Advent: A Time for Waiting

What kinds of feelings do you have while waiting for a special event or celebration? What kinds of things do you do to prepare for the event? The people of Israel waited many centuries for a special event—the birth of the Messiah. During the Advent season we can learn from their experience of hope.

For this project, you and your partner will be able to use PowerPoint/Keynote or Prezi. (If you choose to learn how to use Prezi, I will teach you.) You may choose from one of two projects. Your project will be due ______

Option 1:

1) Choose one group of the follow readings. These are the first readings from the four Sundays of Advent in each of the three liturgical years.

Group 1

Isaiah 2:1–5
Isaiah 64:3–7

Jeremiah 33:14–16

Isaiah 11:1–10

Group 2

Isaiah 40:1–5

Baruch 5:1–9

Isaiah 35:1–6

Isaiah 61:1–2

Group 3

Zephaniah 3:14–18

Isaiah 7:10–14
2 Samuel 7:8–11

Micah 5:1–4

Pick the most hopeful line from each reading from the group of readings you chose. Illustrate each hopeful line that will represent each week of Advent. You will take a picture of each hand-drawn picture (in color) and include it into your presentation. Make sure each slide for this part includes your hopeful line, your illustration, and the bible passage book, chapter, and verse.

2) Include a brief explanation of the history of the Advent wreath and the symbolism behind the wreath itself and each candle. There is a handout you can use to help you with this, but you must write your paragraphs in your own words.

3) Write a prayer for each week of Advent. There are examples in a handout that you can use to help guide you. You must write your own prayer.

Option 2:

1) Read the following bible passages:

Luke 1:5–24(Zechariah)
Luke 1:26–38 (Mary and the angel)
Luke 1:39–56 (Mary visits Elizabeth)

Matthew 1:18–24 (Joseph and the angel)

Luke 1:57–80 (Birth of John the Baptist)

Luke 2:1–20 (Birth of Jesus)
Matthew 2:1–12 (Visit of the Wise Men)

Luke 2:21–40 (Presentation of Jesus)

Matthew 2:13–21 (Flight into Egypt)

Retell the following stories in a way that will be entertaining and easy for children to understand. To do this, you will need to read each story several times. Record each retelling. (I will help you do this.) Include each recording in your presentation.

2) Illustrate each story to go with your retelling. You will take a picture of each hand-drawn picture (in color) and include it into your presentation.

3) Write a prayer that shows our hope as we wait for Christ’s birth. There is an example in a handout that you can use to help guide you. You must write your own prayer.