[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 hope.
Sometimes the world can be a dark and scary place, but we have to hope that God is always with us.
God gave us the gift of Christ, who is a light for us, guiding us into becoming a source of hope for other people in our lives.
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 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 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 in forgiveness offered in the stillness where your voice whispers courage in 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 this evening is entitled Announcing a Baby, and it's taken from Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18 to 25, and Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 to 38.
Whoosh.
Who was that? Mary jumped in surprise and tried to hide.
She was expecting Joseph to visit her to talk about their wedding.
But it wasn't Joseph.
It was an angel named Gabriel with a message from God.
Don't be afraid, Gabriel announced.
I have good news for you.
You will have a baby. His name will be Jesus.
He will be your son.
But he will also be God's son.
How is this possible? Mary asked.
Gabriel answered her.
The Holy Spirit makes all things possible.
Your child will be holy. The Messiah, the Savior for God's people.
Mary was scared, but excited too.
She took a deep breath and stood up tall.
Here I am, she said.
I will love and care for God's son.
Mary rushed to tell Joseph the news.
Joseph tossed and turned in his sleep. He was worried about Mary's news.
Mary was going to have a baby.
God's son.
While Joseph slept, God sent Gabriel to him to bring him a message.
Don't be afraid, gabriel said.
God wants you to care for this baby.
You will name him Jesus.
He will be a descendant of King David, but he will also be a king for God's people.
Joseph woke, amazed by his dream.
Gabriel was gone, but he remembered the good news.
Soon he and Mary would be married.
Together, they would love and care for God's own son.
Let us pray.
Loving God, you cared for Jesus even before he was born.
You prepared his mom and dad so that you would be ready to care for that son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, Lord, we offer prayers tonight that you will also care for us.
That you will prepare our mom and dad to raise us well so that we may know right from wrong, good from evil, and always side on loving others.
Thank you for preparing a home for us and a life of love, care and respect for others.
And we give thee thanks in Jesus name where we find our hope.
Amen.
[00:07:44] Speaker B: Away in a manger no crib for his bed the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head the stars in the bright sky look down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven to live with you there.
[00:09:09] 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.
Bedtime Bible is a podcast produced by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Our story is read from 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.
