[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 Mary visits Elizabeth. From Luke, chapter 1, verses 39 to 55.
Mary hummed as she walked to her cousin Elizabeth's house.
She was excited to share the good news with Elizabeth.
Mary was going to have a baby.
Not just any baby. God's son, Jesus.
Mary stood outside Elizabeth's home. Knock, knock, knock.
Elizabeth opened the door.
Elizabeth's belly was big and round.
Even though Elizabeth was much older than Mary, God had blessed her with a child too.
Surprise.
Mary sang.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Mary you are blessed. Elizabeth exclaimed. You will be the mother of God's son. When I heard your voice, my baby jumped for joy inside of me. You are blessed because you heard God's words and believed.
Mary was filled with joy.
She took a deep breath and sang a beautiful song of praise to God.
Day after day, year after year. God is good. Oh, so good. God is always good.
God is doing amazing things. And I am blessed indeed.
Day after day, year after year, God fills us with good things. God's love is wild and fierce. God is turning the world upside down. And so I dance and sing.
Now let us pray.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus and for Mary's wonderful attitude, for the joy she brought to the world and the way she shared her joy with others.
We pray, dear Lord, that we will enjoy moments in our lives that are good, that we will appreciate that all good things come from you.
And so let us sing and dance and have a great time when good things enter our hearts and minds.
Bless us so that we might be a blessing to others.
In Jesus name, Amen.
[00:07:08] Speaker B: Lo How a rose blooming from tender stem has been sprung of Jesse's lineage.
[00:07:26] Speaker A: Coming.
[00:07:29] Speaker B: As is of old hath sprung it came a flow' ret bright amid the coal of winter when half spent was the night Isaiah twas foretold it the rose I have in mind with Mary we beholded the virgin mother kind to show God's love Aright she bore to us a savior when half spit was the night.
This flower whose fragrant stander with sweetness fills the air Dispels with glorious splendour the darkness everywhere to man yet very.
[00:09:21] Speaker A: God.
[00:09:25] Speaker B: From sin and death he saves us and lightens every low.
[00:09:42] 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 career now and always.
Amen.
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.
