Introduction

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” -Luke 2:1-7

Despite hearing this Scripture all my life, verse seven did not deeply resonate with me until recently. Imagine knocking on door after door, pleading with every inn keeper, only to give birth in utter filth then lay your newborn child in a cattle trough.

There was simply no room.

Fast forward to today, and nothing has changed, really. We’re sending in cupcakes for our kids classroom parties, scrolling through websites for each person on our list, hanging wreaths on the doors and ornaments on trees, addressing cards then forgetting to mail them, piling under blankets on the couch and watching all the classic Christmas cartoons, wrapping gifts, sending canned goods to a food drive, hiding the good chocolate–the list goes on. And everything on the list is good and meaningful and valuable! But before you know it, the calendar is full of Christmas but no Christ.

There is simply no room.

At the beginning of this beautiful season of Advent, let’s start by prayerfully making room for Jesus in our lives and in our hearts. Our hope at Mars Hill Church is that this Advent Guide will be a resource in helping you find a holy rhythm as we reflect on what this season means: that God so loved the world he sent his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The Mars Hill Advent Guide features daily devotionals written by covenant members of Mars Hill Church meant to encourage you and draw you closer to the heart of God. Also included in the guide are service project ideas with a corresponding verse, supply list, and talking points for parents or community group leaders to help aid in discussions. Finally, Advent is only the beginning of the Christian Calendar. For those who would like to continue in this rhythm, we have included the full liturgical calendar for 2022-2023.

PRAYER

Lord, we do not want to miss anything you have for us. Help us clear our minds and hearts for the thrill of hope the coming of Jesus Christ brings. Help us make room.

Tricia Butts, editor