Advent Guide 2021

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Return of The King Awaiting Jesus in the Prophets of Old

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Hope...........................6 peace.....................14 joy...........................22 love....................... 30 christmas day...........................39 advent events................40 christmas services............ 42

Advent is about anticipation–awaiting something or someone. This Advent we will be looking back to the Old Testament prophets who foretold of a promised one–a king–who would come to rule the world in hope, peace, joy, and love (Isaiah 52:7).

Each Sunday we’ll look at a different Old Testament text that bears witness to this kingdom that Jesus came to announce and will one day bring in full. The following week we will further explore the kingdom characteristic of hope, peace, joy and love highlighted. Each day one of our elders or pastors has written an accompanying prayer to prompt us into further reflection.

week one 6

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Sunday, Nov. 28 P RAYE R BY MAR K STORY

REA D ISA I A H 9 :6 – 7 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. 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.

PRAY

R EFLECT

Gracious and merciful Lord, How beautiful are voices bringing good news? How beautiful the night when the angels heralded the birth of the prince of peace, the son of God, the king of kings?

Lord, help us this Advent season to hear anew the cry: “Your God reigns—peace, justice, and righteousness will fill the earth.”

All our hopes rest in this, Lord: what you have done before, you will do once more.

You have proven your faithfulness. To your prophets of old you promised the birth of Christ, and you came through. Christ promised the Holy Spirit would be poured into our hearts, and you came through. Your promise of a new creation still stands and we trust “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Lord, you have proven your love for us in our own lives again and again. Come and fill our hearts with gratitude and awe, with wonder and confident assurance that what you have done before, you will do once more—in even greater measure.

All glory and honor to you, Lord, the risen and reigning king, who has come and will come again.

Amen.

HOP E

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monday, Nov. 29 P RAYE R BY MARGAR ET NDIRITU

REA D P SA L M 6 2 :5– 6 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

PRAY Father in heaven, We thank you for your goodness and for your grace and mercies that are new every morning.

Thank you for the love you have for us as your children. We thank you for your protection in the things that we come across in our everyday life. We are thankful that you have been our “rock” in the midst of challenges—especially those we have faced during the COVID-19 global pandemic. We are thankful that amid all of this you have continued being our “refuge in time of trouble.” We give you praise for the peace we have continued to experience.

We ask, Lord, that you would continue protecting us from any work of the enemy during this Christmas season. Thank you that you are always ready to respond to our needs and quietly wait to offer us love and acceptance, even when we do not deserve it. Thank you for Jesus Christ, who is our rock and our redeemer and our prince of peace under all circumstances. We love you and we worship you.

Amen.

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REFLECT

Tuesday, Nov. 30 P RAYE R BY T. HARDIE

REA D

REFLECT

L A ME N TATIONS 3:2 1 –24 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

PRAY Gracious God, As we approach this season of Christmas, our thoughts turn to the joys of seasons past. We have fond memories of time spent with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Lord and the hope we have for the coming of his kingdom. Yet it seems lately that we live in a world that cultivates feelings of hopelessness, characterized by disappointment, fractured relationships, and division, even among brothers and sisters in Christ. We lose heart; we long for a world made right. And so it is to your word that we turn and there we find comfort, assurance, and, yes, hope. For this we are so grateful. Great is your faithfulness, and because of your love, we are not consumed. Blessed, you say, are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In that promise, we find hope and anticipate again with joy the coming of Jesus and the building of your kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.

Come Lord Jesus, Amen.

HOP E

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Wednesday, dec. 1 P RAYE R BY DAVID MARTIN

REA D 1 P E T E R 1:13 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.

PRAY Lord, We thank you that we can be sober-minded, trusting in you and your grace. Hope in you is not merely wishful thinking or escapism from the world; rather, it is based on a real historic event: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

We thank you that following Jesus allows us to be realistic about the brokenness, injustice, and pain in this world; and we thank you that it is your grace and love that allows us to enter into that brokenness to be agents of your love, peace, justice, and reconciliation. We thank you that Jesus entered this same world sober-minded and gladly humbled himself to die on a cross, bearing our brokenness so that we would not be separated from you, Father.

Thank you for Jesus’ resurrection through which we overcome the power of sin and death. Thank you that the king has returned and that we are allowed to participate in your mission of making all things right again.

Amen!

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R EFLECT

thursday, Dec. 2 P RAYE R BY JACKIE B URKE

REA D

R EFLECT

P SA L M 4 2 :5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

PRAY Heavenly Father, We come to you today seeking your counsel.

The past months are heavy with loss: loss of jobs, loss of relationships, loss of what once felt secure. The continued instability of the pandemic causes pain and anxiety and we are uncertain what the future holds.

David wrote this psalm from a similar place.

Isolated in a cave and pursued by his enemies, he felt the weight of the world collapsing around him. Yet, rather than bemoan his circumstances, he chided himself and questioned his despondency. Lord, he looked to you for his hope and salvation.

Lord, you know our pain and anxiety are very real. Yet, we should not be cast down, in light of your greatness and the help of your favor and presence. Answers are not within us, Lord, but in you.

Looking through the lens of the resurrection, Lord, we realize these times will strengthen us. As this Advent season begins, remind us of what you have done through the saving grace of your son, Jesus. By our hope in you, give us confidence and peace.

Amen.

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friday, dec. 3 P RAYE R BY BEC KY PATE RIK

REA D J E R E M I AH 2 9 :11– 13 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

PRAY Dear God, As you know, it has been a tough year for many of us. With the pandemic, strife in our cities and our families, natural disasters, and broken relationships, life sometimes can seem so bleak. It is a comfort to know that you have good plans for us and our future. We thank you that as we call on you in prayer, you promise that you hear us. Help us seek you with all our hearts in our everyday life while we decorate, shop, cook, wrap presents, and spend time with friends and family. Give us your hope in our hearts of a future, that when we seek you, we will find you and know your love and hope for our lives.

We pray that we may feel the presence of the God of hope going with us every day, filling all our lives with love and joy and peace.

Amen.

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Saturday, Dec. 4 P RAYE R BY NEIL RAMB IN

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REFLECT

R O MA N S 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

PRAY Oh Lord, It is so easy to become discouraged and even afraid of the dangers that threaten us. Globally a pandemic, floods, droughts, and oppression are rife. In our own country, we see escalating violence even on our airplanes, political division, economic uncertainty, and inequities. In our own local community there are divisions and disruptions over mask policies, vaccines, and what is taught in our schools. In our own families we often struggle with disease, aging, marital disharmony, and educational and professional confusion.

Yet, in the middle of all of this, we can be comforted by the knowledge that you, not by our own efforts but by the power of the Holy Spirit, provide us with hope. The kind of hope that withstands the cruelties and challenges of a fallen world and brings us joy and peace right now, despite our circumstances. With the strength of your Holy Spirit we are assured that whatever the challenges of today, we can be at peace and show joy because we know we are saved and will be in your arms for eternity.

Amen.

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Sunday, dec. 5 P RAYE R BY SIMON K INGO RI

REA D

REFLECT

ISA I A H 4 0:1– 2 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

PRAY God of all peace and comfort, We thank you for sending your son Jesus Christ into the world, so that through his life, works, death, and resurrection we may experience peace and hope in the midst of the chaos of our time.

Help us this Advent season to receive peace and comfort as we remember his coming into this world. But even more, may we be reminded of the full measure of peace and joy we shall experience when we finally come into your presence.

Through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever more.

Amen.

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Monday, dec. 6 PRAYE R BY ALISA SELL

REA D ISA I A H 52 :7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

PRAY Dear Lord, Receive our prayers for friends and family and bring them peace. You have given us good news and published peace, happiness, and salvation. You have equipped us with God’s armor and charged us to share the Gospel of peace with those who need salvation. The good news of the Gospel brings God’s peace through Jesus Christ, proclaims his great love for us, and wakens us to his gifts of grace and mercy. Empower and embolden us, through the work of the spirit to all people near and far.

Bring peace to those who are suffering and encountering hard times. You sent your son to be the deliverer of peace, love, joy, and salvation to the world. He promises believers eternal life in Heaven, as he is the son of the living God. We thank you, Father.

Amen.

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Tuesday, dec. 7 PRAYE R BY JOHN WALSH

REA D

REFLECT

MAT T H EW 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

PRAY Dear Lord, As we acknowledge your majesty, we thank you for the blessing of celebrating this season of Christ’s birth. We know you are the creator of all things. Provide us with reminders of your presence by surrounding us with the Holy Spirit so that we may stay aligned with your will. Send us strong signs through our Advent prayers to strengthen our focus on you. During this season, make us peacemakers in this world. Give us wisdom to help calm the stormy waters of our time. Provide us patience with our adversaries, seeking love and understanding instead of a drive to be right or to make our point. Remind us that our peace comes from our trust in you, and that peace is a gift from you.

As Christmas approaches, we pray for all of our family and friends to find the one true and unchanging path to eternal life through your son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.

Amen.

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wednesday, dec. 8 PRAYE R BY VUONG DAO

REA D P SA L M 8 5:8– 9 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.

PRAY Heavenly Father, We pray that we might hear your voice proclaiming peace to us. We are reminded of salvation through your son, and we rejoice.

During the busyness of this time of year, many of us may allow the concerns of gift giving and social engagements to become follies. Instead of feeling blessed, we can start to envy those with material wealth and success. But thankfully “Salvation is near to those who fear” you!

May we, by your Spirit, be reminded along with the Grinch that “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, in fact, means a little bit more!”

We thank you that in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can present our requests to you. More importantly, your peace which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We know “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing about Jesus for all to hear!” So may the glory of your son reign in our hearts and be ever present on our lips.

Amen!

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R EFLECT

Thursday, dec. 9 P RAYER BY JENNIFE R TOLLETT

REA D

REFLECT

J O HN 1 4 :2 6 – 2 7 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

PRAY Heavenly Father, As your disciples we thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit. Without this gift we might constantly misunderstand your word and precepts.

But the Holy Spirit reveals your teachings to us and lifts us up so we might have a relationship with you that brings us peace. No gift can take the place of peace when our hearts are one with you.

We are thankful that you carefully control everything that happens to us. You are constantly protecting us from known and unknown fears.

Jesus, you are the prince of peace who by your death has reconciled us with God. May your Holy Spirit show us the contents of our hearts and may we repent and walk peacefully in your ways forever and ever.

In your wondrous name.

Amen.

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Friday, dec. 10 P RAYE R BY CHAR LES DAVIS

REA D C O LO S S IANS 1:19 – 20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

PRAY Heavenly Father, Fill us with awe as we read your word during this Advent season. Allow us to pause and take time to focus on the goodness of your promises. We confess that our behavior doesn’t always reflect the true gratitude of our hearts for the amazing gift of grace you have given us in your son, Christ Jesus. For it was in him that the fullness of your divine glory was pleased to dwell. And through his sacrifice on the cross, by the redeeming power of his blood, the heavenly and the worldly became reconciled.

Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing love for us and the gift of your princely peace. Thank you for reconciling us to our heavenly Father. We ask, boldly, that we might tangibly know this peace today.

Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with all joy in knowing that we are bound together in community to God the Father through the eternal peace of Jesus, now and forever. Let this truth guide us as we seek to share Christ’s peace with our families, friends, and strangers.

In your son’s name, Amen.

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R EFLECT

Saturday, dec. 11 PRAYE R BY JOHN RAIN

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REFLECT

C O LO S S IANS 3:15– 1 6 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

PRAY Dearest Lord, Thank you so much that you want to rule in our hearts and give us your peace, regardless of whether our situations are sad or happy, hard or pleasant, lonely or among friends. Thank you that you want your word to dwell inside each of us—that you yourself want to dwell inside each of us—giving us your riches as you transform us into people who steadily grow more and more like Jesus. Lead us to move further and further into your riches for us as we increasingly listen to and act upon your wisdom, as we sing your songs, and as we consider all your blessings to us and thank you for them with joy. Fill us, Holy Spirit! Abide in us, Lord Jesus! Continue to remake us, Father God! We pray all this in Jesus’ powerful name!

Amen.

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week three 2 2 W EEK T WO

sunday, dec. 12 P RAYER BY ANDR EW FRANK LIN

REA D

R EFLECT

Z E P HA N IAH 3:16 – 17 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

PRAY Gracious Father, We are grateful for a season that reminds us you are a God who can transform even the bleakest moments with piercing light. There are days when our hands grow weak, when we do not feel like we can carry on, and things far and things near seem hopeless.

But it is not the strength of our hands that will save us, but your power and your presence—the mighty one who promises to save.

We thank you that you do so much more than merely rescue us and leave us. We would be overwhelmed with gratitude if you saved us, and nothing more.

