A guide to Advent Week Two: LOVE | Dec 8 - 14

During week two, we light the Bethlehem candle and think about the LOVE of Christ.

Read aloud or meditate on this week’s Scripture Reading each time you light the first two of your Advent candles this week. Fill your home or car with music from this week’s playlists. And scroll down for ideas for actively observing and expressing LOVE this week.

 

Week two Scripture Reading

- The Word of the Lord from Micah 5 -

But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from ancient times.

- and from Luke 2 -

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. . . and everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the child to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

 

ideas for observing and expressing LOVe this week

  • Copy Philippians 2:1-11 by hand, meditating on the example of Christ's love, expressed in humility. This could be an individual journaling project, or it could be a creative household activity, with each member writing a section, and the finished product displayed for all to enjoy. Involve young children by outlining block letters for the word “love” for them to work on coloring throughout the week. 

  • Take time to speak love to the Lord, family, and friends near and far. Consider making a phone call, writing a letter, or having a coffee date with someone and voice the words "I love you."

  • Follow Christ's example in acts of love toward others, especially those who are not able or do not want to reciprocate. Do loving things for others simply because Christ loves us. Open a door; carry groceries; smile at a cashier; leave a generous tip at the restaurant. If time allows, volunteer for a few hours with one of our local ministry partners. Offer to help a WPC family with childcare. Assist an older WPC member with seasonal chores or preparing their home for holiday guests.

  • Catch each other expressing love in word or action, and name it. Share these examples with a friend or around the dinner table. Consider starting the discussion by asking, “How did someone show love to you today?” or “How did you show love to someone else today?” 

love-Filled music

Listen to songs of LOVE throughout the week.