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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Stephanie Greenlee
EDITORIAL TEAM
Dianna Gibney
Brad Hoaglun
Natalie Holsten
Jeanelle Reider
Jennifer Wolf
December 1
December 2
December 3
oe
December 4
God’s love is never failing – Lemuel Malabuyo
God’s love is redeeming – Kevin Mills
God’s love is sacrificial – Sheryl Strietzel
Hope for the downhearted – Craig Hamlow
December 5 Hope for the weary – Rebecca Emenaker
December 6 Hope for the oppressed – Jason F.
December 7 Hope for the sinner – Liza Baikole
December 8 Hope for those who wait – Brad Hoaglun
December 9 Hope for hopeless times – Zacharie H. François
December 10 Hope for the nations – Maria Weya
igt 51
December 11 Light in the darkness – Dan Whitehead
December 12 Light of the world – Elijah R.
December 13 Light that dispels gloom – Linda Whiting
December 14 Light to walk by – Ghislaine Benney
December 15 Light in every place – Dave and Linda Ringenberg
December 16 Light that shines through us – Stephen and Ruth Hale
December 17 Light that transforms – Anna Pederson
eace 83
December 18 Peace through prayer – Reverend Bisoke Balikenga
December 19 Peace in trusting – Mari Eygabroad
December 20 Peace through the cross – Cornelius Mbuluku Fala
December 21 Peace through the Holy Spirit – Annabel Koher
December 22 Peace with one another – Maddison Souza
December 23 Peace forever – Annaleis Woodsum
December 24 Peace on earth – Brad Westom
Joy 113
December 25 Joyful worship – Lynette Fagerland
elcoe to vet
This Advent Experience was crafted with you in mind! We envisioned the young couple carving out a few minutes of their day to focus on the meaning of Christmas. The busy professional gathering her thoughts in the morning light before an intense day of work. The recently widowed man sipping his afternoon Folgers. The committed parents sharing the meaning of Advent with their children before bedtime.
God sees you right where you are, and He wants to meet you there. That’s what Advent is about. From the Latin adventus, “coming,” it’s a time to draw our attention to Immanuel, God with us.
• He came as a baby, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of generations who had longed for the Messiah.
• He comes to each of us now as we open our hearts to receive Him.
• He will come again in glory and gather all His own, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, to be with Him forever.
About three years ago, MAF began setting aside one day each month for its staff to gather in community and rest from their normal work routine, delight in God, and contemplate all that He has done.
This practice has been so meaningful to us that we wanted to invite you to participate in these elements through the Advent Experience.
The experience features 25 devotionals, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. They were written by MAF staff members and are arranged around five themes.
Following each day’s devotional, you will find three sections that you can do alone or with others:
Contemplate—Questions to ponder as you listen to what God may be saying to you.
Rest—An opportunity to respond through prayer to Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me … and I will give you rest.” You may want to begin with the written prayer and then spend a little time just talking with the Lord.
Delight—Suggested activities to help you anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. Feel free to pick and choose, or to schedule the activities for another day.
We pray that this Christmas—more than ever before—you will experience the love, hope, light, peace, and joy that can only come through Jesus Christ.
We’re so glad you’re joining us.
The MAF Family
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
od’s oe is eer ailing
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. oas 8:37-39 aetatios 3:22-23 (ESV)
Te oecoing
By Lemuel Malabuyo | Video Producer | MAF HQ
I love my family. I am in love with my wife. I absolutely adore my two sons and infant daughter.
So when I stepped off the escalator into baggage claim at the Boise airport, I could barely contain myself. I was coming back from a month-long trip to MAF’s Indonesia programs. The anticipation to see my family again had been building from the first day I left home.
In my boys' bedroom before I left for Indonesia, I had talked with them about the trip. I told them how long I would be gone, but that I had every intention of coming back home to our family. And while it would be hard for me to be away, the day I would return was both their hope and mine—we would be together again soon.
As a father who longed to reassure the children he loves, I was reminded that God feels the same way about His children. And like the conversation I had with my sons, our heavenly Father reassures us that we will be together with Him in heaven soon.
At the end of Romans 8, we see the power of God’s never-failing love through the promise of Jesus Christ—that nothing in creation can ever stop God from loving us. It is the kind of promise that gave the captive Israelites in Babylon hope to declare that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”
Scanning the baggage claim area for my family, I spotted my two sons 100 feet away, already running toward me. They were holding up handmade signs to celebrate my homecoming!
During the season of Advent, let us eagerly wait for the coming of Christ. But let us also remember that God has His own eagerness because of His deep, unfailing love for us. On that day, He will be holding up a sign for His children to see—Welcome Home.
otemlate
•Can you think of times in your life (maybe even right now) when you needed to be reassure d of God’s love for you?
• Which part of today’s Scripture might encourage you most during those times ?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on God’s unfailing love for you.
You may want to close with this prayer:
HeavenlyFather, at times it’s hard to grasp Your immense love for me, but I know it is true. Your love is my hope, my anchor, my everything. Set the compass of my heart to seekYou every day in this busy month. Let my spirit anticipateYour coming, even as I celebrateYour arrival. Still my anxious heart and mind as I move through these pages and draw close to You in this season of Advent. Amen.
eight
Kick off the season by listing 25 ways God has shown His love to you this past year. For a family activity, everyone could contribute to the list and make a paper chain to place on the Christmas tree or use as a countdown to Christmas.
is eeeing
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions——it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Te igt apewor
By Kevin Mills | Teacher, Hillcrest School | Papua, Indonesia
An accurate understanding of redemption is often something that eludes many of us. Unless we’ve lived a colorful life filled with not only numerous interactions with law enforcement but also some unmerited mercy from someone in authority, the idea of being redeemed by someone else might be difficult to fully grasp.
In the country where our family serves, the local police often check for stolen motorbikes by pulling everyone over and asking for proof of their ownership papers. If you’ve misplaced them or can’t produce them at the time, your motorbike is immediately impounded and you’re out of luck. Until you can provide the proper paperwork at the police station and redeem your bike, there’s nothing else that can be done in the situation. Although I’ve never had my bike impounded like this (thank the Lord), I’ve recently considered how the process of redeeming an imprisoned motorbike has many parallels to God's redeeming grace toward us.
When a motorbike is impounded, it is stuck. Indefinitely. It can’t release itself by any means. A bike can’t argue its case, come up with any defense, or be amazing enough to get out on its own merit. The only way it will ever be released is when the owner submits the appropriate paperwork and pays the price to take it back.
Likewise, I’m reminded of just how useless my own "goodness" is and how much I need Jesus’ redemption. Without His unconditional love, unmerited favor, and claim on me as His child, I would be nowhere. I'd be completely stuck, imprisoned in my sin, powerless to ever free myself. If it weren’t for Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, I would remain hopelessly and eternally unredeemed.
Even when we feel confused and utterly unworthy of salvation, Jesus provides the redemption paperwork required for our freedom. Once we recognize our powerlessness to change our situation and choose to surrender to Him, He will take ownership of us and we will be forever His. Thank the Lord!
otemlate
•According to Ephesians 2:4-7, why did God choose to make us alive with Christ? Why did He raise us up with Christ and seat us with Him in the heavenly realms ?
•If you had to argue your way into heaven (which you don’t!), what would be your defense?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on God’s redeeming love.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Father, I can’t thank You enough for making me alive in Christ and calling me Your child. Because of Your great mercy, You set me free from my prison of sin. My own efforts fall so short; they always have and always will. Help me to remember this when I try to place my faith in anything but You. It’s Your redeeming love that saves me, and I’m so grateful. Amen.
eight
Enjoy the crossword puzzle based on today's reading of Ephesians 2:4-7.
Down
1. Form something, past tense
2. The quality of being selfless and compassionate
3. Used to introduce a contrasting phrase or clause
4. Wealth
5. Allow or cause something to be visible
7. Periods of time
10. Pertaining to the place where God dwells
12. You and me
15. Lift to a higher level (past tense)
Across
5. Arrange for someone to sit somewhere (past participle)
6. Wealthy
8. No longer alive
9. Accompanied by someone or something
11. The name of Mary’s baby
13. Large in amount, size, or degree
14. Unmerited gift or favor
Jon 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Jon 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
1 Jon 2:2
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
oss o Gai
By Sheryl Strietzel | MAF Missionary currently helping train those who work with displaced people | Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
When I think of sacrificial love, a young man named Solomon comes to mind. He, with his wife and young son, were living in a small village in Congo when tribal hatred was brewing. Being a pastor, he had a tough decision to make: stay with the believers in the church or travel to safety?