Yet, you delight in us; you call us your own children; the presence of your love quiets us.

There is nothing greater than the joy we experience when we hear your sweet voice exult over us with singing. Renew us with that singing, Lord; we long to hear your voice fresh again this Christmas. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

J OY 23

monday, dec. 13 P RAYE R BY R EID SLAUGHTER

REA D P SA L M 4 :6 – 7 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.

PRAY Mighty God, creator of all good things, So much of our lives are spent in a search for happiness. And we too often define happiness as money and possessions. We embrace these inanimate objects as if they were living things with the power to comfort us and love us. But nothing in this world can ever understand us, love us, and pursue us the way you do.

When we are lonely or discouraged, let us seek joy in your Word. Let us always turn to you —the true source of heartwarming affection, the fountain of unconditional love that never fails to flow. Lord, it’s ironic how these holidays meant for a relaxing celebration of your son and his transforming life have been corrupted into a stressful search for ever more expensive material goods. Lead us back to you, Father.

Our true joy is forever in your arms.

Amen.

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REFLECT

tuesday, dec. 14 P RAYE R BY KAR EN KONKER

REA D

R EFLECT

P SA L M 51:11– 12 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

PRAY Almighty God, You have formed us to be deeply connected to you—created us to long for a peace-beyond-understanding that only your presence may provide. We praise you for your creation, each of us with a part in your plan. When we wander and stray, you are our good shepherd who relentlessly seeks us and then redeems and restores us to your life-giving presence.

You have created us to glorify you. As we celebrate the advent of your coming, God with us, our Immanuel, the world’s sway to transform this holy season often leads us away from your presence—our true joy. Father, we ask you to hold us close, help us glorify you with pure hearts, restoring our deepest joy in your presence. Guide us to share fully in the blessings you have given us—our belongings, our energies, your word and the joy of knowing you—to bless others. May your spirit strengthen and excite our congregation to bless our neighbors, community, city, and the world.

Gratefully, joyously, and in the name of our beloved savior Jesus, Amen.

J OY 25

wednesday, dec. 15 P RAYE R BY ANNE COMPTON

REA D P SA L M 16 :11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

PRAY Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for the joy that entered this world when Jesus was born. When we sing “Joy to the World, the Lord has come” we know this joy is not dependent on what is going on in our lives, in our world, or in the gifts we give or receive. Our joy comes from you—God with us.

We acknowledge that sometimes it is difficult to live joyfully because we are consumed by cares, concerns, and sorrows. Please guide our steps during this Advent season so that we focus on the path of life you have for us, a path of everlasting joy and peace as we walk with you. As we fix our eyes and hearts on you, fill our souls with renewed strength, courage, hope, and joy. We thank you for the abundant blessings you pour into our lives, and we worship you, our lord and king. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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REFLECT

thursday, dec. 16 P RAYE R BY KAR L RATHJ EN

REA D H A B A K KUK 3:17 – 19

R EFLECT

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.

PRAY Father, This season is so important and significant, but often obfuscated by our cultural idols. We pray that in the quietness of this moment you will redirect us to the true importance and significance of the Advent season, and give us the strength and the peace to pause and dwell in your love. Father, you are so good to us that it is easy to give thanks for the countless happy blessings you have bestowed upon us.

Today we ask that you help us find joy in the half empty glass. Help us realize that despite outward appearances, we ALL carry a burden of something that is not as we expected or wanted. It may be our health, career, financial status, or relationships that are not bearing the fruit we had anticipated. Father, give us the wisdom to turn to you in gratitude during our seasons of struggle and loss. For in your love we can find the strength to soldier through these tough seasons and find joy through your redeeming grace manifested in the sacrifice of your son Jesus Christ in whose name we offer this prayer.

Amen.

J OY 27

friday, dec. 17 P RAYE R BY PETE TOWNSEND

REA D P SA L M 6 7 :4– 5 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.

PRAY Heavenly Father, May we sing for joy during this Advent season and throughout the year.

As we prepare our hearts for celebrating the birth of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ, help us to focus on the joy and wonder of the season and not feel the anxiety of attending numerous holiday events, completing shopping, addressing Christmas cards, and gift wrapping. Help us to find rest and peace during this season of celebration. May we be mindful of the needs of those around us and in our community and in our nation. Father, we long for the day when all nations celebrate the birth of your son and are guided by your love and justice. Until that day, give us the courage and grace to share your love boldly and joyfully to those around us. Let us step out in faith to bring your peace to our communities and to the ends of the earth.

