Are You Ready? Advent, Week 1

Read: Mark 13: 24-37 (35-37)
Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Sing: Barnyard Bantering

Do: Pigs Surprise!
Cut out the pictures of the Three Little Pigs (p.12-13). Use the cards to tell the story. After you’ve finished the story, mix the pictures up. Work together to put the pictures of the story in the correct order.

Read:
"Make Room!" says Pig.
I love surprises! Most of the time, like for birthdays or parties, surprises can be really fun.
But sometime it's not good to be caught by surprise. Two of the little pigs sure weren’t ready when the wolf came!
Even the animals at the manger had to hurry and make room for a very special guest to their house because very few people were ready for their savior to come as a little baby. No one had room for Jesus to be born -- he had to be born in a barn with all the animals! But Jesus came anyway. And there was space among the stalls for this holy child.
Later, when Jesus was older, he told people to be ready for when He comes again. We may not know the time or the place, but we can be sure He's coming because He promised us. We need to follow the advice of our four legged friends -- open the door ajar, butt aside the rig and make room for Jesus.

Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for blessing us with surprises. Please help us to be ready for your arrival. Amen.

Respond: How can you help your family get ready for welcoming Jesus? Think of something that you are expected to do to help around the house. Do you sweep the floor? Or do you take out the trash? Do more than expected! Help Mom fold laundry. Or pickup your toys without being asked. Enjoy the surprise your family will feel.