Advent 2011 (Booklet) by Gospel Delta

Born a Child and yet a King

A D V E N T 2 0 11

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‖.

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.

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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. Church ofbut Advent.................................................4 Yes,The we leave roomSeason for levity, remember that we sing Christmas songs as worship to a Savior, and through that worship we identify with the same longing that the Scriptures Advent Devotions: express, as we await the return of our forever King.

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?—

Week One of Advent................................................6 Week Two of Advent...............................................11

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.

Week Three of Advent............................................16 Week Four of Advent..............................................21 Christmas Day..........................................................26

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.

Appendix A: Treasuring God in Our Traditions……………….35

—Christina Rosetti, from ―A Christmas Carol: For My Godchidren‖

Appendix C: Christmas in Portland………….……………………...46

Epiphany .................................................................30

Appendix B: 16 Christmas Tips for Fathers……………………...45

Appendix D: Advent Music……………………..……………………..47

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.

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Here are some events happening this Christmas season in the Rose City:

Peacock Lane

The Church Season of Advent.................................................4

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.

Advent Devotions: Week One of Advent................................................6

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

Week Two of Advent...............................................11 Week Three of Advent............................................16 Week Four of Advent..............................................21 Christmas Day..........................................................26 Epiphany .................................................................30

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.

Appendix A: Treasuring God in Our Traditions……………….35

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

Appendix B: 16 Christmas Tips for Fathers……………………...45 Appendix C: Christmas in Portland………….……………………...46 Appendix D: Advent Music……………………..……………………..47

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.

16 CHRISTMAS TIPS for FATHERS By Mark Driscoll

the CHURCH SEASON of ADVENT

‘Tis the season for DadoftoGod‘s drop the holiday ball, stressby outthe as gift the of money is being full-out celebration amazing love shown his Son. spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly When we celebrate Advent, we are joining millions of Jesus‘ followers lead hisaround family.the So,world this listinispreparing intended to help dadsfornot fall into the rut of holispiritually Christmas. Dosame not old let the simday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather ple glory of the Advent season pass you by this year. 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 Howeveryone May We Advent families, suffersCelebrate and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.

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!

Dad needs... 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 Ad1. vent a plan for the ensure his family loved and memories made. Dad, wreath, putholidays in fourtonew candles, and islight a new one each are successive what‘s your plan? Sunday of Advent. They make this a special time for the whole family, per2. haps to check the local guides for what‘s going on to make fun holiday plansisforpurple, the on Sunday evening. The traditional color for Advent candles family. with a pink candle used the third week. But any colors are okay. Check out 3. to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that local shops ortoreligious bookstores for Advent and candles. are card fun and point Jesus. Dad, is your calendar readywreaths for December?

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.

to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with

to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is

to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son going to do

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.

This devotional tells story Jesus, from the promise of his birth to the your family going to the adopt andof bless? of hisa big return, through fivedate familiar passages fromDad, the Bible. then 8. promise to schedule Christmas daddy with his daughter(s). what‘s It your big plan for fancy daddy-daughter date? and song to reflect on those passages. invites you,thethrough discussion, prayer,

Throughout the Advent season we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

If you children, you may find the children‘s prayers and the references that ishave active, outdoors, and fun? 10.to to help Mom getJesus the house decorated. Dad, you really a big help to Mom with stories in The Storybook Bible by are Sally Lloyd-Jones helpful in getgetting ready? ting yourthings children involved in the discussions. (You can purchase The Jesus 11.Storybook to ensure Bible some holiday sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on iPod, throughsmells mostand major bookstores.) Your children willthealso is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house? probably enjoy singing the songs with you. Recordings of the songs printed 12.in to snuggle up andare watch some fun shows withlinks the kids, especially the little ones. this devotional attached to clickable and the supplementary CD.