He chose to stay. When the militia from the other tribe began a surprise attack some time later, it was too late to flee.
On the first day, over 1,000 people were killed. On the second day, over 120 people, including Pastor Solomon and his family, were tied up and imprisoned in a large house, mocked, beaten, and left without food or water.
In the cooler nights that followed the suffocatingly hot days, Pastor Solomon and another pastor encouraged the people through Psalms and songs of worship, offering up a “sacrifice of praise.” They told stories from the Scriptures of the faithful ones who had faced death, and how the Lord had given them courage.
Only a few of the people were released by their captors. Later, the survivors shared that even through the worst situation imaginable they felt God's presence with them.
Pastor Solomon, sadly, was not one of those who survived. But his willingness to shepherd the prisoners in the midst of their suffering reminds me of the sacrificial love of the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, who of His own initiative laid down His life for the sheep. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and those of the whole world.
Pastor Solomon loved his friends deeply, but the love of Christ—“God with us”—is so much greater. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He gave us the gift of victory over sin and death.
May Christ’s deep love for you fill your heart with gratitude as you anticipate the celebration of His birth.
• What is the greatest sacrifice anyone (besides God) has ever made for you?
• In giving His life, what has the Good Shepherd saved you from?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the Lord’s sacrificial love.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, You are my Good Shepherd who laid down Your life for me, a hopelessly lost sheep. As I prepare for this special season, remind me of Your sacrificial love and how You gave Your all for all of us undeserving sinners. Amen.
Sing “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” thinking about what Jesus’ sacrifice means to you and to the whole world. (See lyrics on next page. For a recorded version of the song, please scan the QR code.)
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
By Craig Hamlow | Member Care Specialist | Working remotely in the U.S.
Seven days. Looking back, seven days doesn’t seem very long. Especially when compared to 70 years (the time Judah was in captivity in Babylon) or seven millennia (one estimate of the time from the Garden to the Resurrection).
While on staff with a missionary care ministry in Alaska, I flew out to a village to speak at a regional youth conference. I arrived on a typically clear and cold winter day, with temperatures hovering “comfortably” around -10°F.
On the third day, the weather changed—to warm and foggy. Overnight, the temperature rose to 40°F, and fog made it difficult to see two houses away, let alone the end of the runway. I wasn’t going anywhere until God changed the situation. There was nothing I could do but hope.
In Isaiah 40, God is using Isaiah to deliver His message of hope to Israel. Basically, He’s saying, “You will be stuck in a place longer than you wanted, but I will come for you. You will hear My voice and you will see My way being prepared. Until then, you are to wait. But your waiting is not in vain, so wait in hope.”
Advent is about waiting and hoping, especially when all seems lost or there is no prospect of change. But God has come—as a baby—and He is coming.
Maybe you’re currently in a season of waiting for God to change something. Maybe you feel He will never come, or that He has forgotten you, like a child’s toy tossed in a dark corner of the closet.
Take comfort! Our Savior has come, and He is coming. He lifts up the downhearted and brings hope to the lost. He “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (Isaiah 40:11).
After seven days I left Alaska and returned home. After 70 years the captives returned to Israel. After 7,000 years the Savior came.
Now, in this season of Advent, He is coming to all of us.
•In what kinds of circumstances do you find it difficult to wait?
•In this passage from Isaiah 40, what aspects of God’s character can help give you perspective when you’ve been hoping for something for a really long time ?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how the Lord brings hope to the downhearted.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, I think about those who are hurting or losing hope as they wait, and I yearn for them to find comfort in You. Help those who are struggling in this season to experience Your love. You promise hope for the downhearted, so please be the lifter of their heads today. Amen.
Write out the text of Isaiah 40:11 on a piece of paper and place where it will remind you of the hope that comes through Jesus Christ.
ecebe 5
Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” saia 40:27-31 atte 11:28-30
By Rebecca Emenaker | Ministry Partnership Coach | MAF HQ
When we arrived in Suriname in November 1992—two toddlers and an eight-week-old infant in tow—I hoped to embrace our new culture and home and establish meaningful family traditions full of comfortable sights, sounds, and smells.
