Advent-2011 by Gospel Delta

Born a Child and yet a King

A D V E N T 2 0 11

The shepherds had an angel, The wise men had a star, But what have I, a little child, To guide me home from far, Where glad stars sing together, And singing angels are?— Those Shepherds through the lonely night Sat watching by their sheep, Until they saw the heavenly host Who neither tire nor sleep, All singing ‗Glory, glory‘ In festival they keep. Christ watches me, His little lamb, Cares for me day and night, That I may be His own in heaven: So angels clad in white Shall sing their ‗Glory, glory,‘ For my sake in the height. —Christina Rosetti, from ―A Christmas Carol: For My Godchidren‖

TABLE

of CONTENTS

The Church Season of Advent.................................................4 Advent Devotions: Week One of Advent................................................6 Week Two of Advent...............................................11 Week Three of Advent............................................16 Week Four of Advent..............................................21 Christmas Day..........................................................26 Epiphany .................................................................30 Appendix A: Treasuring God in Our Traditions……………….35 Appendix B: 16 Christmas Tips for Fathers……………………...45 Appendix C: Christmas in Portland………….……………………...46 Appendix D: Advent Music……………………..……………………..47

the CHURCH SEASON of ADVENT When Jesus was born, the heavens broke wide open and an army of angels sang:

Glory to God in the highest, and earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

What is Advent? In announcing Jesus birth, the angels said they were bringing ―good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.‖ Traditionally, the Church has used the season of Advent as a time to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ‘s birth, ministry, and promised return. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day. Since the fourth century, the Church has celebrated the season of Advent. The Latin adventus (meaning ―coming‖) translates the Greek word parousia, often used to refer to Jesus‘ second coming. Thus, the season of Advent reminds us of the original waiting done by the people of Israel for the birth of their Messiah, as well as the waiting of Christians for the second coming of Christ. Throughout the Advent season we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Why Celebrate Advent? The days leading up to Christmas are filled with distractions. There are presents to buy, parties to attend, dinners to plan, cards to send, family to see, songs to sing, movies to watch, and traditions to follow. We need help to cut through the many distractions of the Christmas season if we are to focus our attention on Jesus. This devotional is designed to help you do that—with others. Perhaps there is no better time than Advent to gather with family and friends of all ages and talk about Jesus. Advent helps us refocus and regain a sense of wonder as we look forward to the 4

full-out celebration of God‘s amazing love shown by the gift of his Son. When we celebrate Advent, we are joining millions of Jesus‘ followers around the world in preparing spiritually for Christmas. Do not let the simple glory of the Advent season pass you by this year.

How May We Celebrate Advent There is no set formula. Worshiping with God‘s people on the four Sundays of Advent is a great beginning point. Many families bring out their own Advent wreath, put in four new candles, and light a new one each successive Sunday of Advent. They make this a special time for the whole family, perhaps on Sunday evening. The traditional color for Advent candles is purple, with a pink candle used the third week. But any colors are okay. Check out local card shops or religious bookstores for Advent wreaths and candles. For families with younger children, Advent calendars—organized from December 1–25—are available from most bookstores. Often these are arranged so that 24 little doors open to reveal a small treat for each day leading up to a bigger door for Christmas Day. Craft stores also stock Advent calendar kits that families can use as a craft project. This devotional tells the story of Jesus, from the promise of his birth to the promise of his return, through five familiar passages from the Bible. It then invites you, through discussion, prayer, and song to reflect on those passages. If you have children, you may find the children‘s prayers and the references to stories in The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones helpful in getting your children involved in the discussions. (You can purchase The Jesus Storybook Bible through most major bookstores.) Your children will also probably enjoy singing the songs with you. Recordings of the songs printed in this devotional are attached to clickable links and the supplementary CD. As we pursue the readings, we will look backward and celebrate the deep and meaningful truth that God shined a light into our darkness by stepping down into our world of stone, earth, and flesh. But we also look forward in expectation, because the One who lived among peasants and outcasts is now a king. Not only is he a king, but he is also coming back to make all things right. This is Advent. 5

Isaiah 9:2-7 2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3

You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

WEEK ONE

of ADVENT

The Promise of a King Have you ever been promised something that seemed too good to be true? That‘s the kind of promise God‘s people received in Isaiah 9. They were promised light in the places that only knew darkness. They were promised freedom instead of slavery. They were promised glory instead of shame. They were promised peace instead of war. They were promised a child. Not just any child. They were promised a king— better than any king they knew. They were promised a king whose reign would be known by things like justice, righteousness, and peace. They were promised a king whose reign would be without end. They were promised an eternal king who would make everything right. Forever.

