Shepherds

Light a candle and remember the presence of God is with you.

Cut out the pieces to help you build this story.

More pieces will be added with each story.

Advent is the church season of getting ready for when Jesus will be born. Advent leads to the 12 days of Christmas. Christmas leads to Epiphany at the beginning of January.

Come close to this story that leads us through a special journey during this time of year.

There are many stories and people that prepare us to meet Jesus.

I wonder who we get to meet in today’s story?

Today we get to meet some shepherds. Shepherds are people who spend a lot of time watching, nurturing, and keeping sheep safe when they are outside of their sheepfolds. Shepherds do not have a lot of money and often sleep outside with the sheep.

One night, the shepherds near Bethlehem were awakened by an angel saying, “Do not be afraid! I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people!” Many

other angels joined in the singing, and the shepherds then went to Bethlehem to find the special child the angels sang about.

The fourth candle of Advent represents LOVE. We will place this candle on our wreath and remember the LOVE a shepherd has for his sheep.

The third candle of Advent represents JOY. We will place this candle on our wreath and remember the JOY of expecting God’s special son, Jesus.

The second candle of Advent represents PEACE. We will place this candle on our wreath and remember the PEACE Elizabeth felt when she comforted Mary as they both prepared for special sons.

The first candle of Advent represents HOPE. We will place this candle on our wreath and remember the HOPE Isaiah provided for the people in his time, in Jesus’ time, and in our time.