In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God—John 1:1-1
#Advent Day 1
Tag: advent
Santa Hat Prayer
God,
You know that every year,
around Thanksgiving,
My advent prayer looks like a Santa Hat–
(and yes I cheat and start earlier)
You know which one I mean.
The really real one,
deep red one that got last minute at a drugstore,
that I can no longer find anywhere
that one I spent $6 Freshman year of college…
Way too close to 9/11,
This hat was a promise that
somehow
despite the exams, the terrorism, the depression and the needless war
Christmas would come that year
And that Christianity didn’t have to look like
whatever it looked like on the news that year…
(and honestly how its looked since then too)
I wear that prayer on my head
and Holy Spirit only you know how it is I haven’t lost that hat in the following twenty years
I have tried to buy another hats, similar hats, but its never worked, and always return to this one–worn throughout Thanksgiving til Christmas.
Somedays, I forget I am wearing the Santa hat, til someone flashes a smile, or compliments me,
or calls me Mrs Claus, And then I wink and tell them I’m actually Santa
And when Children ask why I wear the hat, I say its because I get to teach about Christmas because I’m a Pastor
and it reminds me…
why I do all of this.
Last year, it was a relief to wear it some as things slowly opened,
this year, I suspect that it will be more defiant,
as Covid rages on, and humans are not my favorite beings
at the moment.
But I’ll be here,
wearing a prayer,
like hope, peace, joy and love
upon my head–
Thank God for twenty years of Santa hats–
and all the pieces of prayers that we wear on our hearts
today and everyday.
Give us all the pieces of prayers you can this season
I pray
Amen.
Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta
Advent Prayer for Families that don’t Talk
TW: This is not meant to excuse Toxic/Abusive Behavior (more at the end)
God this is a prayer
for all the family members
who aren’t talking to one another
because I have that right now…
on both sides…and I get that
and honestly, all the sides have some kinds of points
Some bigger, and some smaller…
but it’s really not my job to sort
And the reality is, because it’s a family thing
everyone is involved
(parents, adult children, the adult sibs of course and the niflings* tangentially)
And everyone is just so sad
and angry…that we all know the truth
that no one is going to win
because it’s not really a fight right now
Just a sea of disappointment, and tears
and it hurts to talk about it
and it hurts more not to…
So this is a prayer for the holidays,
for all those family members who have lost touch
or haven’t talked
or can’t talk this year
Because, you know God,
(and maybe only you know God)
what is really going on there.
And it’s times like these, I think that this is why
we don’t read the prodigal son, coin, sheep parables at Christmas–
because even though that are exactly what Christmas is all about
they hurt too much–
they, Holy Spirit here it comes,
hit too close to home.
So sit with us God, the broken families,
wishing our families were whole again,
and help us as the time of advent
waiting
becomes all too real,
again,
we pray.
Amen.
Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta
*Gender Neutral term for nieces and nephews, Nibling is much more common but I like the sound of nifling
Additional Note: Please Note this is not meant to be an excuse or apology for toxic or abusive family members. Also sometimes the only protection some people have is to walk away from family, even if some people miss them. If you need to do that I encourage you to do so! In family systems the only person you can work on is yourself and so a safe action to do is break away from your family system to do the work. Holy Spirit help you if that is the hard work you need to get done. I’m praying this prayer for me and the work I need to do–and not for pity.
Advent: Praying for Justice Again, God, Cause we Can’t Do it Alone
Not on Our Watch Lord,
We tried to say last summer,
as we rallied together and chanted Black Lives Matter
And bought books by Blacks, and resourced Mutual Aid, and made hearty promises.
Not on our watch, as whispers came to defund the police,
and we spoke about what injustice really meant and statues of Southern Rebels Toppled-
But then God,
The couple who threatened marchers got a fine,
and marchers got run over again and again by a car
and the President called both sides very fine people.
And today a colleague is engaging in the Holy Practice of Despair Dishwashing,
Rage Cleaning
and Sweary Laundry…
and Perhaps some Sadness Sweeping…
because even as the good news of Union wins, Bills for the poor and Julius Jones
being saved from unjust execution at the last second–the victories are too few and far between.
Christ I this is why I need Christmas.
Every
Single
God
Blessed
Year.
