Advent Week Three: “Exchanging Sorrow for Joy”
Weekly Supply List:
- Journal or sketch pad
- Pen, pencil, or markers
- Clear plastic cup
- Soil
- Seeds or Dried Beans
- Blindfold
Weekly Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 (Good News Translation)
1 The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands. 2 The desert will sing and shout for joy; it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon. Everyone will see the Lord’s splendor, see his greatness and power. 3 Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. 4 Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue, coming to punish your enemies.” 5 The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. 6 The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert; 7 the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Where jackals used to live, marsh grass and reeds will grow. 8 There will be a highway there, called “The Road of Holiness.” No sinner will ever travel that road; no fools will mislead those who follow it. 9 No lions will be there; no fierce animals will pass that way. Those whom the Lord has rescued will travel home by that road. 10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.
Invitation: Read Isaiah 35:1-10 aloud. Take your clear, plastic cup and fill it halfway with the soil. Plant your seeds/dried beans. Lightly water. Watch how the ‘wasteland’ becomes a ‘fertile field’!
Reflection: Reread verses 1-4. The verse says, “The desert will sing and shout for joy.” What’s a time that you were so happy you could sing or shout? It can be something big or something really small. Write it down or draw a picture of it.
Contemplation: Think about what a wasteland is. (You may need to look it up). Is there a space in your heart that could be a wasteland? It’s totally fine if there is! Write it down or draw a picture. If you are writing words, just use a few.
Discussion: What makes you tired-takes your energy? What do you do to refuel?
Prayer Exchange: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-bring your kingdom to my heart. I pray you would exchange any sorrow or disappointment with your joy. I pray you would help me to help others who are walking through a sad time. Amen.
Contributed by Mary-Margaret LeRoy, Pastor of Children and Outreach