The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

ADVENT
Devotional

What is Advent?

It comes from the Latin Word

meaning coming or arrival. Advent is the celebration
of jesus first coming and the Hope of His second coming.
Its a celebratory season where we reflect, remember
and rejoice in the promises and faithfulness of God.

How should we use this study? It is

intended to be used on a daily basis but should you miss a
day here or there, dont let that keep you from starting
back up from the current date instead of backtracking
or feeling behind.

Can I Use this with my young kids?

The questions were designed to be used with a variety of
ages and can be applied at different levels depending on
spiritual maturity.

What is an advent wreath? The

tradition of the Advent wreath is simply a wreath with 5
candles in the middle. Each candle represents one week
during advent. Starting week 1, the first candle is lit and
each week you add a candle, culminating at Christmas
when you light the Christ candle. This reinforces Jesus
Christ as being the Light of the World and is a
wonderful object lesson for children. If you have small
kids, invest in battery-operated candles that they can
help with each night.
Enjoy this special season of reflection with your family!

24 days until Christmas :

Today we light the very first candle--the Prophecy Candle. This candle tells us about the prophesies
(foretelling of promises) in the Bible about Christs birth as well as the very feeling of excitement and
anticipation that God's people experienced over hundreds of years as they awaited His coming. Advent is
a celebration of both the arrival of Christ and His second glorious coming!
Listen to this foretelling of Gods promise to us:
Isai a h 7:1 4 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The
virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call
him Immanuel.
But after waiting hundreds of years, how must his people feel?
Psal m 6 2:5 -6 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my
hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my
fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Yet, we know God to be faithful:
He b re ws 10: 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful...

Questions to Consider: Do you think Gods people had a hard time waiting for

their Savior? Why? What are some things that you have a hard time waiting for? How does God want you
to spend your time waiting?

23 days until christmas :

Today we light the first candle, the Prophecy candle, as we continue to feel the excitement and
anticipation that Gods people felt as they waited on Jesus for hundreds of years. They had a great HOPE
because of Gods promises through His word, here is one:
Mi ca h 5: 2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are small among the clans of Judah,
Out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,
Whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
Therefore Israel will be abandoned
Until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
And the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
In the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live security,
for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.
And he will be our peace.

Questions to Consider: We are given great hope through the prophecies not only
in the foretelling of Jesus birth, but also that the hope that was born lives in us today and promises to
return and take us to live with Him, giving us eternal hope. What are some things you hope for as a family
this Advent season?

22 days until christmas :

Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus life and ministry
that it would bear fruit as the Holy Spirit granted Him wisdom, understanding, knowledge and strength

Isai a h 1 1:1 -2 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And
a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord
will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The
spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the
fear of the Lord.
The same Spirit that helped Jesus can live inside of you and me. Through God alone we can bear fruit
as well:
Jo hn 1 5: 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can
bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you
bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Questions to Consider: How is your life bearing fruit? Encourage each other in
ways you have seen growth and fruit in each others lives. Consider writing a note of encouragement to
someone who you have seen grow and bear fruit.

21 days until Christmas :

Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Advent is all about preparing for the Christ and
making ourselves ready for Christmas. But more than getting all the Christmas cards sent out or all of the
gifts purchased and wrapped, we want to have our hearts and minds ready to celebrate the real reason for
Christmas, Christs birth!

Je r emi a h 23: 5 -6 "Behold, the days are coming," declares the

LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He
will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and
righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, And
Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will
be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.
Ma la chi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will
clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will
suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the
covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the
LORD of hosts.

Questions to Consider: How can you prepare for Christmas in a way that shows
you are getting your heart ready to celebrate Jesus just as Jeremiah and Malachi were getting their
people prepared to celebrate the new King? Pray together that God would focus your hearts and your
minds on him during this season.

20 days until Christmas :

Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. We continue to look at prophecies about Jesus and
His coming and ministry. This one also inc ludes a call and appointment for His people to be a light to
the nations:
Is aia h 42: 1, 5 -6 Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold
My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Thus says God the LORD,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it
And spirit to those who walk in it,
"I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a lig ht to the na tio ns .
Is aia h 60: 1- 3 Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of
the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the
earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon
you, and his g lo r y be s ee n up o n you . And nations shall come to
your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Questions to Consider: Jesus is a light to the nations. What does that mean?

What are some ways that we can be reflections of Christ and really shine this season? Write down the
ideas you come up with, add them to your calendar and make it happen!