Amen.

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REFLECT

saturday, dec. 18 P RAYE R BY JUSTIN EASTBURN

REA D

R EFLECT

1 P E T E R 1:8– 9 Though you have not seen him, you love him.

Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

PRAY Heavenly Father, We praise you for the gift you have given us through the birth, and sacrifice, of your son Jesus. Only through our faith in him are we given the greatest gift imaginable—forgiveness of our sins and salvation of our souls. We never could have imagined what the coming of our king would look like and mean for each of us! And yet it can be easy to forget amid all the busyness right now the true reason we’re celebrating.

Even the early church needed to be reminded

by Peter the joy this salvation brought to the world, a joy that comes from a faith in that which we cannot see. We thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides us back. Father, we pray for those feeling pain and hurt, no matter the cause, that they, too, may find this inexpressible joy. Finally, we pray that anyone that has not found this faith might take even one step forward in their relationship with you this Christmas.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

J OY 29

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sunday, dec. 19 P RAYE R BY KURT ALEXANDER

REA D

R EFLECT

J E R E M I AH 31:2 – 3 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

PRAY As we enter this last week before Christmas, we are blessed with this amazing passage from Jeremiah, written more than 600 years before Christ’s advent. Your word also says in Ecclesiastes that “where the word of a king is, there is power.” So how much more power is there when you speak… “Thus says the LORD.” May we pay attention to your call, Lord! Jeremiah describes how you acted on behalf of your people (Israel) and then moves into why you acted on behalf of your people. We recognize that the people have nothing to do with why you acted, Lord. In fact, they are in the wilderness and weary. Similarly, we bring nothing to the table, and many of us are feeling weary today. But you, the LORD Almighty who spoke the world into existence, are also speaking to us today: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

So, Lord, thank you that when we are “in Christ,” despite being sinners, you see us as beautiful saints. You are enthralled with us!

Today we allow your everlasting love to wash over us and change our hearts as we prepare to celebrate the birth of your son.

Amen.

LOV E 31

monday, dec. 20 P RAYE R BY SHAR ON J OHNSON

REA D 1 JO HN 4 :7 – 9 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

PRAY Gracious Lord, We are humbled and awed by the depth of your love for us! Thank you for sending your son to earth in human form. His presence among us allowed us to learn of your loving nature, and his atoning sacrifice gives us assurance that we truly are your beloved children.

The messiah was expected to come as a conquering king. Instead, he came as love personified, extending healing, kindness, and mercy to the sick, despised, and sinful. No wonder many were skeptical and even afraid of him.

The love he exhibited was beyond anything that had ever been seen or imagined!

Forgive us that even though the Bible gives us access to your loving words and actions, we often fail to love others as you love us. We all want to be loved unconditionally, but we tend to be judgmental, to turn our backs on strangers, and refuse to forgive our enemies.

During this Advent season, let our hearts overflow with your affection and our lives reflect your goodness. We want the people we meet to be drawn to you and to receive the kind of unfailing love only you can give.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Tuesday, dec. 21 P RAYE R BY TED MUNSELLE

REA D

R EFLECT

H O SE A 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

PRAY Lord, these are difficult times in so many ways.

People are dealing with an ongoing pandemic, divisive philosophies, emotional turmoil, and many other challenges. It is easy to harden our hearts, pick sides, and ignore the voices and needs of others.

As we celebrate the season of Advent, remind us that when you sent your son, you gave us all that we need to break up the fallow ground of our hardened hearts. We seek you again today, Lord, and choose to accept the righteousness that you rain upon us. Our weary world rejoices in the Christ child who is the light of love, illuminating the righteous pathway for our lives. And as we walk in that way, help us to love others in the way that you do. Thank you for the blessings you provide and for the promise of eternal life through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

LOV E 33

wednesday, dec. 22 PRAYE R BY VIC B LOEDE

REA D P SA L M 8 9 :1– 2 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”

PRAY Father, We thank you for how much you love us. As the psalm says, your love for us goes on forever.

We see so many ways in which you have shown how much you love us.

You love us so much that you sent your son to live among us, to show us how to live.

You love us so much that you sent your son to pay the price for our sins.

And finally, you love us so much that you sent your son so that we can be with you forever.