Shedding Some Light… When Isaiah spoke of such things, few listened and few believed. For those who did believe, it wasn‘t Isaiah they believed, but instead the God who promised again and again that his passion for his people would make this miracle happen. As kings came and went, as leaders rose and fell, God‘s people were tempted to doubt his promises. The stories of God‘s past deliverance seemed like ancient history to many people under the oppressive rule of a foreign king or the unjust rule of one of their own kings. So while they longed for the deliverer Isaiah promised, it was tough to really hope God‘s promise would come true. Why was God taking so long? Did he remember? Did he care?

Week of Sunday, November 27th

God did remember. God did care. When the time was right, he sent his son Jesus— the promised Messiah, the great and everlasting king. Jesus was everything Isaiah promised and more. Now, on this side of Jesus‘ birth, we face a situation similar to those in Isaiah‘s day. We read of Jesus‘ promised return, when the work he started will be complete. When everything (including us!) will be made right. Forever. But it seems like God is taking a long time. When we start to wonder if God remembers or if he cares, we also start to wonder why we should care. When that happens, worship becomes ritual, obedience becomes a burden, and Jesus‘ return becomes something we think about only when things get really, really bad. Do you long for Jesus‘ return? If so, why? If not, why not? Do you recognize things in your own life, in your family, in your community, in this world that aren‘t as they are supposed to be? If so, how do you think they will change if Jesus comes back?

Adult‘s and Children‘s Prayer: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Speed the day of your return.

Advent Singing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (CD, Track 2)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference: ―Operation ‗No More Tears!,‘‖ p.144 - 151

The Prophet Isaiah

Luke 1:68-79 68

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people

and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;

to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,

the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74

that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

might serve him without fear, 75

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

WEEK TWO of ADVENT The Promise of a Child Old Zechariah was promised something that seemed too good to be true: The Angel Gabriel told him his old, barren wife would give birth to a son. Zechariah thought it too good to be true. People like them don‘t have babies. So Zechariah asked the angel for a sign, something to prove the promise true. The angel gave him a sign: Zechariah didn‘t speak again until his son was born. When he finally spoke again, he sang a song of prophecy. He used language from his Bible (the Old Testament) to praise God for keeping his promises and delivering his people. He also said his son, John, would tell people to do what Zechariah didn‘t do: Take God at his word.

Shedding Some Light… When we sing the songs of Advent, in many ways we are singing the song of Zechariah. We sing songs founded on the images and promises of hope and expectation. We sing of promises fulfilled (God has visited and redeemed his people); we sing, longing for promises to be fulfilled. For the past two thousand years, God‘s people have waited for Jesus‘ return. Every year we remember his birth and the advent of the good news of his work. As we remember, we also hunger and long for him to visit his people once again and complete the work of redemption in our lives and in his created world.

Week of Sunday, December 4th

Adult‘s Prayer Dear Father, help us to be rooted in the salvation story of your people. Help us to find hope and rest in your mighty works in redemptive history. During this season especially, quicken our spirits to meditate on the birth of Jesus Christ, the continued gift and work of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus‘ promised return. Amen.

Children‘s Prayer God, don‘t let the celebration of Christmas and all that it brings cause us to stop longing for your return to earth to make everything right— forever.

Advent Singing Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent (CD, Track 6)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference ―Heaven breaks through,‖ p. 200 - 204

Zechariah and the Angel Gabriel

Luke 2:1-7 1

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world

should be registered. 2 This was the ďŹ rst registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her ďŹ rstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

WEEK THREE of ADVENT The Birth of a Child Both Isaiah and Zechariah remembered God‘s mighty acts in the past. They spoke of God‘s great promises for the future. They both spoke of God‘s greatest deliverance in terms that both echoed and surpassed his mighty acts of the past: The final deliverance of his people through the total destruction of their enemies. Yet when God acted in fulfillment of his great promises, it was all so ordinary. The king arrived, but he came as a child, born of to a poor teenage girl, from a dumpy, rural town.

