This article is from Issue 33 of “On The Move,” a publication of new learning possibilities for churches, at one time published by The Joint Board of Christian Education of Australia and New Zealand.
Although some ideas and liturgies may appear somewhat “dated” in style, concept, imagery or language, they may nevertheless offer a spring-board for new ideas among people who find themselves leading worship, perhaps in a new context, and with some trepidation.
Reproduced by permission. May be reprinted for use in local congregations only.
CELEBRATE ADVENT TOGETHER by John Phillipson
An outline for an all-ages-together event to celebrate the significance of the coming of the Christ child for the people of God.
Bible Passage used Isaiah 11:1
Teaching Theme Preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.
1. ON ARRIVAL
Name tags were supplied and people were invited to sit around tables in the hail on which were placed the materials to make symbols for a Jesse Tree.
2. LEARNING TIME
An explanation based on Isaiah II:1 was given about the symbolism of the Jesse Tree.
3. ACTIVITY TIME
Each table of participants prepared four symbols (making as many of them as they wished) representing different ancestors of Jesus. These symbols would during worship be placed on the stark bare branches of ‘the Jesse tree’ which has been erected in the sanctuary.
Abraham — star (Genesisis 15:1—6)
Sarah — child (Genesis 21:1—8)
Isaac — lamb (Genesis 22:1-4)
Rebecca — water jug (Genesis 24:13-20)
Jacob — ladder (Genesis 28:1—22)
Rachel and Lcah — seven (Genesis 29:15—20)
Judah — camel (Genesis 37:12—28)
Ruth— sandal (Ruth 4)
David— harp (1 Samuel 15:14—23)
Solomon — crown (1 Kings 3:1—15)
Josiah — scroll (II Kings 22:8—29)
Joseph — saw (Matthew 1:18—25)
Mary—manger (Luke 2:1—7)
Jesus — cross (Matthew 15:32)
4. CLOSING ACTIVITIES
Song, ‘The king of glory comes’.
Benediction (with everyone joining hands).
Worship began with the lighting of an Advent candle. Then followed a hymn, prayers, an anthem, a baptism and Old and New Testament readings — each in their own way proclaiming the hope of the people of God ‘Come thou long expected Jesus’. A liturgical recalling of the history of the people of God (a reader described in two or three sentences some of the reasons for remembering one of the biblical characters and the people responded with the words ‘Come Lord Jesus’- another character — and the same response…) and the concurrent decoration of the Jesse tree led up to the joyful processional. ‘The king of glory comes, the nation rejoices’. During the singing of this hymn the choir and children with percussion instruments processed around the church.