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

Dad, is the DVR set? 13.Astowe take the family on a drivewe to see lights while music and pursue the readings, willChristmas look backward and listening celebratetothe deep sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out? and meaningful truth that God shined a light into our darkness by stepping 14. to help Mom get the kids‘ rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a down into our world of stone, earth, and flesh. But we also look forward in small tree in their room? expectation, because thepray Oneover whohislived peasants and outcasts now 15. to read about Jesus and kids.among Dad, how‘s your pastoral work is going a king. Not only is he a king, but he is also coming back to make all things with each of your kids? This is 16.right. to repent of Advent. being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you being a servant like Jesus to your family? 45

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.

16 CHRISTMAS TIPS for FATHERS By Mark Driscoll ‘Tis the season for DadoftoGod‘s drop the holiday ball, stressby outthe as gift the of money is being full-out celebration amazing love shown his Son. spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly When we celebrate Advent, we are joining millions of Jesus‘ followers lead hisaround family.the So,world this listinispreparing intended to help dadsfornot fall into the rut of holispiritually Christmas. Dosame not old let the simday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather ple glory of the Advent season pass you by this year. 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 Howeveryone May We Advent families, suffersCelebrate and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity. Dad needs... 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 Ad1. vent a plan for the ensure his family loved and memories made. Dad, wreath, putholidays in fourtonew candles, and islight a new one each are successive what‘s your plan? Sunday of Advent. They make this a special time for the whole family, per2. haps to check the local guides for what‘s going on to make fun holiday plansisforpurple, the on Sunday evening. The traditional color for Advent candles family. with a pink candle used the third week. But any colors are okay. Check out 3. to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that local shops ortoreligious bookstores for Advent and candles. are card fun and point Jesus. Dad, is your calendar readywreaths for December?

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.

to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with

to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is

to schedule guy time with his son(s). Dad, what are you and your son going to do

For families with younger children, Advent calendars—organized from Mom or the kids. Dad, how‘s your joy? December 1–25—are from most bookstores. Often can these ar- this 5. to give memories andavailable not just gifts. Dad, what special memories youare make ranged so that 24 little doors open to reveal a small treat for each day leading holiday season? a bigger for Christmas Craft stores also stockDad, Advent calen6. uptotomanage thedoor extended family andDay. friends during the holidays. who or what dardokits that families can use as a craft project. you need to say ―no‖ to? This devotional tells story Jesus, from the promise of his birth to the your family going to the adopt andof bless? of hisa big return, through fivedate familiar passages fromDad, the Bible. then 8. promise to schedule Christmas daddy with his daughter(s). what‘s It your big plan for fancy daddy-daughter date? and song to reflect on those passages. invites you,thethrough discussion, prayer, If you children, you may find the children‘s prayers and the references that ishave active, outdoors, and fun? 10.to to help Mom getJesus the house decorated. Dad, you really a big help to Mom with stories in The Storybook Bible by are Sally Lloyd-Jones helpful in getgetting ready? ting yourthings children involved in the discussions. (You can purchase The Jesus 11.Storybook to ensure Bible some holiday sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on iPod, throughsmells mostand major bookstores.) Your children willthealso is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house? probably enjoy singing the songs with you. Recordings of the songs printed 12.in to snuggle up andare watch some fun shows withlinks the kids, especially the little ones. this devotional attached to clickable and the supplementary CD.

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, WEEK many people who are most blessed have very little visible ONE ADVENT wealth. The blessing of God is his presence with us, which gives us constant cause for praise.

Isaiah 9:2-7

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.

The Promise of a King

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Have you ever been promised something that seemed too good to be true? So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. That‘s thewill kind promise God‘s people received in Isaiah 9. They were My soul be of satisfied as with fat and rich food, promised light in the places that only knew and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, darkness. They were promised freedom instead ofyou slavery. were promised glory instead of shame. They when I remember upon They my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; were promised peace instead of war. for you have been my help, and in the promised shadow of your wings I will joy. They were promised a king— They were a child. Not justsing anyforchild. My soul clings to you; better than any king they knew. They were promised a king whose reign would rightby hand upholds beyour known things like me. justice, righteousness, and peace. They were promised

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.