Shedding Some Light… God came to earth as a child. Childbirth isn‘t exactly a grand entrance. A feeding trough for animals isn‘t exactly a king‘s bed. If Luke‘s account of Jesus‘ birth is anything, it‘s ordinary. It‘s obscure. It‘s seemingly inconsequential.

―But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong‖ (1 Cor 1.27). God accomplished his plan through a child, born into poverty, in an obscure town, to a couple of young, first-time parents. What does God‘s ability to accomplish redemption through a child tell you about his power and control? What does it tell you about the way he exercises that power and control? How does Jesus‘ coming as a child demonstrate his humility? How does it help you understand the way he loves you? How does reading about Christ‘s birth encourage humility in the way you live?

Week of Sunday, December 11th

Adult‘s Prayer Jesus, eternal Son of God, you left the glories of heaven for the mess of earth. You made yourself nothing. You came to earth as a child. You faced the miseries of this life. You took upon yourself the wrath of God. You died on a cross. You stayed in the grave for three days. You did this to save your people from their sins. Thank you.

Children‘s Prayer Jesus, thank you for leaving heaven and coming to earth as a baby.

Advent Singing Come, thou Long Expected Jesus (CD, Track 8)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference ―He‘s here!,‖ p. 176 -179

The Annunciation of Mary

Luke 2:8-20 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the ﬁeld, keeping watch

over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, ―Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.‖ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God and saying, 14

―Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!‖

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to

one another, ―Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.‖ 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And

the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

WEEK FOUR of ADVENT The Birth of a King In pictures and descriptions of Jesus‘ birth, the angels attending are often portrayed as chubby cherubim, lightly plucking at harp and lyre. They hardly seem scary, or the type of characters that would frighten hardened shepherds. The heavenly band of angels was an angelic ‗host‘ or literally an army of angels. They came to announce peace. The peace they announced would come as God‘s enemies were destroyed by God‘s son and king, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. To show how signiﬁcant the birth of Jesus is, we are given a glimpse of the angelic host only rivaled by the visions of John in the book of Revelation. Jesus‘ birth is a cataclysmic in-breaking of God‘s kingdom into the earthly realm. This is a visual picture of the Lord‘s prayer, ―Thy Kingdom come.‖

Shedding Some Light… God spares no expense at the announcement of Jesus‘ birth. He enlists not just a heavenly quartet, or a single shimmering soloist, but the whole heavenly throng, singing together as a big, heavenly gospel choir, rocking the foundations of humanity. The angels‘ message is simple and straightforward and not in the least bit clouded in celestial language or heavenly rhetoric. ―Good News! The Savior is born!‖ with a chorus of ―Glory to God‖ and ―Peace on Earth.‖ God keeps his promises to his people. The king is here. Jesus is born. Why is this a reason to rejoice?

Week of Sunday, December 18th

Adult‘s Prayer Almighty God, when we ﬁnd our hearts distracted in the busy-ness of this Christmas season, enamor us with the glory and joy of your presence. Let us understand why the birth of Jesus was ―good news of great joy.‖

Children‘s Prayer Dear Heavenly God, give us the same joy and excitement as the angels who proclaimed Jesus‘ birth.

Advent Singing Angels We Have Heard on High (CD, Track 7)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference ―The Light of the Whole World,‖ p. 184 - 191

The Herald Angels

CHRISTMAS DAY Devotional - The Birth of Jesus Christ Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the ﬁrst registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 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. 1

Shedding Some Light… It all seems so simple and ordinary: An imperial edict, a pregnant teenager, a soon-to-be husband, and a town full of people simply following the law of the land. Ordinary events of history, ordained by God as part of the greatest miracle in the history of the world: The Son of God being born as a child in the city of David. And it all happened when ―the time came.‖ In Galatians 4:4-5 Paul writes, ―But when the fullness of time had come,

God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.‖ The God who rules history, entered our history, to claim us and all our tomorrows as his own.

