# Advent 2009 – A Joyful Journey: Awaiting the Dawn
*2009-12-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the fourth week of Advent, sharing a prayer, a simple outdoor activity, and a traditional hymn to help families await the coming of Christ.

## Opening Prayer

We begin with a prayer from the Advent booklet:

"Lord, as you were born in our world on Christmas Day, we pray: be born in us, be born in our families today. Amen."

## A Short Reflection on Light and Hope

It’s the shortest day of the year, yet it reminds us that even in darkness the light of Christ shines. I encourage everyone to step outside, bundle up, and spend at least fifteen minutes in fresh air, facing the sun if you can. A brisk walk in the bright light lifts the spirit and prepares our hearts for the coming dawn.

## Today's Advent Activity

Write the number five in the words of the fifth verse of the hymn we’ll sing. Then gather the children and sing a simple, traditional Advent song:

"Oh come, O Emmanuel, arise, O rise, O rise!"

The melody is easy for kids, and the words remind us that the promised Messiah will break through the darkness.

## Traditional Hymn: “O Come, O Emmanuel”

We sing together:

"O come, O Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel;"
"That mourns in lonely exile here;"
"Rejoice, rejoice, O Emmanuel, shall come to you, all Israel."

The hymn drives home the hope of the Incarnation, even as night and winter surround us.

*In the midst of the darkest day, stepping into the light of creation prepares our hearts to receive Christ’s dawn.*