[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 love.
Love is the way God feels about us. Deep, strong and forever.
God loves us when we're happy and when we're sad, when we do things right and when we make mistakes, nothing can make God stop loving us. And when we share kindness, help others and make someone feel cared for, that's God's love shining through us.
Lets do a focusing prayer.
Dear God, in this quiet moment we wait for you.
Like a small candle shining in the dark, your love begins to glow within us.
Help our minds grow still, Help our hearts feel open and help our bodies rest in your presence.
When we feel unsure, let your love surround and comfort us.
When the world feels dim, remind us that your light brings care and warmth.
We wait for you with loving hearts and we rest in your hope, peace, joy and love.
Amen.
I invite you to close your eyes, place your hand 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.
Foreign.
Loving God in this season of Advent, we thank you for the love that rises quietly in our hearts.
A love we cannot create on our own, but one that you pour into us like a warm welcoming light.
We thank you for the care that grows even when we do not notice it, for the love that surpr 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, in kindness shared and forgiveness offered in the silence where your voice whispers comfort to 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 Bible story tonight is very special.
It's Jesus is born from Luke chapter 2, verses 1 to 20.
Mary and Joseph packed quickly.
They needed to go to Bethlehem to be counted by the Emperor.
Mary was worried. Where would they stay?
Joseph was concerned.
Would they be gone a long time?
Mary and Joseph were both excited.
Soon their son Jesus would be born.
Bethlehem was crowded with people. Knock knock. Mary and Joseph knocked on door after door.
There was nowhere for them to stay.
Squeeze.
Mary grabbed Joseph's hand tight.
The baby was coming.
That night, Mary gave birth to a tiny baby.
It was Jesus.
Joseph found a simple wooden manger for Jesus bed.
Mary wrapped her newborn son tightly in cloth and laid him on the golden hay.
The baby Jesus yawned with his tiny mouth.
Joseph touched his tiny fingers.
Mary looked at his tiny wrinkled face and smiled.
In a nearby field, shepherds watched the starry sky. In the quiet night, a bright light flashed.
The shepherds jumped and the angel appeared.
The shepherds tried to hide, but don't be afraid, the angel said.
I have good news tonight. The Messiah was born. God's son has come to be with you. His name is Jesus.
A choir of angels filled the sky. The shepherds were amazed.
The angel's song echoed across the hills.
Glory to God.
Peace on earth.
The shepherds hurried to see Jesus.
Then they raced across the hills shouting the good news.
Jesus is born.
And now let us pray.
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.
[00:07:21] Speaker B: What child is this who lay to to rest on Mary's lap asleeping Whom angels greet with anthem sweet While shepherds watch are keeping this this is Christ the King whom shepherds, God and angels sing has stays to bring him Lord the Babe, the son of Mary so bring him incense, gold and myrrh Come peasant king to own the King of kings salvation brings Let loving hearts enthrone him this this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing Haste has to bring him love the Babe, the son of Mary.
[00:09:31] 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.
[00:10:06] Speaker C: 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.
[00:10:39] Speaker A: Sam.