December 25th 26

This Christmas morning, join the Apostle Paul as he proclaims the gloriousness of the gospel (Gal 3:16):

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the ﬂesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. And join the Apostle John as he prays in response to Jesus‘ proclamation, ―Surely I am coming soon,‖ with the following: ―Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!‖ (Rev 22:20).

Christmas Day Prayer and Hymn Joy to the World! (CD, Track 11)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference ―He‘s Here!,‖ p. 180 - 183

The Nativity of Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12 1 Now

after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, ―Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.‖ 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, ―In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6

―‗And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.‘‖

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ―Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.‖ 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

EPIPHANY Jesus, Light of the World Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on January 6, reminds us that Christmas is more than a celebration of the birth of a child or a time to gather together as families. Epiphany reminds us that the child who was born in Bethlehem was Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. The story of the wise men is more than a nice story about giving presents at Christmas time. It tells us how God used a star and some pagan astrologers to display his ultimate goal for the whole world: People from every nation worshiping his son Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Shedding Some Light… When the wise men arrived at the home of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, they gave Jesus gifts fit for a king. But they didn‘t just give him stuff. They ―fell down and worshiped him.‖ As we read about these men ―from the east‖ (non-Jews) worshiping ―he who has been born king of the Jews,‖ we are reminded of God‘s plan for the nations. We long to see innumerable number of people from every nation praising King Jesus. And we consider the ways God has called us to take this good news to the nations. Spend some time thinking, talking, and praying about how God would have you join him on his mission, near and far, this next year.

January 6th 31

Adult‘s and Children‘s Prayer Jesus, help us tell others about the good news of your life, your death, your resurrection, your reigning as king over all things, through all we say and do. Amen.

Epiphany Singing They Came Bearing Gifts (CD, Track 13)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference ―The King of All Kings,‖ p. 192 - 199

Three Wise Men

TREASURING GOD in OUR TRADITIONS By Noel Piper Why in the world would God send his Son among us as a baby? Just think of almighty God waving his arms and legs and lying in place until someone decided to pick him up, getting hungrier until somebody decided to feed him, remaining dirty until someone cleaned and changed him. This is not reasonable—not by our standards, that is. But God has his own purposes. Perhaps one reason for God becoming a baby is that so many people desire a baby, love children, and suffer until a child arrives. God uses that yearning to draw us toward his Son, Jesus. Christmas is only one small part of a whole year of living, working, and ministering in our churches and to our neighbors, of meeting our family‘s physical needs, of teaching our children. Just one small part of the year—but with our hearts and spirits open in anticipation and excitement, what an ideal opportunity for remembering and teaching. We‘ve seen in earlier chapters how important it is to plan our everyday‖ traditions so that we reflect our view of the world and God. How much more important our planning is for celebrations of a world-shaking event like God being born a baby so that we can be reborn as his children.

Advent We are a people of promise. For centuries God prepared people for the coming of his Son, our only hope for life. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of the promises God made—that he would make a way to draw near to him. Advent is what we call the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before December 25, sometimes in the last weekend of November, sometimes on the first Sunday in December. First Peter 1:10-12 is a clear description of what we look back to during Advent. For four weeks, it‘s as if we‘re reenacting, remembering the thousands of years during which God‘s people were anticipating and longing for the coming of God‘s salvation, for Jesus. That‘s what advent means—―coming.‖ Even God‘s men who foretold the grace that was to come didn‘t know ―what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating‖ (v. 11). They were waiting, but they didn‘t know what God‘s salvation would look like.

In fact, God revealed to them that they were not the ones who would see the sufferings and glory of God‘s Christ. ―They were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven‖ (v. 12). They were serving us. We Christians on this side of Jesus‘ birth are a God-blessed, happy people because we know God‘s plan. The centuries of waiting are over. We have the greatest reason to celebrate. And yet we are still waiting. Our spiritual redemption came to us with the baby of Bethlehem. Nonetheless, as Romans 8 says, ―we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies‖ (v. 23). There is suffering and tragedy still, even for Christians. Someone we love is dying. We may be in pain. Sometimes we have trouble believing God‘s promises. In other words, our redemption is not complete. We are waiting for the redemption of our bodies—waiting for Jesus‘ second advent, for him to come again. So here we stand in the middle. Advent is a season of looking back, thinking how it must have been, waiting for the promised salvation of God, not knowing what to expect. And at the same time, Advent is a season of looking ahead, preparing ourselves to meet Jesus at his Second Coming.

