Open Advent Window 4 – A Census By 167th Scout Group on December 4, 2020 (updated July 17, 2023) In Advent2020, Uncategorized / 0 comments Government – interfering with our lives Reflection by David Jeanneret (aka Baloo) The following clip is probably suitable for any children old enough to be scanning this on their own phone. But parents may want to pre-watch it before showing it to younger children In today’s window the Romans tell everyone to return to the place they were born – to be counted. Which is why Mary and Joseph have to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This year we have definitely seen our government bossing us around more than normal! It feels they have been telling us when to stay in, and when to go out, and not to go on holiday, and not to see our friends and family. Lockdown and Covid Restrictions have made things awkward and uncomfortable, at the least. For some it has cost them their jobs. For most it has had a negative impact on our mental health. What has the government ever done for us? Add your comedy list akin to ‘viaducts’ and ‘the roads’. Mine would definitely include Eat Out to Help Out! Our government is trying to protect us in this pandemic. In the Bible times, the Romans were trying to make money and check up on everyone when they called for a census. They made things awkward and uncomfortable for Mary and Joseph, travelling by foot and donkey – one of them pregnant! I guess without the Romans, Jesus wouldn’t have been born in Bethlehem and that bit in the Bible that says the new King would come from Bethlehem wouldn’t have come true. Question: Have you survived 2020 well? What things have strengthened you? What have been the challenges? Joseph and Mary had both been given a purpose and an assurance that God was with them. What is your purpose for the next year? How could you allow God to strengthen you? Read about the calling of the Census in Luke 2:1-5 Remember the Letter of the Day Each Advent Day we reveal one letter. When you visit the Window, somewhere around Westbury-n-Trym, you will see that the QR code poster has a letter. Collect all 24 letters and rearrange them in to a four letter phrase. If you submit the phrase here, you will enter a prize draw. Submissions close on Sunday 10th January 2021. Here is a clue to get you started: _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ ! Entries for the competition have now closed. Print and Colour a Nativity Scene Each Advent Day we will provide one page for you to print, colour, cut and arrange in to a Nativity Tableaux. Introduction to the Printable Nativity Advent Calendar to ColourDownload Today’s Item: TreeDownload