19 days until Christmas :

Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Reflect on God sending forth His son and His great
love for you.

Gal a tia ns 4: 4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God
sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so
tha t He mi g ht re d ee m thos e who we r e u nde r the L a w, tha t
we mi g ht re cei ve the ad opti on as s ons.

Questions to Consider: What are the steps you must go through to adopt? (hint: A
LOT!) God desire for us to be his children was so strong and unrelenting that He was willing to do
whatever it took to make us His own. How does it make you feel to be adopted as sons and daughters by
God himself? Spend some time in a prayer of thankfulness to God.

18 days until Christmas :

Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. But before doing that, turn off all the lights in the
house at night time and then try to find your lighter. Ask the kids to go get their Bible or some item that
would be difficult to find in the dark and then talk to them about how darkness keeps us from getting
where we need to go and ask them what emotions they feel in darkness (confused, scared, worried,
painful if they trip, etc.). Light the candle and have one of them read this prophecy:

Isaiah 9:2 The peop le who walk in darkness will see

a great light
Remind your kids that the darkness we face is sin (not tripping in a dark house). Without God our hearts are
in the dark and separated from Him because of our sin. God promised that He would send His Son into
the world to redeem us from the sin and darkness. The one He sent is Jesus! Celebrate Jesus as Light of
the World!

17 days until Christmas :

This week, we will be lighting the Bethlehem Candle as well as the Prophecy Candle. The Bethlehem
Candle represents the preparations made for the coming Christ child. God sent John the Baptist to
prepare the way for Jesus coming. The following scripture describes how the Lord planned to use Him to
prepare the way for Jesus.

Lu ke 1: 76 -79 And you, my child,

will be called a prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on before the Lord
to prepare the way for him,
To give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
By which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
To shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the path of peace.

Questions to Consider: God used John to expose darkness in peoples hearts and
call them to come into the Light, preparing the way for Jesus. Are you ready to let Him expose the dark
parts of your heart? Pray and ask God to enlighten you on what those things are and how to give them
over to Him.

16 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. John the Baptist would come
into the world for the purpose of preparing the way for Jesus. His goal was to get peoples hearts ready to
hear truth.

Ma r k 1: 1-11 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

"BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL
PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE
WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"

Questions to Consider: Do you think that we are getting ready for Jesus in the same
way that the first believers did (in the Advent season as well as for His second coming)? How are we
similar--and different--in what we feel and anticipate about the coming King?

15 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. In the book of Luke we hear
the story of an angel visiting Zechariah and Elizabeth (John the Baptists parents) while he was in the
womb. The angel makes John the Baptists purposes clear:
Lu ke 1:1 1- 17 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at
the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he
was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him:

"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife
Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of
his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to
take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the
Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he
bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord,
in the spirit and power of Elijah, to tu r n the he ar ts o f the
fa ther s to thei r chi l dr e n a nd the di s ob e die nt to the w is d o m
of the r ig hte ous --to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Questions to Consider: John wasnt the light, but was born to tell others about the Light.
How are you able to be like John the Baptist and tell others about the Light? Do you always know what to say?
Not likely. Who can help you to share His truth, serve others and love the way He loves?

14 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. John the Baptist was born
and the hand of the Lord was with him:
Lu ke 1:5 7- 66 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she
bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord
had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on
the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would
have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother
answered, "No; he shall be called John."
And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this
name." And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted
him to be called. And he asked for ( a writing tablet and wrote, "His
name is John."
And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened
and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on
all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about
through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid
them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" Fo r
the ha nd of the L o r d w as wi th hi m.

Questions to Consider: The hand of the Lord was on John, as a tiny infant. God
has ways of working through infancy and childhood. In what ways have you seen God working in and
through your children? Have your children recognize evidences of Gods grace in each other.

13 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. John the Baptist was
prepared to proclaim good news to all who would listen:
Is aia h 40: 1-5 ,9 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak
tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service
has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has
received from the Lord's hand
double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling (John the Baptist): "In the desert prepare
the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for
our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill
made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places
a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind
together will see it.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You
who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, li f t up you r voi ce w i th a
sho u t, l if t i t up, d o no t b e a f r ai d; s a y to the to w ns o f Ju d a h,
"He re is you r Go d !"

Questions to Consider: How can we be prepared with Gods word (like John the
Baptist) so that we can bring it to those around us? Which people has God laid on your heart? Pray for
boldness to lift our voices and not be afraid!