Advent—Looking Back Probably the two most common symbols of Advent are candles or a calendar. That‘s appropriate, since each is a way of waiting for Christmas.

Advent Candles Various helpful schemes of symbolism can be attached to the candles, their number, and color. But here are the basics—one candle for each of the Sundays of Advent and, if you wish, a fifth for Christmas Day. On the first Sunday, only one candle will be lit, then two on the second Sunday, and so forth. That‘s all that‘s necessary. But if we want our Advent candles to be more than a centerpiece, we have to ask ourselves, ―What makes these more than wax and wick?‖ The flame is a symbol of the one who is called ―the light of the world.‖ We who follow him ―will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life‖ (John 8:12). As we move closer to the day when we‘ll meet him, there is greater and greater brightness. 36

But we need to remember that our very young children will see only candles. No matter how much we explain the symbolism, they need some more years before they can comprehend the meaning of the candles. That‘s why I always incorporate a manger scene into our Advent candle arrangement. Tangible is my guiding word. What a child can see and touch, he might understand a little more clearly. Tangible things help us adults as well. Each Advent Sunday, we Pipers gather at the table for a meal and hear a word from the Bible before lighting the next candle. When the children were younger, each week‘s passage probably would be one part of the Christmas story from Matthew or Luke. As they‘ve grown older, we‘ve expanded the reading to include Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah‘s coming. Then on other days, whenever we sit at the dining room table where the candles are the centerpiece, we light that week‘s number of candles. The light, brighter by the week, points us toward Jesus who has called us to be ―a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that [we] may proclaim the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light‖ (1 Peter 2:9).

Advent Calendar ―Mommy, Mommy! May I open the next window on the calendar?‖ A simple pasteboard Advent calendar with one flap to open on each day in December is probably the most familiar way to help a child understand the wait until Christmas. In the stores several themes are likely to be available, including Swiss mountain villages and Santa‘s workshops. But since the Advent—the coming—we‘re waiting for is Christ‘s, let‘s make sure our daily countdown has a real Christmas setting. For our family a more permanent calendar has become a tradition. When our first child was a toddler, I could find hardly any Christmas things that had to do with Jesus. So I created the Noël Calendar, a burlap banner with plastic and wood figures that by December 25 have been attached with Velcro across the top half of the banner to represent the Christmas story. Throughout the month, that story is told in increments, starting over at the beginning and adding a bit more each day. The first year we used the calendar, I learned an important lesson: Repetition is an excellent way for a child to memorize. In mid-December, when Karsten was barely two, my mother-in-law died in a bus crash in Israel. With little time to plan, we were on our way from Minnesota to South Carolina to take care of my fatherin-law, who had been injured. On an impulse I had tossed the calendar into a suitcase. In the midst of so much confusion, shock, and irregularity, Karsten forgot everything he‘d learned about potty training and too much of what he knew about 37

behaving. But even though he could hardly make a whole sentence on his own yet, he could pick up the Christmas story at any point and keep it going, word for word, as he‘d heard it day after day when we did the calendar. In chapter 4 of this book we thought about the importance of repetition and regularity. This period in Karsten‘s life was the time when I began to realize the place of these things in my life with my children—repeating regularly the story that for centuries God‘s people had longed to know.

Advent—Looking Forward The verses we read earlier from 1 Peter 1 (vv. 10-12, p. 76) look backward toward God‘s people who were awaiting his salvation. The very next verses look forward in Advent, anticipating the return of Jesus. ―Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ‖ (v. 13). There will be another advent of Christ; he will come again. Advent is a season for introspection. Peter gives us God‘s high standard as we contemplate our standing with him: ―You shall be holy, for I am holy‖ (v. 16). This is a time to ask ourselves questions: Am I clear-thinking and sober-minded, or are my concerns mainly trivial? (v.13) Is my hope set fully on the grace I will receive from Jesus at his Second Coming, or do I cringe at the thought of leaving behind the life I love? (v. 13) Am I an obedient child of my Father, or am I still shaped by the passions that drove me before I became a Christian? (v. 14)

