[00:00:04] Speaker A: Welcome to a special Advent episode of Bedtime Bible.
My name is Pastor Scott and I will lead you in a time to rest in God's presence in prayer, story and song. As we prepare for sleep.
Tonight, we will focus on the word peace.
Peace is the special calm that God puts in our hearts.
It's like when everything inside you feels quiet and safe, even when the world around you is busy and noisy.
Peace is knowing that God loves you, God is with you, and God will take care of you.
Peace is God's soft, steady light that helps us feel calm, kind and brave.
Now let's begin a focusing prayer.
Dear God, in this quiet moment we wait for you.
Like a small candle shining in the dark, your hope grows gently inside us.
Help our minds grow still.
Help our hearts feel open and help our bodies rest in your presence.
When we feel unsure, help us feel hope as a trusted companion.
When the world feels dim, remind us that your light is coming.
We wait for you with peaceful hearts and we find rest in your love.
Amen.
Now let's take some calming breaths and prepare.
I invite you to close your eyes, place your hands on your stomach and feel the breath moving into your body and then being slowly released.
As you breathe in, imagine a small candle flame glowing in the center of the room.
As you breathe out, imagine its warm light filling the room.
Now pray with me the prayer of thanksgiving.
Loving God in this season of Advent, we thank you for the hope that rises quietly in our hearts.
A hope we do not create for ourselves, but one that you plant in us like a small hidden seed.
We thank you for the light that grows even when we cannot see it. For the peace that settles upon upon us in moments we cannot explain.
And for the quiet assurance that you are always drawing near.
Thank you for the signs of your presence that appear in ordinary moments and kindness shared and forgiveness offered in the stillness where your voice whispers courage into our souls.
Teach us to wait with open hands and trusting hearts, knowing that your love is already at work within us and around us.
Amen.
Our story tonight is Malachi's words and.
[00:04:22] Speaker B: It is taken from Malachi.
[00:04:24] Speaker A: Chapter 3, verses 1 to 4.
[00:04:29] Speaker B: Whose messenger am I?
God's messenger.
When I open my mouth, God speaks. My words are God's words.
God called many messengers before me. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Jonah. Just to name a few.
We are all called prophets.
I am also called my messenger.
I delivered many messages to God's people, the Israelites.
Sometimes the Israelites forgot to follow God's commandments.
Sometimes they forgot how to worship God.
So God asked me to be a messenger, to remind them.
This is what I told them.
Listen up.
God has a message for you.
It's time to get ready. God promised you a Messiah. And the Messiah will come.
But you aren't ready.
You break God's commandments.
You work on the Sabbath.
You steal and lie.
Stop what you're doing and change like soap makes cloth clean.
God will make you clean like fire purifies silver.
God will purify you.
All your mistakes will be washed away.
God will forgive all your sins.
God will forgive everyone.
Prepare the way.
Follow God's commandments.
Be kind to each other, share your things and love your neighbors.
Then you'll be ready for God's Messiah.
[00:06:27] Speaker A: Let us pray.
Dear God, none of us are perfect.
We've made mistakes.
A part of us isn't ready for the Messiah's coming.
So prepare us now.
Allow us to come before you asking forgiveness when we've done bad things, when we've hurt others, when we've been selfish.
Whatever we've done, wash us clean.
Purify us.
And we ask, dear Lord, that you will continue to prepare a way so that we will find the Messiah and receive the greatest gift of all, your eternal love.
And for that, we give the thanks in Jesus name, Amen.
[00:07:31] Speaker C: Of the Father's love begotten ere the worlds began to be he is Alpha and Omega he the source, the ending.
[00:07:56] Speaker A: Ye.
[00:08:00] Speaker C: Of the things that are that.
[00:08:03] Speaker A: Have.
[00:08:06] Speaker B: Been.
[00:08:09] Speaker C: And that future year shall.
[00:08:13] Speaker A: See.
[00:08:16] Speaker C: Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heaven, adore him angel, host his praises Sing all dominions Bow before him and extol our God and King Let no tongue on earth be silent Every voice in concert ring ever more and ever more.
[00:09:52] Speaker A: Let's pray together.
Gracious God, as the night falls and we close our eyes, bless our sleep with your peace.
Surround our family with your love.
Calm our thoughts and give us rest for tomorrow.
Keep us safe in your care now and always.
Amen.
[00:10:28] Speaker D: Bedtime Bible is a podcast produced by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Our story is read from the World Kids Story Bible published by Sparkhouse. Narration is by Pastor Scott.
Music and sound design is by Aaron Schultz.
For more content from Westminster, visit us on the
[email protected] God's peace, joy and love be with you today and every day.
Good night and see you next time.
