Advent Week 3: Prayers & Activities

Continuing with our weekly activities for the Advent season, here's what is going on for the..

3rd Week of Advent (Dec. 11 - 17)
If you have an Advent wreath, light the first, second, and third candles.

The prayer for this week is:

"Jesus, we gather here as a family to dedicate our lives to you, as John the Baptist did. Help us to know, love, and serve you. As we light this candle, we remember that you bring the light of joy into our lives.  Amen."

Activities for this week:

- Read about John the Baptist, starting with the story of how Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was John's mother.  You can read this in The Children's Illustrated Bible pages 186 - 189.

- Explain that when John grew up, he told everyone about Jesus.  You can read about John as an adult also in The Children's Illustrated Bible, pages 202 - 203.

This prayer talks about the light of joy, which is a wonderful way to think about the love of Christ.  Talk with your children about how you can spread joy this week.  Some ideas:

- Bake cookies for a neighbor.

- Book a time to go to the Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla.  Make a meal or just a dessert for the families staying there.  Here is their website.

- Buy dog and/or cat treats and bring them to the animal shelter.

Any other ideas?  Add them in the comments, below.