs for children, a family-friendly sermon, a group activity or craft, questions for discussion and prayers, along with newsletter/bulletin notices about the series.
The series includes everything you need for each service as well with the text of the entire series in .rtf (rich text format), newsletter/bulletin notices, hymns, visual media recommendations, contemporary music song suggestions and PowerPoint documents of all the services, with images and text (along with a copyright release) for use on screens.
Complete Worship Series as Digital Download + Full Printout