Edit: I thought more about what this week would hold, this week where we light the candle of Love. As we grow in anticipation of the day that we celebrate Love coming to us, here, in the form of a small and helpless infant; A baby who would live, play, and grow while always moving toward the ultimate act of love.  As I thought about, I realized that this actions that love brings can not be scripted,  the final preparation of the simple gifts that we will share, the last few bits of baking to be made, the tea party with friends, the clothing to be packed,  the long trip to be made….all of these will be actions of love. They can be rushed through so that we can get to the last big day or they can be savoured and offered with open hands to those who are dearest to me. They can be mixed with reflections of the Love that has been offered to me that I might in turn offer to others.
I suppose my challenge to myself and to others is to love this week. Don’t rush through this final week of advent to get to the Day, but rather live this week of Love with those you are surrounded by.

Week 1: Love

This week focuses on a Father (God) loving his children so completely and on the greatest commandment that we as his children have been given. To love Him and to love others.

Affirmation: You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. (Psalm 118:28)

Prayer: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10)

Reading: Sunday: Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7; Psalm 80:1-7,17-19; Matthew1:18-25   Monday: Luke 1:18  Tuesday: 1 Samuel 3:1-14  Wednesday 1 Samuel 3:15-21 Thursday: Psalm 10:12-18 Friday: Matthew 9:9-13

Lighting: Light the first Candle of Hope: We light this candle to remind us of the hope that we have in Christ; the hope that he brings to the world. Light the candle of Peace to remind us that Jesus brings peace.  Light the third candle: Joy, to remind us that we have Joy through Jesus saving us.

Light the fourth candle to remind us that God loves us and that we are to love others.

Singing: Well we are still singing oh come Emmanuel because that is the one Aneliese chooses all the time.

Action:  Memorize together “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself. (abbreviated version of Matthew 22:37-39, we may just learn Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself).