Prince of Peace

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The similarities between the world Jesus entered over 2,000 years ago and the world we live in now are rarely- if ever- seen to have any similarities.  As very different as the time periods may be, one thing hasn’t changed.  That is our need for a Savior…a Savior that brings peace.  Regardless of one’s views on hot topics like gun control and refugees entering our country, we can all agree that peace is what we long for.  Our Savior is the Prince of Peace. If we can somehow- even in the midst of conflict and fear-remember that, then we will experience the peace that is promised to us always and in ALL ways. 
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

This Week’s Announcements:
1. Christmas Services and Times:Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School.  This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary.  This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.  *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
2. Special Information for Sunday, December 27th: As we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus- (we don’t stop celebrating on Dec. 25th), we will enjoy a fun “still celebrating” kind of day in PathFinders on Sunday, Dec. 27th.  Please read below to find out what is happening in your child’s room/area. 
For 3k and under: Children are welcome to come to church like it’s Christmas morning, complete with wearing their PJ’s to church! 
For 4k&Kindergaten: Our morning will look a little different than other Sunday mornings because our small group leaders will be enjoying a much deserved rest.  This doesn’t mean we are taking a break from reading God’s Word or worship!  Along with reading the Christmas story, we will do games, crafts, and watch a classic Christmas movie.  Also- to make it a more relaxed and fun day, 4k&K children are welcome to wear their PJ’s to church on Sunday.   (That’s right…you don’t have to get them dressed before church!  That’s our little after Christmas gift to you!)
For 1st-5th grade: Our morning will look a little different than other Sunday mornings because our small group leaders will be enjoying a much deserved rest.  This doesn’t mean we are taking a break from reading God’s Word or worship!  Our theme for the day will be “every good gift.”  Every child loves to have “show and tell” about the good gifts they received for Christmas.  So…to go along with our theme for the day, we’ll share our own good gifts.  Your 1st-5th grader is welcome to bring ONE gift they received for Christmas. Please make sure you’ve approved what they are bringing AND that it is somehow labeled with their name. 
**Two rules: 1.) Make sure it’s an appropriate toy to have in a group.  No “weapon” related toys or anything bigger than what they can easily carry themselves.  2.) They are responsible for whatever they bring.  
**Please note these two things for clarification:
- The PJ option is only open to children up through Kindergarten. (1st-5th should be dressed as normal)
- If your 4k/K child would like to bring a show-n-tell “gift” because an older sibling is doing so, please know that we trust your parental wisdom on this. Think about these things: Is your child okay with others touching their new toy? Are they responsible enough to not mix their toy up (and risk losing) with other toys in the room, etc.?
3. Attention Kindergarten – 2nd grade PathFinders: Grab your PJ's, your robe, your slippers, and your pillow....It's time for our annual PILLOW AND POP! PARTY.  Friday, January 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in our 164 space.  Registration is required and is only open until Monday, January 4th.  Click the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-pillownpop

What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week.  This week’s verse:
 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you.  Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next.  *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season.  Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 21-25)
Dec. 21st- Matthew 2:7-8
Dec. 22nd- Matthew 2:9-12
Dec. 23rd- Matthew 2:19-23
Dec.24th- John 1:14
CHRISTMAS DAY- Luke 2: 1-20

Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent!  This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/