However, instead of setting up our home, we were in someone else's home. Instead of filling our home with the smell of baked goods, I found myself number 72 in line, baking under the hot sun, hoping to purchase a loaf of bread. There was no flour, no milk, and no gasoline easily obtained in this country just coming out of a civil war.
In mid-December, I experienced the onset of incredible pain and learned why dengue is called breakbone fever. My focus narrowed to eating and drinking enough between fevers so I could nurse my youngest. After the fevers ended, the extreme fatigue didn’t. The smallest of tasks took enormous effort. Depression can be one of the side effects of dengue, and a feeling of deep hopelessness settled on me.
Then something happened as I read the same books over and over to my young children because I was too weary to do anything else. By being still, listening to the rain with my kids in my lap, and breathing in the aroma of mosquito coils (a smell now forever associated with Christmas), not only was my strength slowly restored, my hope was as well. My hope shifted from my own physical stamina to Jesus Himself—the reason for this season. The things I thought I needed weren’t important.
On Christmas Eve, my parents arrived for a whirlwind trip. They brought loads of “stuff,” none of which I remember now. But what I do remember is that my first Christmas in Suriname was the most meaningful, hope-filled Christmas I have ever had, because I found rest and hope in Jesus.
• In what ways have you seen God renew your strength?
• How does Jesus describe His own heart in Matthew 11? How might this description make us less hesitant in coming to Him for rest?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the Lord’s strength and power. You may want to close with this prayer:
Creator God, I’m so glad You never grow tired. When I am at my weakest You remain strong. In this season of Advent, be my strength, my song, my hope. Help me to lean into You completely. Amen.
Make bread or buy a fresh-baked loaf from a bakery. Plan a special moment of the day to sit and enjoy the bread, letting the Lord’s company refresh you. You may want to invite a friend or neighbor to join you.
4:14-20
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.
By Jason F.* | Pilot/Mechanic
As we pulled up to the red light and came to a stop, open hands reached out toward our car and knuckles softly tapped on the window. Behind the hands were pleading faces, some old, weathered, and wrinkled, others young—maybe no more than eight years old.
Only minutes ago we had left the airport, heading home for the day. We were encountering again our daily decision of whether to give something to the poor who regularly came asking for something.
In the shame-honor culture where we lived, being poor, having physical disabilities, being beaten down, or being in need of other people in any way was to be in a state of shame.
According to the majority religion in this area of the world, people are expected to live their lives attempting to earn favor, or to display to everyone that they are honorable and therefore worthy. This extends from something as simple as how the women appear when they go out for groceries to the spiritual complexities of trying to earn one’s way to paradise.
The people of this region—rich or poor, with religion or without—live in shame, captivity, and oppression.
In Luke 4, Jesus declares Himself as the hope and favor that Isaiah prophesied about, the One who proclaims good news, heals, liberates, and gives honor to those who have nothing but shame. Jesus doesn’t demand our efforts to make Him willing to save us, He gives Himself as a free gift because He is mercy personified.
The homeless child begging at the window, the oppressed woman carrying the burden of the family’s honor, the aged man questioning if his efforts have been enough, and everyone without Jesus—they’re all looking for a day when things will be made new.
Jesus came for these people. He is hope for their weary souls. He has broken through in a new and glorious morning, bringing free mercy and unmerited grace to all who come to Him.
*Last name and location withheld for security purposes
• Do you know anyone who is living in shame, captivity, or oppression—either physical or spiritual?
• If you had an opportunity to tell them what Jesus can do for them, what would you say?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how the Lord gives hope to the oppressed.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, thank You for setting me free. Fill me with Your compassion for the oppressed, and help me to see how I can share Your light and love with the poor and downtrodden near and far. Amen.
Give a gift that will bless those who may feel they have no worth. You may want to prepare a gift package for a needy person holding a sign on the corner. Or drive to a store that has a charity bell ringer and donate without buying anything.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
By Liza Baikole | Partner Relations | Papua, Indonesia
The theme of “Who Cares” at the World Vision International (WVI) mission night touched my heart so deeply that I made the big decision to go serve in the interior of Papua—a place I’d never been.
