35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1.35)
The first Sunday of Advent, my church has interactive prayer stations, an opportunity to engage, reflect, and meditate on this period of expectation, waiting, and preparation for the birth of Christ.
Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on centering our hearts on minds on the meaning of Christmas. The interactive prayer stations are meant to be intergenerational. There are also stations designed for ages 2-4. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”)
Interactive Prayer Station #1: Watch for the Advent Light
Materials: Candles, Copies of the Prayer
Slowly read this prayer as you imagine why you watch.
The advent of our Lord is near and we long for his coming
We long for new light to shine where there has been darkness.
The advent of our Lord is near and we long for him to call us home
We long for new hope to reign where there has been death and despair.
The advent of our Lord is near and we long for him to appear
We wait on tiptoe attentive to all the signs of his coming
(pause to light your Advent candle)
God we have caught a glimpse of your Messiah healed world
And we long for its coming
We long for the place where all beauty comes from
The place where all life is renewed
God we live in anticipation of Messiah’s birth and the world’s rebirth
And we long for its coming
God we long to come home to your world of wholeness and peace
Home to your eternal world where love reigns over all.
(Allow this to be part of you… invite God to rekindle this in your journey.)
Interactive Prayer Station #2: Walk in the Advent Light
Materials: Paper, Permanent Markers, Candle
How might you walk in this advent in a way that enjoys eternal patience rather than immediate satisfaction. Where are the “toys” that keep you from walking fully into advent? Make a note of what you are willing to give up to better walk with the desire God has for you this advent?
Reflect on this significance… ask God to refresh this in you often.
Interactive Prayer Station #3: Waken to the Advent Light
Materials: Candle
Reflect upon your arrival into this world from the darkness of the womb. Remember your arrival into this day from darkness. From darkness, what fears, blindness, vulnerability & sense of death accompany your waking? And from darkness, what security, comfort, rest & renewal surround your waking into light. Consider the necessity of both the light & darkness of your life & the importance of the times of your waking.
Let this dwell in you… invite God to keep this alive in your faith journey.
Still Waters 
Hi Theresa, thank you for all your inspiration. I use some of your ideas for interactive prayer stations for English students in a Christian community in England. Of course, I change them to suit the particular theme – but it’s wonderful how we can receive ideas from each other on the net! I’m thinking of using your “Watch for the Advent Light” when I lead assembly at my local primary school. Sometimes it’s difficult to find real Advent-based (as opposed to Christmas-based) ideas. I think I will have some of the children pass the candle from hand to hand, reading out each line of the prayer in turn to create a sense of anticipation and waiting that is so lacking in our world. God bless you and your flock over the water!