If regular personal devotions are not part of our lives, Advent would be a time tailor-made to begin. We remember that God charged the adults in Deuteronomy 11 to ―lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul‖(v. 18, emphasis mine), and that he expects us to ―love the LORD[our] God‖ (v. 1). The living water in our own hearts is the fountain from which we shower Christ on our family. Our time with God and his preparation of us is a necessary foundation. Without it our Christmas activities will degenerate into hoopla. But however much we want a significant Christmas celebration for our families, that is not the primary reason for our contemplation and self-examination. Our deeper motivation is the strengthening of our ultimate hope in Jesus, ―so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming‖ (1 John 2:28). 38

May this time be a reflection of what our lives are—gratitude for the promises that were fulfilled when God gave us the gift of his Son and anticipation of and preparation for Christ‘s coming again.

Do Others See Why We Celebrate? How will our home look if our celebration is a picture of anticipation and waiting for God‘s plan to be completed, a picture of our joy in the salvation he has begun for us? What visible things will fill our house as we celebrate what God has done through Jesus?

Manger Scenes Our very first Christmas was in the middle of our honeymoon. So our traditions began the second year of marriage. We visited our families before Christmas and returned to our small place late at night on December 21. We didn‘t have any decorations, and the time was short. So we decided not to buy a tree. I had found a tiny nativity set at an international gift shop. On Christmas morning, the two of us sat on the floor beside a low, small table with that scene between us. Christmas carols played in the background as we opened each other‘s gifts. It seemed exactly right that Jesus be the visible center. So every year since then, a special crèche has been the focal point of our celebration. We arrange it on a table and collect our gifts underneath. This is often the gathering place for our family devotions during December. Anyone who visits sees what our center is. We also use a manger scene as part of our Advent candle arrangement to keep the focus of our waiting visible before us. Other uses for a crèche might be: An unbreakable set for the children to play with. Manger scene ornaments for the Christmas tree. A stained-glass or colored-cellophane window arrangement visible from the street. A play corner with toy lamb, baby doll, and appropriate items for costumes. One friend told me about her crèche collection: I try to find one in every place I visit. I give traveling friends $20 to spend on a nativity for me if they happen to see one where they are going. I find them at garage sales and thrift stores and after-Christmas sales, and people give them to me as gifts. I have more than a hundred now from all over the world, and when I get them out for 39

Christmas, it is a wonderful reminder that one day people from all tribes and tongues and people and languages—not just my own country—will worship the King.

Other Symbols One year I read through the Bible looking for names of God and word pictures that describe him. I filled every flyleaf, listing them for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each name or image is a facet of the God who is too complex and deep for us to ever know completely. But as we gaze at him from one angle and then from another, we see more clearly the whole, complete, perfect person he is. And the more we know him, the more we love him. There is no other time in our year set aside to think so happily and thoroughly about who Jesus is and what he‘s done. That makes Advent and Christmas a perfect time to put in front of us everything we can think of that reminds us of him. While the children are very young, one way to create visual reminders is by using a large bare branch as a Bethlehem Tree. It would be hung with ornaments and items that picture or symbolize the Bethlehem event. When children are older, the branch might become a Jesus Tree, reaching further for its symbolism, to include: Ornaments and items that represent the nativity. Items that relate to Jesus‘ life. Symbols of who Jesus is, as found in Scripture‘s names for him, word pictures, and parables. Reminders of Old Testament prophecy and history leading up to his birth. Many of our Jesus Tree items are not ―ornaments.‖ They are made of cloth or sticks or clay, or we reinvented something as a symbol. For example, the lion is from an old zoo game; the hammer and saw were part of a toddler‘s tool set; the globe is a key ring. The facets of Jesus are even more significant to us if we discover them ourselves. Perhaps our Jesus Tree preparations and our Advent spiritual preparation can mesh as we read the Gospels, say, trying to find out who Jesus is. 40

A Few Reminders of Jesus‘ Life Star, stable, holy family, Wise Men, and other nativity symbols Shepherd (nativity visitors; he is the Good Shepherd) Toy hammer, saw (he was a carpenter) Nails (carpenter; crucifixion) Grapes (Last Supper) Praying hands Thorns Cross

