Advent week 2

This is the second week of Advent! This week, light the Bethlehem Candle. First light the Prophecy Candle, then the Bethlehem Candle.

The Bethlehem Candle represents the preparations made for the coming Christ child. Bethlehem is an appropriate place to signify preparation because, even though no room was available for Mary and Joseph when they came, God had orchestrated events so that Caesar Augustus called for a census to be taken. Joseph and Mary had to leave Nazareth so that they could register in Bethlehem and the Scriptures below were fulfilled!

Scripture:
Micah 5:2-5
"But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

His goings forth are from long ago,From the days of eternity.

"Therefore He will give them up until the time

When she who is in labor has borne a child.

Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel.

And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the LORD,

In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God.And they will remain,

Because at that time He will be great

To the ends of the earth.

This One will be our peace.

Discussion:
It probably amazed many people that God chose Bethlehem as the place for His Son to be born! A tiny little town, not very important. God chose a humble place for the most extraordinary birth! As a family, think of some things in your life that are ordinary or not important, and how God uses that for his Glory!

Hymn/ Carol:

O Little Town of Bethlehem!

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child,

Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Project:
Make Christmas Ornaments here is one we will make this year:
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/christmas-ornaments?lnc=a489cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=lpg_holiday&lpgStart=1&currentslide=3&currentChapter=1