Because
I need to remember that you
And not White Supremacy reigns
And that you come to conquer the Imperial tendencies of humanity
And that it’s not, “Not on our watch”
but not on YOUR watch
You defeat ALL evil
With Justice and Mercy and Peace
Every Time
and you how do you do it?
With tiny Baby.
Sweet Baby Jesus.
I am ready,
Let’s do this Justice thing.
And practice it again,
Til we imperfect humans get it right, I pray.
Until we see that injustice anywhere hurts everyone everywhere.
I’ll be waiting,
with tears in my eyes,
cleaning coping mechanisms in my hands
and peace words on my breath.
Let’s Go God!
Amen.
Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta
As always, if my prayers touch you, feel free to support my work by throwing $5, $10, $20 towards my 2nd year of Doctorate in Creative Writing, because January is Coming up Fast. Thank you.
Advent 3 Full of God’s Word Narrative Lectionary Year 4
Call to Worship
I wait for the Lord
My soul waits, for with God is the power to redeem!
I wait for God, more than those who are waiting for the morning
Come, let us wait for the joy that comes with God!
Confession: God, I confess that sometimes I confuse abiding joy with the fleeting feeling of happiness. Sometimes I forget the you are working for joy to the entire world. You want every single person to be able to experience security–food, shelter, companionship. I confess that I am not always working towards that goal. Help me to build a kingdom where everyone can experience deep and abiding joy. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: God loves us and forgives us. Let proclaim the joy with truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgive.
Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God, let us remember that our God is a God of Joy. Our God does not dictate unnecessary suffering, but instead wants love and peace. Help us to hold onto that we pray. Amen.
Hymns: See Advent Candle Suggestions
Children: Talk about the difference between Joy and Happiness. Talk about who might be good examples of people who have joy.
If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
Advent 2 Full of Purpose Narrative Lectionary Year 4
Full Bulletin by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl
Call to Worship:
God we are thirsty for you.
Come Holy Spirit, fill us up.
God we long for peace
Come Christ, we long for your Peace.
God we are ready.
Come let us spend some time with God today.
Jesus we are here longing for you
Prayer of Confession: God we are thirsty for your presence, because we know when we get it our purpose will become clear, and our need to pursue and accumulate anything and everything will disappear, and we will finally, finally be at peace. But God, we confess, we are not at peace yet, we continue to thirst for more, we continue long for all that we do not yet possess. Forgive us, and help us to see the feast you set before us and to be satisfied, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: Christ’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, we are already forgiven. Let us glory in the good news; In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Prayer of Dedication/Day: God you are enough. Let us remember and dedicate ourselves to you today and everyday we pray. Amen.
Hymns: See Advent Candle Suggestions
Children
If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
Advent 1 Full of Prophesy/Life Narrative Lectionary Year 4
Call to Worship
Call to Worship
God you know our questions before we even ask them, we are struggling this year, can these bones live, only you know
And you reassure us, saying that you will send us the Word we need
Give us the word of Hope, we need
Come let us gather around the Word of the Lord
Confession: God, we confess that we do not know if these bones can live. Sometimes, we cannot even ask the questions about resurrection. We are too busy struggling along. We confess that we are weary to bone. Weary of the evils of the weary, weary of injustice, weary of illness, weary of sorry. We confess that we forget to ask for hope. Forgive us, and teach us to see and know that you are already at work in the world. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: Jesus Christ is the Hope of the World, assuring us of the truth that we can tell one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven
Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God, the struggle is real, because you are already here, making things happen. Remind us of your presence, from our first breath. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit, and encourage us as we need it we pray. Amen.
Hymns: See Advent Candle Suggestions
Children: Read Emily Dickon’s Hope is a many feathered Thing Poem. Discuss what kids Hope for.
If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
Advent Candles Year 4 Narrative Lectionary
Advent Candle Suggestion: In our Church we do Candles as our Children’s Time, We have our small collection of children light the candles youngest to eldest (whoever is there), those who haven’t gone go first. It is impromptu, not planned. It saves on having to schedule and ensures that the candles are lit and we spend children’s time explaining the meaning of the candle and how it relates the story of the week. If you don’t have children, I bet you could do this with your deacons as well.