(Psalm 63:3-8)

a king whose reign would be without end. Perhaps the following questions can help us prepare for Christmas. They were promised an eternal king who would make everything right. Forever. Am I my Father‘s child? Do I resemble him in my generosity?

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

Am I focusing on God‘s gift so that my appreciation to him grows?

Shedding Some Can others seeLight… why I am celebrating?

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.

Am I celebrating Christ? When Isaiah spoke of such things, few listened and few believed. For those whoNovember did believe, it wasn‘t Isaiahalmost they believed, but instead the God One a friend of mine lost her child. By Christmas thewho crisispromwas butand theyagain still were notpassion sure of the isedpast, again that his for long-term his peopleimplications. would makeShe thise-miracle mailed me during the season that had always been her favorite time of the happen. year: As kings came and went, as leaders rose and fell, God‘s people were tempted I‘m findingThe Christmas A little bit deliverance I resent all theseemed hoopla;like sometoSurprisingly, doubt his promises. storieshard. of God‘s past antimes I want to shout, ―Don‘t you know my baby could have died?‖ At the same cient history to many people under the oppressive rule of a foreign king or the time I‘m grateful she‘sown alive,kings. and very mightfor notthe havedeliverer been. So unjust rulevery of one of their So aware while that theyshe longed you‘d think I‘d be really, really happy! That‘s a pretty secular statement. In spiritual Isaiah tough to really to hope God‘s come Itrue. terms,promised, Christmas itis was not very meaningful me this yearpromise one way would or the other. feel a bit like God and I are on a journey together, seeing and doing a lot, but certainly Why was God takingfor so any long? Didofhetime. remember? Did he care? not staying anywhere length

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.

My answer to her could well be the summary of this chapter: 6

Week of Sunday, November 28th

Gift to Jesus It may be easy for us to forget that this is Jesus‘ birthday. That usually means gifts to 9:2-7 especially will think it normal that Jesus should rethe birthdayIsaiah person. Children ceive something for his birthday. We‘ll need to talk with them about what it means to give a gift 2toThe Jesus since we put itinindarkness his hand. One of the unusual things people whocan‘t walked about Jesus is that when we give a gift to him, other people benefit. ―And the King have seen a great light; will answer them, ‗Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, brothers, you did it to me‘‖ (Matthew 25:40).

on them has light shined.

If you decide3 early in the Advent season where your gift is going, you can be prayYou have multiplied nation; ing for the recipient throughout the the season. Your prayer becomes an added gift to you havethe increased itsrelief joy; agency, the local ministry, the the family with special needs, Christian they rejoice before youchosen. missionary, or whomever you have

as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. Money isn‘t the only thing we can give, but for the moment, let‘s think about 4 How might you decide on the amount? One possibility is to deterfinancial gifts. For the yoke of his burden, mine what percentageand of your totalfor gifthis expenditures the staff shoulder, will be set aside for Jesus. Another is to give him your December coffee the rod of his oppressor,break money or some other regular expenditure.

The Promise of a King

a king whose reign would be without end.

you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Perhaps the following questions can help us prepare for Christmas. They were promised an eternal king who would make everything right. Forever. Am I my Father‘s child? Do I resemble him in my generosity?

What about5our children? Some years I have offered ―wages‖ for special jobs or Forchores every during boot ofDecember, the tramping in battle tumult even for regular withwarrior the understanding that this money and every is being earned for Jesus‘ gift. garment rolled in blood

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

Am I focusing on God‘s gift so that my appreciation to him grows?

Shedding Some Can others seeLight… why I am celebrating?