12 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. The Word brings such good
news! Remember the refreshing news of the Gospel and how it nourishes our dry, needy souls as you read
the scriptures:
Is aia h 61 :1 -3, 10- 11 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the
Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has
sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of
vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,

Questions to Consider: Remember a time when the Lord brought comfort or

good news to your family and praise him for that. Take time to refresh each other in the Gospel,
remembering that you once were dead- afflicted and brokenhearted like the scripture says- but God in
His kindness sought you, bought you with Jesus death in your place and clothed you with His
righteousness, the garments of salvation, to spend eternity in His presence.

11 days until Christmas :

Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle. We are continuing to
remember and talk through how to be a light FOR JESUS during this Advent season and as we await His
glorious second coming.
Jo hn 1:1 -9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made
that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not
understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He
came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through
him all men might believe. H e hi ms el f w as no t the l ig ht; he ca me
o nl y as a wi tness to the l ig ht. The tr ue li g ht tha t gi ve s l ig ht
to e ver y ma n w as co mi ng i nto the w o rl d.

Questions to Consider: How can you be a witness to the Light without trying to

BE the Light? How do you respond to this temptation to be looked to as great instead of pointing others to
Jesus and testifying to His greatness?

10 days until Christmas :

This is the week of the Shepherds' Candle for Advent. The shepherds represent the message of great joy
that is brought to the world about Jesus' birth. Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds'
Candle. Listen in as the angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her about baby Jesus.
Lu ke 1:2 6- 38 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to
Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man
named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The
angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The
Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of
greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with
child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He
will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God
will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the
house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The
angel answered,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon 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. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old
age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing
is impossible with God."
"I am t he L o rd 's se rv a nt ," Mary answered. " May i t b e t o m e as y ou
h ave s ai d." Then the angel left her.

Questions to Consider:

Who told Mary she would have a baby? How did Mary respond? She said she was the Lords servant.
Talk about what a servant is and does. What are some ways that we can act as God's servants?

9 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle. Marys Song is a humble song of praise to
God, bringing Him glory for what He has done and what He will do.
Lu ke 1 :39 -55 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the
hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted
Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her
womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she
exclaimed:
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As
soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb
leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said
to her will be accomplished!" Marys Song And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he
has bee n mind ful o f the hu mb le state of h is ser v ant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has d one
gre at th ing s fo r meholy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he
has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their throne but has lif te d u p the
hu mb le. He has filled the hungry with good thing but has sent the rich away
empty. He has helped his servant Israel, re me mbe ring to be me rciful to
Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

Questions to Consider: What are some attributes of God you see in this song?
What song most describes you and why? What is your favorite hymn? Christmas hymn?

8 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle. The angel of the Lord had already visited
Mary and now he would visit Joseph to confirm Gods calling on his young couple. This fulfilled Gods
promise from Isaiah 7:4 (Day 1) the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call
him Immanuel.
Mat th ew 1: 18 -2 5 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.
When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came
together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her
husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame,
resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things,
behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which
is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you
shall c al l his nam e J es us , for he will s av e his p eo pl e f ro m t heir
sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his
name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded
him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And
he called his name Jesus.

Questions to Consider : Joseph was in the dark about Marys pregnancy, but God

sent an angel to tell Joseph the truth about sending His son into the world through Mary. How did Joseph
respond to the angel of the Lord did he believe and do as he was commanded or reject the truth? The
prophecy from the Old Testament is being fulfilled as it is quoted here in the New Testament how
exciting! Reflect on the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises.

7 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle. Everyone in Caesars kingdom was ordered to
be counted so that Caesar could see how many people were in his charge. This led Mary and Joseph to
their hometown in Bethlehem on a long, difficult journey. There was no one who had a bed for them to
sleep in but they were thankful to find a man who offered his stable. Thankful to be sheltered by the
stable, Mary and Joseph rested, but not for long. Although far from ideal for them, this seemed to be
Gods perfect timing and setting for baby Jesus to be born!
Lu ke 2 :1- 7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that
all the world should be registered. This was the first registration
when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered,
each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the
town of( Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be
registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they
were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to
her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a
manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Questions to Consider: Caesar wanted to show how great he was by counting his
people, while God humbled himself to become one of his peoplewhat are some ways that you try to
prove you are great instead of humbly pointing to Christ? Do you have a hard time imagining Christs
humble beginnings? What do you think it was like for their family in the stable that first night?