A Few Symbols of Prophecy and History Bible, scroll Wheat (his ancestor Ruth; Bread of Life) Heart (God so loved the world) Joseph‘s coat, Noah‘s Ark (God saving his people) Church

Word Pictures and Names of Jesus Lion (of Judah) Rose (of Sharon) Sun (of righteousness) Sheep (Lamb of God) Globe (he takes away the sin of the world) Crown (eternal King) Dove (Prince of Peace; he left his Spirit with us) Candle (Light of the World)

Am I Reflecting God‘s Generosity? Just about everything in our culture is commercialized. So why does it bother us so much to see Christmas taken over as a sales opportunity? Isn‘t it because the eagerness to make money off Jesus‘ birth is the very opposite of God‘s action in giving him? God pours out his riches on us. He even gave us the life and death of his beloved Son. How do we show that we are children of that generous Father? We will find our own ways, not by the size of our gifts, but by our choices of gift recipients, of guests in our home, and of the kinds of presents we give. 41

Gift to Jesus It may be easy for us to forget that this is Jesus‘ birthday. That usually means gifts to the birthday person. Children especially will think it normal that Jesus should receive something for his birthday. We‘ll need to talk with them about what it means to give a gift to Jesus since we can‘t put it in his hand. One of the unusual things about Jesus is that when we give a gift to him, other people benefit. ―And the King will answer them, ‗Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me‘‖ (Matthew 25:40). If you decide early in the Advent season where your gift is going, you can be praying for the recipient throughout the season. Your prayer becomes an added gift to the family with special needs, the Christian relief agency, the local ministry, the missionary, or whomever you have chosen. Money isn‘t the only thing we can give, but for the moment, let‘s think about financial gifts. How might you decide on the amount? One possibility is to determine what percentage of your total gift expenditures will be set aside for Jesus. Another is to give him your December coffee break money or some other regular expenditure. What about our children? Some years I have offered ―wages‖ for special jobs or even for regular chores during December, with the understanding that this money is being earned for Jesus‘ gift.

Shepherd‘s Pouch The children at our house have had a simple drawstring bag—a shepherd‘s pouch, we call it—in which to collect Jesus‘ gift throughout December. On Christmas Eve, during a special family worship time, the children lay their pouches beside the manger of our special nativity scene. We speak to them then of giving their gifts to Jesus, as the shepherds came, giving Jesus worship and wonder. When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ―Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.‖ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. . . . And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2: 1520)

On Christmas morning, the coins have been removed and added to our grown-up 42

gifts, ready to be sent to our chosen recipient. And the children find in their pouches several small gifts. We speak of a God who blesses those who love and trust him. Although these particular tokens are tangible and physical, our children know from our lifestyle and teaching throughout the year that God blesses in many ways. In fact, many people who are most blessed have very little visible wealth. The blessing of God is his presence with us, which gives us constant cause for praise. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:3-8)

Perhaps the following questions can help us prepare for Christmas. Am I my Father‘s child? Do I resemble him in my generosity? Am I focusing on God‘s gift so that my appreciation to him grows? Can others see why I am celebrating? Am I celebrating Christ? One November a friend of mine almost lost her child. By Christmas the crisis was past, but they still were not sure of the long-term implications. She emailed me during the season that had always been her favorite time of the year: Surprisingly, I‘m finding Christmas hard. A little bit I resent all the hoopla; sometimes I want to shout, ―Don‘t you know my baby could have died?‖ At the same time I‘m very grateful she‘s alive, and very aware that she might not have been. So you‘d think I‘d be really, really happy! That‘s a pretty secular statement. In spiritual terms, Christmas is not very meaningful to me this year one way or the other. I feel a bit like God and I are on a journey together, seeing and doing a lot, but certainly not staying anywhere for any length of time.