Shepherd‘s Pouch For to us a child is born, 6

to us ahave son had is given; The children at our house a simple drawstring bag—a shepherd‘s pouch, and the government be upon hisDecember. shoulder, On Christmas Eve, we call it—in which to collect Jesus‘shall gift throughout and his name shall be called during a special family worship time, the children lay their pouches beside the Wonderful Counselor, God, manger of our special nativity scene. Mighty We speak to them then of giving their gifts to Everlasting Father, Prince of and Peace. Jesus, as the shepherds came, giving Jesus worship wonder. When the7 angels away from into heaven, Of thewent increase of histhem government andthe ofshepherds peace said to one another, ―Let us gothere over to and see this thing that has happened, which willBethlehem be no end, the Lord has made knownoftoDavid us.‖ And haste and found Mary and Joon the throne andthey overwent his with kingdom, seph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the to establish it and to uphold it saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered justice told and them. with righteousness at what thewith shepherds . . . And the shepherds returned, glorifying and from this time forth and as forevermore. praising God for all they had heard and seen, it had been told them. (Luke 2: 1520)

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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

Week of Sunday, November 27th

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

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.

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

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.

Word Pictures and Names of Jesus

Do you long for Jesus‘ return? If so, why? If not, why not?

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)

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.

Am I Reflecting God‘s Generosity?

Advent Singing:

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?

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (CD, Track 2)

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

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. 8

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.

A Few Reminders of Jesus‘ Life

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.

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

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.

Word Pictures and Names of Jesus

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.

Am I Reflecting God‘s Generosity?

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.

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. 40

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? The Prophet Isaiah

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 10

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.

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 Luke 1:68-79 preparation for Christ‘s coming again.

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.

Do Others See Why We Celebrate?

Advent—Looking Forward

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

How will our home look if our celebration is a picture of anticipation and waiting for he has visited and redeemed his people for God‘s plan to be completed, a picture of our joy in the salvation he has begun 69 for us? What thingsup willa fill ourofhouse as wefor celebrate what God has done andvisible has raised horn salvation us through Jesus?

in the house of his servant David, 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)

MangerasScenes he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 70

Our very first thatChristmas we should was beinsaved the middle from our of our enemies honeymoon. So our traditions began the second year of marriage. We visited our families before Christmas and andplace fromlate theathand who hate21. us;We didn‘t have any decreturned to our small nightof onallDecember orations,72and time short. So we decided to buy a tree. I had found a to the show thewas mercy promised to our not fathers tiny nativity set at an international gift shop. On Christmas morning, the two of us sat on the floor beside a low, small table scene between us. Christmas carand to remember his with holythat covenant, ols played in the background as we opened each other‘s gifts. It seemed exactly right 73 thetheoath thatcenter. he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that Jesus be visible 74

we,a being from our of enemies, So every year sincethat then, specialdelivered crèche has beenthe thehand focalofpoint our celebration. Wemight arrange it on a table and collect our gifts underneath. This is often the serve him without fear, gathering place for our family devotions during December. Anyone who visits sees what our center 75is.in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76

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.

We also use a manger scenewill as part of ourthe Advent candle arrangement to keep And you, child, be called prophet of the Most High; the focus of our waiting visible before us. Other uses for a crèche might be:

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).

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 our see one they areofgoing. I find them at garage sales to guide feetwhere into the way peace. 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

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

An unbreakable set for the children to play with. 77 to givescene knowledge of salvation to his people Manger ornaments for the Christmas tree. A stained-glass or colored-cellophane window arrangement visible from the in the forgiveness of their sins, street. 78 A because play corner withtender toy lamb, baby of the mercy ofdoll, our and God,appropriate items for costumes.

thecrèche sunrise shall visit us from on high One friend told mewhereby about her collection: 79

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

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.

God, don‘t let the celebration of Christmas and all that it brings cause

Advent Calendar us to stop longing for your return to earth to make everything right—

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

Each Advent Sunday, we Pipers gather at the table for a meal and hear a word Adult‘s Prayer 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 Father, help usgrown to be older, rootedwe‘ve in theexpanded salvationthe story of your people. MatthewDear or Luke. As they‘ve reading to include Old Testament Help usprophecies to find hope of the andMessiah‘s rest in your coming. mighty Then works on other in redemptive days, whenever hiswe sit at tory. the dining room where the candles are the we light that During thistable season especially, quicken ourcenterpiece, spirits to meditate on week‘s number ofof candles. the birth Jesus Christ, the continued gift and work of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus‘ promised return. Amen. 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 Children‘s Prayer his marvelous light‖ (1 Peter 2:9).