Week 1: Hope/Prophesy
God you whisper to us, when we dare not hope suggesting to us the impossible
Mortal do you think these bones can live?
God it is in your multitude of knowledge, that we say the answer back to you, you know
Speak hope to the bones
We will speak hope together
Come let us speak the hope of the Holy Spirit today, and Live!
Lighting Hymns: Live Into Hope, Taize: Bless the Lord my Soul, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (v. 1)
Week 2: Peace/Purpose
God promises that all those who thirsts will drink, all those who hunger will be fed
Come, the banquet is set, all are invited
Truly peace shall reign, for everyone shall have enough
Come, and listen, so that you may live. I will make you an everlasting covenant
Who wants to taste and See the Lord?
Come, let us practice this peace today and everyday
Lighting Hymns: Comfort Comfort You My People, Taize Nada the Turbe, O Come O Come Emmanuel v. 3, God of Peace (to the tune of Silent Night)
Week 3: Joy/God’s Word
God we are ready for your Word
The Word was with God, and the Word was God
Your joy shines through troubles, more than just happiness, God’s Word is life sustaining Joy!
All things come to being through God, and without God not one thing came into being.
Each of us have a spark of that joy within us!
Come let us renew our joy with God!
Hymns: O Come O Come Emmanuel v. 2, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 2 & 3, Joy to the World Taize: The Kingdom of God, O Come All Ye Faithful
Week 4: Love/Good News
Hymns: The First Nowell, What Child is This
God we are thankful you unleashed your love into the world
Good News has come
There is nothing like the love of God
Filling the world with good news
Reminding us that hope, joy and peace are possible, fulfilling the promises of the covenant
Come let us whisper that God is coming soon!
Hymn Suggestions: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 1 & 4, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus v 3 & 4, O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go, Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Taize: Magnificat
Christmas
All is well, Christ is here
Hear the Good News of Great Joy.
Christ has come, the baby is here!
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Guardian, the Heir of Peace!
Come let us worship the Lord
Glory to God, One Earth Peace, and Goodwill towards humankind!
If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
Full of Justice, A Radical Advent Calendar for Narrative Lectionary
One is plain and one has the line drawing, I would send both.
For a pdf version of this that you can overlay and fold to open, please email me at Katyandtheword at gmail.com and I will happily send you a copy! (Subject Line: Advent Calendar)
If find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
Fullness of God/Fulfilled by God Advent Kit
Supplies: Week 1: Pen and Paper, Week 2: Favorite Beverage, Week 3: Candle, Week 4: Candle again Christmas: Note from Week 1
Week 1 Full of Prophesy
Reading
Ezekiel 37:1-14
37The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” 7So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. 9Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. 11Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.
Activity: Write a Note to Yourself, something you want to hang onto throughout the season. It can be a hope, a feeling, a promise from God. Keep it simple and straightforward.
Week 2 Full of Purpose
Reading
Isaiah 55:1-13
55 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
6Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Activity: God has purpose for us and we shall not come away empty. Take 10 minutes with your favorite beverage and take the time to savor that fact that God has purpose for you. Surely a God who has given us so many good things to eat, has good plans for us to fulfill.
Week 3 Full of God’s Word
Reading
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Activity: Light a Candle and think about how you’ve heard God’s word or seen it fulfilled this week. Where have you seen God in action? Or maybe God is calling you to fulfill God’s word, and you need to take a moment to figure it out.
Week 4: Full of Good News
Reading
Luke 2:1-14
2In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
Activity: Light the candle again if you wish. What is a sign of Good News Today? Have you heard or seen good news? Was it online? A story from a friend? Where was the good news? Did you tell that good news to someone else as well? Think about how you hear and tell good news. Did you forget to share it? Can you tell the story to someone? Do you have someone you can count on to tell good news to or to give you good news? Who are the Good News angels in your life.
Christmas: Full of Christ
Reading Luke 2: 15-20
hen the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Activity: Take out the card you wrote on, reflect on how God moved with you through the season. Does being full of Christ today make you think differently about what you wrote? Would you change it? Did you go in a different direction than you thought? Did God teach you something? This is your note, scribble, doodle and make notes on it as needed.
Feel free to Email me at Katyandtheword at gmail for a doc version of this Kit
If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!
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