Advent Guide Activity:
Read: “It is written, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.’” – John 16:33
Say: What does the word peace mean?
Do: Let them answer. Below are some examples.
Preschool Definition: Peace is when all is quiet, and you feel safe.
Elementary Definition: Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility; mental calm; freedom from or the end of war or violence.
Examples (if they can’t think of any): Peace is the quiet of the first falling snow, when you cannot hear the sounds of the busy city. Peace is snuggling with your mom or dad. Peace is quiet rest after a long day of play. Peace is talking with God.
Do: Parents and Caregivers will make one “coupon” and kids will make another. Write on the adult one: “One hour of…(e.g.., walking, reading with my child.) with (child’s name).” Children will make a coupon which reads, “I will give my mother or father one hour of peace while I do a chore, e.g.., clean my room, rake leaves. (Children 4 or 5 years old can draw a picture of a parent in a separate room and them doing a chore in another room or outside).
Do: Gather together at the end of the week and discuss how doing this activity gave you peace.
Family Advent Reading:
Do: Grab your candles either from your swag bag or a white or purple candle from around the house.
Say: “Today we remember the candle of HOPE and light the second candle of Advent which represents PEACE. As Paul wrote: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Col. 3:15) May fighting in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved. May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives, and then give to us courage to follow them. Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.”
Do: Light the purple candle together.