As we look forward to celebrating the arrival of your son Jesus, help us to remember to share your amazing love. Help us to share your love with those who are hurting, even during this beautiful season. Remind us to share your love with those who are in need.

And most of all, move us to share the love of Jesus with those who don’t yet know you.

We pray this in the name of our risen king!

Amen.

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R EFLECT

thursday, dec. 23 P RAYE R BY BEN WANG

REA D

R EFLECT

1 JO HN 4 :10– 12 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

PRAY Dear Father, As I approach Advent, my heart is full of your incomparable and unconditional love toward me. You are the first one who desired after my heart when you sent your son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. What a privilege that I live in you, and you live in me, and your awesome and gracious love is recognizable in my life.

Please continue to pour your love into my heart through Holy Spirit. Make me a channel of your will and a blessing to others. Help me see others with your eyes and respond to their needs with your compassion and daily find the opportunities to love others whom you place in my path. I ask that you use me to tangibly demonstrate your love to someone today.

The joyful message of Christmas demonstrates that I am loved by you, I live with you, for you, and in you. Father, keep me resting, remaining, and abiding in you, so that at the day of the return of the king, I will see you and know you face to face, and your love will be perfected in me. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

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friday, dec. 24 P RAYE R BY MAR IE CROWE

REA D MAT T H EW 1:2 0– 2 2 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

PRAY Dear God, Thank you for the Bible, the words you have given to us so that we might understand you more fully. Lord, you chose an unmarried, common teenage girl to be the mother of your son Jesus, the light of the world. Help us to remember that your ways are not the world’s ways and that you esteem simple and sincere faith like that of Mary and Joseph.

May we be faithful like Joseph, who had planned to divorce Mary quietly when he learned she was pregnant, but who heard from an angel of the Lord and was then obedient to wed Mary—even when God’s plan must have seemed so strange to him.

Help us, Lord, to be aware of your guidance in our lives. Help us to be open to redirection from our plans to your plan. And finally, help us to be courageous in following your plan for our lives, just as Joseph did more than two thousand years ago.

Amen.

3 6 C HR I ST MAS E VE

R EFLECT

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Saturday, dec. 25 P RAYE R BY CALUM LINDSAY

REA D

R EFLECT

LU K E 2 :10– 12 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

PRAY Christ the Lord, We celebrate your birth today along with the angels on that first Christmas night. Amidst the joys of family, feasting, and gifts may this Christmas be a time when we are humbly reminded that the news of your birth is profoundly good and joyful, and that it is for all people, everywhere, throughout time.

After this Advent journey may we, like the shepherds, enter into this New Year “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Help us to be a people who share the hope we have in you with all those we come in contact with. And help us proclaim forever more “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel!”

Finally, we ask that the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child would be ours this Christmas.

Amen.

LOV E 39

advent Events REGISTRATION & MORE INFO AT HPPRES.ORG/ADVENT

CHU RCH WIDE Christmas with the Highland Park Chorale FRIDAY, DEC. 3, 7 PM SANCTUARY Nothing signals the onset of the Christmas holiday season quite like music from the Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra. Join us for this collection of traditional favorites and exciting new choral artistic expressions of Christmas.

Christmas with Four Hands FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 4, 5:30, & 7 PM MUSIC ROOM Celebrate Christmas with carols performed on a piano by two pianists/four hands. Registration is recommended at hppres.org/concerts and seating is limited.

Handel’s Messiah FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 7 PM SANCTUARY The Chancel Choir and Orchestra are truly back in full force with their performance of Handel’s Messiah. The Christmas holiday season is most fulfilling when you experience the Highland Park live performance of Messiah in December.

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Chinese Christmas Candlelight Service SATURDAY, DEC. 18, 7:30 PM ELLIOTT HALL The Chinese Ministry will hold a worship service with a pageant, followed by dinner and fellowship.

Christmas on the Lawn SUNDAY, DEC. 19, 9 AM–1 PM Invite your friends and family to Christmas on the Lawn at HP Pres. There will be fun activities for the family!

Lessons & Carols SUNDAY, DEC. 19, 9:30 & 11 AM SANCTUARY A traditional program of Lessons & Carols is presented by our children, studemt, and adult choirs. This is a heartwarming worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus as told through Bible readings, songs, and congregational carols.