My answer to her could well be the summary of this chapter: 43

It‘s not at all surprising that Christmas is hard for you this year. The reason for Christmas is the same as it ever was, and nothing is more essential to our lives than the Incarnation. What‘s different for you, I expect, is that the traditions we wrap around December 25 to make it different from other days, those traditions and activities are as nothing to you this year. In fact, the thought of them probably weighs like a lump of lead in your belly. So what! Trees are nothing. Feasts are nothing. Lights are nothing. Music is nothing. Only Christ matters. He is the only reason that you can be on any sort of journey with God, that you can have anything at all to do with God. Only Jesus matters. Hold on to that. Even if your little girl had not survived. But she did, praise Jesus! One time I told someone in hard times, ―Just hang in there.‖ But she corrected me, ―I‘m not just hanging in there. I‘m trying to hang on to Jesus.‖ So, please, just keep hanging on to Jesus.

Sometimes, when things are going well, we might too easily forget that we have only one sure, immovable, dependable strength—Jesus, who was a baby once and is always and forever God. That is what holds us and keeps us whether or not we can carryout our traditions. May our decorations, gifts, and festivities—or lack of them—never block our view of him but always point us toward him.

16 CHRISTMAS TIPS for FATHERS By Mark Driscoll ‘Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. So, this list is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out the upcoming holiday season. Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity. Dad needs... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what‘s your plan? to check the local guides for what‘s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family. to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is your calendar ready for December? to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how‘s your joy? to give memories and not just gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season? to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say ―no‖ to? to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt and bless? to schedule a big Christmas daddy date with his daughter(s). Dad, what‘s your big plan for the fancy daddy-daughter date? to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun? to help Mom get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready? to ensure some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house? to snuggle up and watch some fun shows with the kids, especially the little ones. Dad, is the DVR set? to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out? to help Mom get the kids‘ rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a small tree in their room? to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how‘s your pastoral work going with each of your kids? to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you being a servant like Jesus to your family? 45

CHRISTMAS in PORTLAND A good way to help you get on mission in your community is to first meet it. While that will look different for everyone, a fun way to get out into the scene of winter happenings is take advantage of some of the many activities and festivals the city of Portland offers. If you don‘t learn anything about Portland and its people, you‘ll at least find something fun to do with friends and family. So get past your driveway, homebodies, and learn to love your city. Here are some events happening this Christmas season in the Rose City:

Peacock Lane Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area.

Handel‘s Messiah Audiences flock to the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Baroque Orchestra for sold-out performances of Handel's Messiah. Handel‘s masterpiece continues to stir audiences, beautifully combining the words of Scripture with music that causes the heart to delight in the One who gave us the gift of music.

Zoolights Festival See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights. More than 200 animated animals swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Displays include swinging monkeys, leaping frogs, flying bats, diving penguins and a perfect-for-photos light sculpture featuring a dozen animals.

A Christmas Story Based upon the classic motion picture, this play is a holiday treat everyone can enjoy—that is, until someone shoots their eye out. Showing at Portland Center Stage‘s Gerding Theater.

The Nutcracker Now in its 56th year, George Balanchine‘s The Nutcracker remains a New York City tradition and is performed west of the Mississippi exclusively by Oregon Ballet Theatre. Join Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on their magical journey to the realm of the Sugarplum Fairy, where candy confections spring to life and holiday dreams come true.

Holiday Ale Festival The winter season holds many gifts for beer lovers in the form of big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter's night. Each year, the Holiday Ale Festival annually gathers up dozens of these winter warmers for a joyous five-day celebration. As a result, this quintessential Portland event has earned a reputation as the premier winter beer tasting venue on the West Coast.

ADVENT MUSIC You may like to rock around the Christmas tree and sing about Rudolph‘s glowing nose, but most of the popular Christmas music played on the radio these days forgets to mention the real reason for the season, Jesus Christ. To supplement your normal Christmas tunes, and help you add a more Christ-centered sentiment to your festivities, we‘ve attached a compilation of songs here that truly emphasize the incarnation and birth of our Savior. As people whose lives are centered on the story of the Gospel, we shouldn‘t get caught up in the vague sentimentality of the Christmas season. Christmas music is meant to give us more than a nebulous sense of peace and good will to all men. Yes, we leave room for levity, but remember that we sing Christmas songs as worship to a Savior, and through that worship we identify with the same longing that the Scriptures express, as we await the return of our forever King.

GOSPELDELTA.COM Adapted from Christ the King‘s 2009 Advent devotional —―Born a Child, Yet a King‖, and Christ City Church‘s 2010 devotional guide —‖Advent‖.