Not long after, an MAF airplane brought me to the West Paniai district of Obano, a beautiful area surrounded by dense jungles that can only be reached by small aircraft. From the landing strip, I walked an hour up the path to the village that would become my home for one year.
I spent my days making sure the village children were healthy, doing well at school, getting along with their families, and growing in character. I became close to them, like a mother with her children.
But life for them was difficult. Sickness, cultural conflicts, economic hardships, and the cold, harsh mountain environment were a constant reality. One time, extensive rains caused the Paniai lake to overflow. The airstrip was submerged and supplies couldn’t be brought in. The children’s programs stopped for two months. The people’s gardens all rotted. Even my own groceries ran out, and for many days I lived on sweet potato porridge with a little rice.
I felt so sad in those times when I couldn’t help. I was thankful there was no electricity, because I would usually retire early to my bedroom and spend a lot of time talking with God by candlelight.
At first, I believed the difficulties I experienced along with the villagers were punishment for my sins. But over time, God showed me that He was using those difficulties to wake me up and strengthen my faith and hope in Him.
Hebrews 10:22-23 became for me a special invitation from God—He has cleansed us from our sins, and because of Jesus we can come to Him at any time!
Life is not always beautiful, but God’s love is beautiful. This is why, even in difficulty, we can always draw near to God in full hope!
• Do you ever struggle with drawing near to God because you feel too sinful or unworthy?
• How can today’s Scripture reassure you during those times?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how Jesus is your living hope.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, how incredible it is that You’ve made a way for me, a sinner, to have access to God the Father. Help me to continually draw near with increasing faith and a clean heart. Amen.
Buy a fragrant Christmas soap. Each time you use it this season, remember that, through Jesus’ sacrifice, you are clean and pure before God.
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
aiting o ristas (an Ote ings)
By Brad Hoaglun | Director of Communication | MAF HQ
As a kid, waiting for December was very hard. With my birthday early in the month, and Christmas later, it couldn’t come soon enough. The anticipation of unwrapping presents was constantly on my mind with excitement growing at every passing day.
The older I got, the reasons for my waiting became more significant. What does God want me to do with my life? Did I get the job? Is it a boy or a girl? Will the money be there to pay these bills? When will the doctor call with the test results? It is tough to wait.
The people of Israel did their fair share of waiting. They wandered 40 years in the desert to get to the promised land. Joshua and his select group of men at Jericho waited for the signal to act before the walls came tumbling down. King David wrote about waiting for a Messiah to come and rescue God’s people from their sins.
Jesus’ disciples were waiting for a Messiah, someone who would rescue them from Rome and establish His earthly kingdom. They did not understand at first, but God had a better plan, bigger than they could ever imagine.
Similar to the disciples, I expect God to act a certain way and on my schedule. There have been times I have seen God’s plan unfold and I am again reminded that I can trust Him fully to accomplish His work. My waiting is not in vain. As the psalmist wrote, “Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love.”
As we observe Advent, let’s be intentional about waiting for the Lord. His plan will be fulfilled. May we anticipate His coming with the excitement of a child who has a birthday in December. It will be worth the wait!
• Were you ever so excited about an upcoming event that you could think of nothing else?
• What can you do to keep Jesus in the center of your thoughts as you count down the days until Christmas?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how the Lord gives you hope in the waiting.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and patiently anticipate Your coming. Fill me with hope as I think about the future home You are preparing for me even now. Amen.
Put on some fun Christmas music and have a singalong or a dance party! Let yourself experience the joy of anticipation as you look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth in 17 days.
oe o oeess ties
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
hy, od?
By Zacharie H. François | Aircraft Maintenance Specialist | Haiti
Have you ever been in a position where you cried out to God? In November of 2019, Port-auPrince—the capital of Haiti and the place I was born and have lived most of my life—was under siege. The rest of Haiti depends heavily on the capital for their basic supplies, and for several weeks rioters had been demanding better living conditions through a movement named “Lock the Country” (Peyi Lòk).
Seeing the capital in such a state was hard to process. I love my beautiful country, and it hurt. It still hurts.
During Peyi Lòk, MAF flight operations practically came to a halt, but the maintenance side was in full bloom. Our Cessna Grand Caravan was undergoing a major inspection alongside minor work being done on our smaller Cessna.