6 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle. After baby Jesus was born, the angels gave
him a birth announcement unlike any other!
Lu ke 2 :8- 14 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out
in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel
of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the gl ory o f t h e Lo r d
sh o ne ar ou nd t h e m; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel
said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of
great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David
there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will
be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a
manger." A nd s ud d e nly t h er e ap p ea r ed wi th t he a ngel a m ultit ud e
of t he h e ave nly h o st p r ai si ng G od a nd say i ng ,
"Glo ry t o G od i n t h e hi gh e st, A nd o n e a rt h
pe ace a m o ng m e n w it h w h o m H e i s pl ea se d ."

Questions to Consider: The angels were sent to declare amazing news to poor

shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks at night. In what ways do you see God speak to you or show
evidence of His grace toward you in the simple moments of the day? Keep your eyes and ears open and
look for God in the small things today.

5 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle.
Lu ke 2 :15 -20 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the
shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to
Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord
has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to
Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had
seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them
about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which
were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary t r ea su r ed all th e se t h ings , p o nde ri ng t h em i n h er
h ea rt. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all
that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Questions to Consider: What have you treasured in your heart? Take turns

sharing some wonderful moments you've had together! These can be any family memories, Christmas
memories or special moments in your walk with God.

4 days until Christmas :

Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle. Joseph and Mary welcomed more visitors the shepherds werent the only ones. Three kings from distant lands embarked on a long journey in order
to worship the child they knew to be the Savior.
Ma tt h ew 2: 1-1 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time
of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is
the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and
have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of
the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has
written:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people
Israel.'"
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the
child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship
him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had
seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where
the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they
bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and
presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having
been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their
country by another route.

Questions to Consider: Like the kings were on a journey to find Jesus, what does

our journey to know and become like Jesus look like? Where are we in it and how far have we come in the
past year?

3 days until Christmas :

Light all four Advent candles this week. Prophecy stated that kings would worship Him. The Star of
Bethlehem led them there. And the moment they beheld Him was a moment of awe and joy. Their costly
treasures paled in comparison to the Christ child, worthy of their (and our) complete worship and
adoration.
Psal m 72: 10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him
gifts.
Mat th ew 2: 9- 12 the star, which they had seen in the east, went on
before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, t h ey rej oi ced e xce e di ngly w it h g r e at j oy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their
treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to
Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Questions to Consider: If you were one of those who had the privilege of seeing Jesus
at His birth and could bring ONE gift, what would it be and why? What do you think you could give this
year that would bring glory to God? Are there things we could give that cost little or nothing? What about
giving our time? Does that honor God?

2 Days until Christmas :

Light all 4 advent candles.
Mica h 3: 16- 19 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the
sound;
Decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation
invading us.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls
YET I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.

Questions to Consider : If you had no gifts under the tree, no ham for Christmas

Day, no new bicycle or doll, would you still rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in your Savior? How can we
be content knowing that our treasure is in heaven and our joy is found in Jesus, not things?

Christmas Eve:
Light all four Advent candles. The brilliant light of the Gospel penetrates the darkness and transforms us
a little bit now and fully in Jesus second coming!
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the
Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine
on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The
nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their
splendor into it. The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God
will be your glory (Isa. 60:19-20; Rev.21:23; 22:5).
In this new city of God, night will be no more, and days of mourning will
come to an end. There will be no tears, no pain and no death. Children of
the light will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads (Rev.
22:4).

Questions to Consider:

The Lord will delight us in His second coming by making all things new the heavens, the earth and
especially, US! Even now, the Gospel changes us and makes us new creations. What are some ways that
you want God to make you new?

Christmas Day:

Today we light the past 4 candles of Advent and then the Christ candle! Our Messiah, Jesus, Light of the
World is finally here! Talk about the brightness of all 5 candles and the difference Jesus birth made to a
dark and sinful world.
Jo h n 1:1 0-1 8 He was in the world, and though the world was made
through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was
his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, t o
th os e wh o bel iev e d i n h is na me , h e g av e t h e r ig ht t o b ec om e
chil d re n o f G o d-- children born not of natural descent, nor of
human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have
seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the
Father, full of grace and truth.
John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of
whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was
before me.' "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one
blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace
and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but
God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Questions to Consider: What is the best gift we have received at Christmas? What is
the best gift can we give to Jesus throughout the next year?