All Nations Christmas Reception SUNDAY, DEC. 19, 1–2:30 PM ELLIOTT HALL Following worship and our Christmas on the Lawn, join us at 1 pm for a Christmas Luncheon celebration in the Hunt Lobby!

KIDS & STUDENTS Advent Fest WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 | 6–7:30 PM ALEXANDER BUILDING Families with children 6th grade and younger, join us as a family to kick off the season of Advent with an evening of games, food, bounce houses, a reminder of why we celebrate the season, and a whole lot of fun! Invite your neighbors and friends. The more the merrier.

Elementary Christmas party WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, 6–7:30 PM ALEXANDER HALL 1st–4th graders, come have a merry time with fellowship, games, and food. Bring all your friends!

5th & 6th Christmas Party WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, 6–7:30 PM BELL CENTER All 5th and 6th grade kids are invited for a fun Christmas celebration in the Bell Center. Wear your best Christmas attire!

snow zone ms Christmas Party FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 6–9 PM GYM All 7th and 8th grade students are invited to join us for dinner, snow-themed activities together, and a white elephant gift exchange. All friends are welcome! Registration required.

Light the night Hs Christmas Party FRIDAY, DEC. 10, 6–9 PM MEET IN THE BELL CENTER All high school students (9th–12th) are invited to join us as we head out to Grapevine to check out the Christmas Capitol of Texas! We will meet at church and then ride a bus to grab dinner and enjoy the best Christmas lights in the state. A special prize goes to the community group with the tackiest Christmas sweaters. As always, friends are welcome! Registration required.

Parents' Morning Out SATURDAY, DEC. 11, 9 AM–12:30 PM ALEXANDER BUILDING Enjoy a morning out while we care for your children ages 2 months-4th grade—for free! All age groups will have fun and meaningful activities planned for the morning. Registration by Friday, Dec. 3.

ADULTS Christmas Encounters SATURDAY, DEC. 4, 9 AM–12 PM SANCTUARY Women of the church, join us to prepare your hearts for the coming of Jesus during this time of guided prayer and worship.

All the Sounds of Christmas THURSDAY, DEC. 16, 11 AM–12:30 PM ELLIOTT HALL Join us for lunch and celebrate the Christmas season with the Davidson Brothers Trio and a sing-along. Complementary valet parking and golf cart shuttle transportation. Cost, $10. Call 214-525-4366 to RSVP by Monday, Dec. 13.

College Christmas Party TUESDAY, DEC.21, 6:30–8 PM 3833 MCFARLIN BLVD You're back for the holidays! Congrats on finishing this fall semester. We’re inviting all college students to come and enjoy a Christmas party to hang out with friends, eat some incredible food, and exchange white elephant gifts.

SERVE Fish & Loaves Gift Market THROUGH TUESDAY, DEC. 21 Contribute to local and global ministries in honor of your loved ones. Purchase online or on Sundays in the Hunt Lobby.

Treasures Of Hope Each year, Dallas Leadership Foundation helps families who must choose the essentials over something special for their children. DLF’s Treasures of Hope program allows families to purchase gifts at deep discounts, giving them the dignity of purchasing new, unused items with their own funds.

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christmas services SUNDAY, DEC . 1 9 9:30 & 11 am, sanctuary Lessons & Carols led by the Children & Student Choirs

11 am, Hall Lessons & Carols led by the Hall Band

christmas on the lawn 9 am–1 pm, Campus-wide Train rides, cookie decorating, and a life size snow globe!

Wynne Chapel services at 8:15 am, 9:30 am (Mandarin Chinese), and 11 am (All Nations).

Nursery Care for 2 and under. 3 and older are welcome in all services!

THURSDAY, DEC. 23 5 pm, sanctuary Family Worship, Children’s Story, & Candle Lighting

FRIDAY, DEC . 24 12 & 2 pm, Sanctuary Family Worship, Children’s Story, & Candle Lighting

4 , 6 , 8, & 10 pm, sanctuary Choir, Brass Ensemble, & Candle Lighting

nativity animals 12–6 pm, Front Lawn *Limited Nursery Care available for ages 2 and under. Reservations required.

FAMILY OF CHU RCHES Chinese church Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm in Elliott Hall

Grace church lake highlands Friday, Dec. 24 at 5 pm

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Friday, Dec. 24 at 5 pm, 4301 Bryan Street, #201