We Wonder

Genesis 37:3-4; 23-36

Today’s symbol is Joseph’s colored coat. God was with Joseph. Even though his brothers tried to hurt him, God used Joseph to save his family.

I wonder how Joseph’s brothers felt when Jacob gave him that beautiful robe? Has there ever been a time when I felt like someone else was loved more than me? How does that feel on the inside? What do I want to say to God about that feeling?

I wonder how Joseph felt, as he sat at the bottom of that dark, dank well? Or as he was led away to a strange land as a slave, by strangers? Was he afraid? Did he miss his father? Did he call for his mother?

Has there ever been a time when I have been really, really afraid? Has there ever been a time when I felt like nothing good would happen again? Can I let God come close to me and love me, as I remember that feeling?

When Joseph met his brothers, many years later, he forgave them -- not because what they did was okay, but because he knew that God had been with him at every step of the way, from the well, across the desert, and into Egypt. I wonder if there are places in my life where it’s hard to see God with me? What do I want to say to God about those places?

God, you are always with us. God, you are strong. You are always at work, and you can turn evil to good. God, you are forgiving, and you help us to forgive. We love you.

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

Genesis 27:18-35

Today’s symbol shows Jacob’s ladder. God came close to Jacob, even when Jacob ran away.

I wonder how Jacob felt, as he pretended to be his brother and stole Esau’s blessing? I wonder if he was nervous? Triumphant? Afraid of being caught?

I wonder, have I ever wanted something good that belonged to someone else? What does that feel like on the inside? Is there anything I want to say to God about that feeling?

I wonder, has someone else ever taken something good that should have been mine? How did I feel on the inside? How did I act on the outside? Is there anything I want to say to God about that time?

Esau was so angry with his brother that Jacob had to run away and hide. I wonder, have I ever felt like hiding or running away because of something I have done?

When Jacob was running away from his family, God’s blessing went with him. I wonder, can I trust that God is always close to me, even when I feel like running or hiding? Can I tell God thank you for never, ever letting me go?

I wonder if there are times when it feels like the wrong person is getting a blessing. I wonder if sometimes I think I don’t deserve God’s blessing? Can I believe that in Advent, we are waiting for Jesus to come and find everyone who has done wrong and tried to run away?

Ever-present God, you never leave us alone. You remind us, over and over again, that we are a part of your family and that your promises are for us, no matter what we do. Thank you that we belong to you.

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

Genesis 22:3-14

Today’s symbol is a ram. Abraham trusted God, and God was faithful to Abraham. God gave Abraham a ram for a sacrifice, instead of his only son.

I wonder what Abraham felt like on the inside, as he hiked up the mountain with Isaac, the fire, and the wood. I wonder what he said to God?

I wonder if there has been a time when God’s words did not seem good to me? Has there been a time when I felt like God’s promises were coming untrue? What can I say to God about that?

I wonder if there has been a time when I have seen God provide? Can I rest in that moment? How can I carry that moment with me today?

The angel, or messenger, of the LORD said to Abraham, “Now I know that you would do anything for God. You have not held back from me your son, your only son.” In Advent, we wait for God’s only Son, Jesus, who came into the world to live with us and die for us. I wonder: can it be true that God would do anything for us? What can I say to God about this great gift of love?

Generous God, you are our faithful provider. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for all of us. Help us to trust you no matter what, like Abraham did, because you are good.

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

Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-7

Today’s symbol is a sky full of stars. God promised to give Abraham a family larger than the number of the stars.

Can I remember a time when it was hard to wait for something? How did I feel? Can I ask God to stay close to me when I am impatient?

Right now, we are waiting for Christmas. We are also waiting for Jesus to come again, and make everything right. Can I ask Jesus to help me trust his promise to come live with us again?

God gave Abram and Sarai new names, to tell them who they would be. I wonder who God says that I am? Can I trust and believe that I am God’s beloved child?

I wonder if Abraham could imagine just how big God’s promise to him was? Can I say thank you to God that I was a part of this promise, too, long, long ago?

Faithful God, you kept your promise to Abraham and Sarah. You gave them a son. Help us as we wait this Advent for your promised Son. We give you praise because you always keep your promises!

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

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.

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.

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.