This worksheet accompanies our Advent Wreath series, you can find the assembly videos here
You can download the worksheet here

As we begin to turn our thoughts towards the exciting season of Christmas, Christians worldwide take the time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus by celebrating Advent.

Advent means waiting, and for Christians, advent means remembering the time before Jesus was born when God’s people were looking forward to the fulfilment of  the promise of a saviour. Someone who will right all wrongs, mend every broken heart and wipe away every tear, opening arms of love wide for us, what a beautiful source of hope!

In our assembly, we talk about how hope is more than a wishing for something to happen. It’s more of a looking backwards, and looking forwards. Looking back at how God has kept his promises in the past, and looking forward to when He will once again prove his promises true. It’s this hope that keeps Christians going in times of darkness and trouble.

We all face troubles, both in our personal lives and as part of the wider world. I think we would all agree that 2020 in particular has reminded us that life can be challenging in ways we couldn’t see coming. We need hope to carry us through these times. Hope is the strength that keeps us putting one foot in front of the other, that keeps us looking ahead to a brighter, kinder tomorrow.

For Christians, our hope is based on Jesus. He himself is a promise from God that we can trust Him for the future. The words of Isaiah 9:6-7 echo through history as a reminder of God’s faithfulness:

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

Where do you find hope? What/who helps you through life’s challenging times? Where do you find light in the darkness?

Use this weeks downloadable worksheet to spend some time considering the questions above. Colour in the advent candle and write your thoughts in the scroll.