We Wonder

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:11-24; 8:1-3

Today’s symbol is the ark and the rainbow. In the flood, God washed the earth clean. In baptism, we are washed and given new life.

I wonder what it was like to see the water rising from inside the ark? Can I imagine myself there? I wonder if all of creation looked undone?

I wonder if the wind that blew the waters dry was like the Spirit that moved over the waters in Genesis 1? As the waters dried up, was it like seeing the world being made be made again?

I wonder what new things grew, after the earth dried and the sun came out again?

I wonder what God sees when he looks down on our world today? I wonder what needs to be washed clean and made new? In my town? In my school? In my family? In me?

I wonder what new things God wants to grow in my life? Can I talk to God about that?

Gracious God, you love us too much to let us stay lost and apart. Thank you for keeping your promises, and thank you for the waters of baptism, where you wash away sin and give us new life.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Genesis 3:1-13

Today’s symbol is the serpent and the fruit. When God’s people listened to the serpent instead of God, they sinned. But God loved them so much that he did not leave them alone: God’s Son came to save the people who had turned away.

I wonder what it was like to live in the garden with God? To walk with God? To talk with God? Can I imagine being close to God, too?

I wonder what it felt like, to suddenly be afraid of God? Have I ever wanted to hide from someone who loves me? How does that feel in my body? In my heart?

Are there parts of me what I want to hide from my family? From my friends? From God? Can I believe that God always wants to come find me?

This story ended in a sad place. During Advent, we remember that our world is still broken and sad, and that God has promised to make it right. What needs to be made right in my heart? In my family? In my school? In my city? Can I ask Jesus to come and save?

Holy God, thank you for never letting us go. Thank you that even though people disobeyed, you refuse to stay apart from us. Thank you that you have promised us a Savior. Come and rescue us, and turn our steps so that we walk toward you.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Genesis 1:26-31

Today’s symbol is our planet, Earth. God made the world and everything in it, and God made everything good.

I wonder what is good about the place where I live, and the creation around me? How can I say “thank you” to God?

I wonder why we forget that God gave us this earth as a good gift? How can I help take care of it?

I wonder how I show God’s image to the people around me? Can I say “thank you” to God for making me?

Are there parts inside of me that feel empty or confusing, like the waters before God spoke? I wonder how God’s Holy Spirit is hovering near and looking at those parts of me with love?

I wonder how the people in my family show me something about what God is like? Do I remember that my friends are also made in God’s image? My brothers and sisters, even when we fight? People at school I may not like? I wonder how I can see that every person I meet is special to God?

During Advent, we remember that God came to live in this world and that he will come back to us again. I wonder how I can wait for Jesus during Advent?

Loving God, you made us for yourself. We belong to you. Thank you for this beautiful world, and for the people in it. Help us to take care of it, just as you told us to do. And teach us to always look for your image in other people, and to love them because you do.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Isaiah 11:1-10

Today’s symbol is a tree stump, with a little shoot growing out of the top. This tree stump is a Jesse Tree: it reminds us of Jesus’ family tree, and the family tree of all God’s people.

I wonder what needs to be made right today? In my heart? In my family? In my world?

I wonder how my heart is like a dead tree stump? What in me needs some water, some air, some love?

I wonder how Jesus can grow new things in my heart? In my family? In my friendships? In my world?

I wonder what it will be like, when Jesus’ kingdom comes. Can I imagine a world where a wolf will live with a lamb, and no one will hurt or destroy? Can I imagine a time when everyone knows and trusts God’s love for them? What can I say to God about that time?

I wonder how I can wait for Jesus during Advent? How can I make space for Jesus, and for his kingdom, in my heart? In my life? How can I invite Jesus into my world?

Faithful God, thank you for keeping your promises. Help us see the ways that you are faithful, even when your people are not. Thank you that you are bringing a world where the weak and the strong will live together in peace. Help us wait for your coming, and we pray that these stories of Jesus’ family tree will teach us to be faithful and prayerful as we wait for you to make all things new.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Why do we close in prayer together?

Because we want to hear children share what they wonder about, and to lead us in giving thanks to God.

Why do we reflect on God's good words together?

Because we want to sit with the people who have been the characters in God's saving story, and the witnesses to God's work in the world.

Why do we read God's good words together?

Because the Bible we have is the Bible God wants us to have: when it is hopeful and comforting, and when it is strange and scary! So we enter its world together with wonder.

Why do we wait together during Advent?

Because this season reminds us that we are a waiting people.

We Wonder: Advent will begin on December 1st. New episodes will release every day throughout Advent.

Do you know what the word Advent means? It’s an old word that means “coming,” or “arrival.” Advent is the season when we remember the first time God arrived in our world: he came to live among us as a baby boy born in Bethlehem! And Advent is also the season when wait for Jesus to come again to our world and make everything right.

Each day in Advent, we will remember a special symbol and share a story about the people who waited for Jesus long ago. Join me as we wait together for God.