1. Create a space for your family to gather for your Advent devotions. Set out an Advent Wreath or Christ candle to light when you gather.
2. Sing/Listen to or read the hymn “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout” You can find the lyrics of this hymn printed in your family’s Advent devotional booklet. There are many versions of this hymn; here are a few your family may enjoy listening to:
Hesston Mennonite Church Choir
Goshen College Chamber Choir
Rory Cooney (Folky Version)
3. Pray, “Open our eyes to both the beauty and the ugliness in our world. Open our ears to the cries of our sisters and brothers in every place. Open our hands to do your work in the world. Open our hearts to feel the pain and joy, the discouragement and hope of all who long for freedom and peace and justice. Open us, today and every day, we pray. “He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good – tears gone, crying gone, pain gone – all the first order of things gone.” (Revelation 21:4) Amen.”
4. Prepare for the Week. As a family, choose and review the Acts of Service you have committed to do during this season. Remember and celebrate what you did last week, and then prepare for what you have chosen to do this week. We also encourage you to review the prayers on your gift tags as you gather during the week.