Pink Bead – The Three Wise Men:

The three kings, the magi were very clever. The thing they knew most about was the stars. They saw a star that moved around the night sky, so they followed it. The star came to rest over Bethlehem, where the King of kings was born. The kings entered the stable and offered their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. By the time the Three Wise Men arrived it was January, the celebrations have begun, so the white of celebration mixes with the purple of getting ready, the bead for the Magi is pink.

I wonder what shows you that Jesus is born? I wonder what gift you would bring to the baby Jesus? I wonder if how celebration and getting ready are mixing together for you? I wonder if you are ready for the Mystery of Christmas?

Lord, come so close to me that I can follow you. Help me to bring all that I am to you . Amen.

Prayer Bead:

Take time to be still. Listen to the stillness. The King of kings is near. What shines like the star to show you where the Christ Child is born?

Lord, help us to be ready. Make us ready to see things along the way and to listen to those who share our advent journey. Amen

THE CHRISTMAS CROSS:

The Christ Child is born. The heavens and the earth rejoice. The Good News of Christmas is that God is no longer far off, but lives among us. Wherever you go you can come close to the light of the Christ Child. That is the mystery of Christmas. And the birth of Jesus begins a sto-ry that will bring life to all people.

I wonder what will be special for you on Christmas Day? I wonder what the mystery of Christmas feels like for you?

Advent Prayer Beads

Start with the prayer bead between the cross and the purple bead.

Purple is the colour for getting ready. It is the colour of Advent.

Prayer Bead:

Take time to be still, to get ready. We are going on a journey to a special place. We will have people to join us on our journey. They are travelling too, travelling to Bethlehem to see the King. We are getting ready to greet the King who has already been. That is very strange, mysterious and very special.

Lord, help us to be ready. Make us ready to see things along the way and to listen to those who share our advent journey. Amen

Purple Bead – The Prophets:

Prophets are people who came so close to God and God came so close to them, that they knew what was important. They knew something important was to happen in Bethlehem. They said “stop, wait, pay attention, get ready!”

I wonder what it feels like when God comes so close?

Lord, come so close to me that I know what is important. Help me not to miss the mystery of Christmas in the “busy-ness” of these days. Amen

Prayer Bead:

Take time to be still. Listen to the stillness. God is near. What is it that God tells you is important?

Lord, help us to be ready. Make us ready to see things along the way and to listen to those who share our advent journey. Amen

Purple Bead – The Holy Family:

Here we meet the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph and the Donkey. They are headed to Bethlehem to be counted by the Roman soldiers. It is not good timing, Mary is about to have a baby and it is not easy for her to travel. She will be tired when they enter Bethlehem and they will find nowhere to stay. They will spend their time in a stable among the animals.

I wonder what they remember most about this journey? I wonder what it was really like in the stable?

Lord, come so close to me that I can travel with you. Help me to prepare a place to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer Bead:

Take time to be still. Listen to the stillness. God is near. What is it that Mary and Joseph heard in the stable in Bethlehem?

Lord, help us to be ready. Make us ready to see things along the way and to listen to those who share our advent journey. Amen

Purple Bead – The Shepherds:

The Shepherds were watching over their flocks by night when an Angel came and told them to go to Bethlehem to see the baby born in a stable. The angels sang for the shepherds to hear. Then the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found the baby lying in a manger.

I wonder what it sounds like to hear angels singing? I wonder what the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem was like? I wonder what they said on the way back to their sheep?

Lord, come so close to me that I can hear the song of the angels. Help me to travel with expectation and excitement towards Christmas day. Amen. Prayer Bead: Take time to be still. Listen to the stillness. God’s angels are near. What good news do they have for you? What is the song they sing?

Lord, help us to be ready. Make us ready to see things along the way and to listen to those who share our advent journey. Amen