Third Sunday of Advent - Joy
Bible Passages
Zephaniah 3:14-20
God was FURIOUS! The people of Israel were behaving terribly. They built idols and worshiped them. They praised other gods. They broke God’s commandments again and again.
The bright gold temple that King Solomon built was filled with people worshiping other gods.
A worker in the temple discovered some old scrolls. He rushed to show them his boss. His boss raced to show them to King Josiah. Josiah couldn’t believe what he read in them. “We’re so far from God!” he exclaimed. “We’re breaking God’s rules! We’ve got to change!”
God sent the prophet Zephaniah to tell the people about God’s anger and sadness AND about God’s love. The people would be CLEANSED and SAVED. They would be GOD’S people again!
Zephaniah cleared his throat and called out, “SING PRAISE to God! SHOUT your thanks! REJOICE in God!”
He reminded God’s people, “You forgot about God. you built idols and worshiped other gods - not YOUR God! You broke God’s commandments. But God has given you a reason to CELEBRATE! God FORGIVES you! God is giving you a second chance!”
“You turned your back on God,” Zephaniah continued. “Now turn back to God! God still loves you. God forgives you. All around the world, people will know you follow God. YOU are God’s people!
*Taken from Whirl Bible: Lectionary Edition
The bright gold temple that King Solomon built was filled with people worshiping other gods.
A worker in the temple discovered some old scrolls. He rushed to show them his boss. His boss raced to show them to King Josiah. Josiah couldn’t believe what he read in them. “We’re so far from God!” he exclaimed. “We’re breaking God’s rules! We’ve got to change!”
God sent the prophet Zephaniah to tell the people about God’s anger and sadness AND about God’s love. The people would be CLEANSED and SAVED. They would be GOD’S people again!
Zephaniah cleared his throat and called out, “SING PRAISE to God! SHOUT your thanks! REJOICE in God!”
He reminded God’s people, “You forgot about God. you built idols and worshiped other gods - not YOUR God! You broke God’s commandments. But God has given you a reason to CELEBRATE! God FORGIVES you! God is giving you a second chance!”
“You turned your back on God,” Zephaniah continued. “Now turn back to God! God still loves you. God forgives you. All around the world, people will know you follow God. YOU are God’s people!
*Taken from Whirl Bible: Lectionary Edition
Luke 3:7-18
Mary Said, "With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,
just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham's descendants forever."
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.
He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,
just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham's descendants forever."
*Taken from Deep Blue Bible
Videos
Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Children's Message
This video is 3:21 minutes long
Godly Play
Advent III by Sam Suk Productions
This video is 10:20 minutes long
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Season of Wonder: The Shepherds by Godly Play Foundation
This video is 3:43 minutes long
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Crossroad Kids' Club
This video is 4:15 minutes long
Holy Moly
This video is 7:30 minutes long
Art Project
Foot Mary

Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Paint
- Foot
- Finger
- Paint Brush
- Wet Wipe (or something to clean the foot)
- Construction Paper
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay Out Materials
Instructions:
- First, paint the bottom of the foot
- Next, press the foot onto the paper
- Then, wipe the excess paint off foot
- Once the foot is dry, finger paint stars on
- Next, put a face on Mary
- Finally, let dry
Angel Appears to Mary

Materials:
Adult Preparation:
Instructions:
- Cotton Balls
- Markers or Crayons
- Green Tissue Paper
- Construction Paper
- Glue
Adult Preparation:
- Gather Materials
- Lay Out Materials
Instructions:
- First, glue the grass onto the paper
- Then, glue the cotton balls onto the paper
- Next, let dry
- Finally, draw Mary and the angels
Third Sunday of Advent Songs
Christmas Carols by The Praise Band at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This song is 12:24 minutes long
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Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee by The Praise Band at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This song is 2:48 minutes long
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Carols of the Bells by Trinity Handbell Choir at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This song is 2:56 minutes long
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What Child is This? by Chancel Choir at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This song is 3:38 minutes long
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Jesus, Mary, and Joseph by The Praise Band at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This video is 5:55 minutes long
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Angels We Have Heard on High/Go Tell it on the Mountain by The Praise Band at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This song is 4:57 minutes long
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Joy to the World by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
This video is 2:46 minutes long
PCPC Children's Ministry
3501 W San Jose St
Tampa, Florida 33629
3501 W San Jose St
Tampa, Florida 33629