The Big Idea
Advent is a time of preparation and getting ready for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus coming to live among us. This service explores John the Baptist’s role in making sure the people transformed their lives through repentance, and how we can do the same.
Music
Songs at the start:
- I lift my eyes to see the risen saviour – Joyful Noise, Sam Brewster (Tune: Londonderry Air)
Song in the middle:
- Into the darkness of this world – Maggi Dawn
Song at the end:
- Shine, Jesus Shine – Graham Kendrick
Other songs you could consider:
- Jesus you are changing me – Marilyn Baker
- King of Kings (by Hillsong worship) – Brooke Ligertwood
- Praise is rising – Paul Baloche
- I am a new creation – Dave Bilbrough
- Lord I come to you – Geoff Bullock
- And can it be – Charles Wesley
- Give me oil in my lamp (sing Hosanna)
- On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist Cry – Traditional
- Shine from the inside out – Doug Horley
Activity
Play a whole church game of pass the parcel. Each layer is wrapped in newspaper/bin liner (alternating) with a treasure in the centre. This treasure should include a torch. We used a box of chocolates that could be shared and put the torch inside. As each layer is wrapped there should be a fruit of the spirit found (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).
The point: we need to remove our own layers of rubbish, when we do this the light of God can shine from in our lives as we are gifted with the fruits of the spirit.
Readings
Matthew 3:1-12 (NIV)
Talk
- “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.” Our lives are full. What really matters? What doesn’t?
- Command: Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Our lives should reflect our faith. Fruits of the Spirit?
- Transformation is necessary to live a life of faith – wheat is useless until processed and the chaff removed.
A full talk is available to download.
Response
We had 4 different responses for this service.
- Prayer space – an opportunity for people to reflect, pray and repent. There was the option to be prayed for too.
- Journal sheet – a chance to reflect on how the Fruits of the Spirit can be seen in our lives. This was also made available to take away.
- Wooden baubles – these were purchased pre-cut. We invited people to decorate one side, a reminder that we are transformed. One side was left one side plain, a reminder that transformation is an ongoing process.
- Fruit kebabs – using fruits that need preparing or peeling first (orange, mango, melon, pineapple, banana etc.) – visual and edible reminder of how transformation is essential to produce goodness.
Play: Jesus you are changing me – Marilyn Baker