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 The Jesus Bible Reference with Jesus. So I Storybook 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 through,‖ Christmas story. Throughout the month, that story is ―Heaven breaks p. 200 - 204 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

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 Adult‘s Prayer 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 Father, help usgrown to be older, rootedwe‘ve in theexpanded salvationthe story of your people. MatthewDear or Luke. As they‘ve reading to include Old Testament Help usprophecies to find hope of the andMessiah‘s rest in your coming. mighty Then works on other in redemptive days, whenever hiswe sit at tory. the dining room where the candles are the we light that During thistable season especially, quicken ourcenterpiece, spirits to meditate on week‘s number ofof candles. the birth Jesus Christ, the continued gift and work of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus‘ promised return. Amen. 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 Children‘s Prayer his marvelous light‖ (1 Peter 2:9).

God, don‘t let the celebration of Christmas and all that it brings cause

Advent Calendar us to stop longing for your return to earth to make everything right—

forever. ―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 Advent Singing 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 Mortal Flesh Silenthas(CD, 6) setting. Christ‘s, Let let‘s All make sure our dailyKeep countdown a realTrack Christmas 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 The Jesus Bible Reference with Jesus. So I Storybook 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 through,‖ Christmas story. Throughout the month, that story is ―Heaven breaks p. 200 - 204 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 13

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.

TREASURING GOD in OUR TRADITIONS By Noel Piper

Three Wise Men

Zechariah and the Angel Gabriel 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.

WEEK THREE of ADVENT

Luke 2:1-7

The Birth of a Child 1

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

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.

city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and 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.

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.

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 13

WEEK THREE of ADVENT Adult‘s and Children‘s Prayer

The Birth of a Child

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

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.

They Came Bearing Gifts (CD, Track 13)

Shedding Some Light…

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference

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.

―The King of All Kings,‖ p. 192 - 199

Week of Sunday, December 11th

EPIPHANY Adult‘s Prayer

Jesus, Light of the World

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.

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.

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

Shedding Some Light…

Advent Singing

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.‖

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

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference

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.

―He‘s here!,‖ p. 176 -179

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 18

Matthew 2:1-12

EPIPHANY

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

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.

―‗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. 7

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

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 6 30

Luke 2:8-20 The Annunciation of Mary

of Jesus And in the same region thereThe wereNativity 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.

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

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

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 Adult‘s Prayer

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.‖

This Christmas morning, join the Apostle Paul as he proclaims the gloriAlmighty God, when we ﬁnd our hearts distracted in the busy-ness of ousness of the gospel (Gal 3:16): 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 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: joy.‖ He was manifested in the ﬂesh,

vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, Children‘s Prayer proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, Dear Heavenly us the same joy and excitement as the angels takenGod, up ingive glory. who proclaimed Jesus‘ birth. 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).

Advent Singing

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.

Angels We Day HavePrayer Heard on High (CD, Track 7) Christmas and Hymn Joy to the World! (CD, Track 11)

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

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.‖

―He‘s Here!,‖ p. 180 - 183

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

CHRISTMAS DAY Adult‘s Prayer This Christmas morning, join the Apostle Paul as he proclaims the gloriAlmighty God, when we ﬁnd our hearts distracted in the busy-ness of ousness of the gospel (Gal 3:16): 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 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: joy.‖ He was manifested in the ﬂesh,

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

Advent Singing

Shedding Some Light…

Angels We Day HavePrayer Heard on High (CD, Track 7) Christmas and Hymn

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,

Joy to the World! (CD, Track 11)

The Jesus Storybook Bible Reference The Bible Reference ―TheJesus LightStorybook of the Whole World,‖ p. 184 - 191 ―He‘s Here!,‖ p. 180 - 183

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

The Herald Angels