MAF-Haiti is based at the Port-au-Prince International Airport, and the MAF staff live about five miles away (a 45-minute drive), so we often carpool together. It was always an adventure, figuring out how to avoid road blockages and barricades.
Through God’s guidance, we were able to make it to and from work almost every day, despite several close calls.
As we were working one morning, the now-familiar sight of pillars of black smoke from burning tires prompted me to ask God, “Why are we coming here and risking our lives? Is our work making a difference? We are feeling hopeless!”
A few days later, we received a phone call from a hospital located in a remote part of Haiti. They were critically low on supplies. The only way to get their supplies was by air, and they happened to be near an airstrip we operated. By God’s protection, the supplies arrived at the Port-au-Prince airport the following day.
Seeing our airplanes launch off with God’s provision on board brought us a sense of reassurance. Our Good Shepherd was not only protecting us as we served Him—He was also allowing us to reach the “ends of the earth” with hope.
otemlate
• How do you think the prophet Micah’s words in today’s passage would have given God’s people hope as they waited 700 more years for the Messiah to be born?
• What hope do you need from the Good Shepherd today?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the hope you have through Christ.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, my thoughts can so easily stray to the problems that surround me, things I feel powerless to change. At times it’s a battle to not lose hope and let fear take hold. When I don’t understand or see what You are doing, help me to trust in Your goodness. Amen.
eight
Take a walk around your neighborhood. As you pass each house, pray for the people inside. Ask God to meet them, wherever they are in life, with the hope that can only come through Jesus Christ.
o te atios
aie 7:13-14
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
eeatio 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation."
By Maria Weya | Papua Hope School graduate | Currently studying global development at Seattle Pacific University
Today’s Bible verses remind me of how, because of Jesus, those who were enemies are now family.
In the Intan-Jaya region where my home district of Sugapa is located, outside people groups and tribes used to be enemies. Problems between groups were addressed through war, but war didn’t necessarily resolve issues. Instead, it created more ongoing conflict.
But since the gospel was brought to us, things have changed. The transformation is especially noticeable at Christmas when everybody gathers despite their differences.
On one of the Christmases in my village of Titigi, I remember three tribes gathering—the Moni, the Nduga, and the Dani. There weren’t enough houses in my village to host them, so temporary huts were built around the village. Plenty of food was gathered—enough to feed them for weeks. Sweet potatoes, taros, green veggies, fruits, and much more.
The village was full. For more than a week I heard people speaking languages I had never heard inside my own village. When people gathered in the church, the gospel was translated into three different languages. And people from each tribe brought songs, dances, and dramas in their own tongues.
It was an irony. A beautiful irony. Former enemies, now worshiping together as one family in Christ.
It’s such a big deal for separate groups to gather, especially in that area. Praise and honor be to God who, through Jesus, has made a way for people from all tribes, languages, and nations to worship Him together.
Today’s Advent verses have become a reality. Not only for those tribes in the village, but for somebody like me, who was brought from my village to the city to pursue a better education and who has been given the privilege of working and being in relationship with different people.
It's an honor to have personally witnessed the beauty of God bringing people from different nations, languages, and cultures together through His Son.
Praise be to God who has made us—despite our differences—a family.
• What has been your experience, if any, worshiping in a multicultural context?
• When the book of Revelation speaks of “persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” worshiping together in heaven, who are some of the first people or people groups that come to mind?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how the Lord offers hope for all nations.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, how I thank You for Your sacrifice that breaks down barriers between people, cultures, and nations. You are mankind’s true hope for peace and unity. Please soften hearts around the world and draw more people into God’s family. Amen.
Make a food item, using a recipe from another culture. As you prepare it, thank God that someday He will gather people from every tribe, language, people, and nation to worship Him together. (See the following page for a recipe suggestion.)
Soto Ayam is a chicken soup that is popular in Indonesia and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
For ease, use Indofood Soto Ayam instant spice packets instead of making your own spice paste. These are available on Amazon or at local Asian markets.
Make the soup by combining chicken broth, the spice packets, and chicken, which can be cooked until easily shreddable. Adjust the ingredient amounts to fit the number of servings.
Serve the soup over glass rice noodles and jasmine rice.
Toppings:
boiled eggs
fried shallot crisps or fried onions (canned)
shoestring potatoes
green onions
bean sprouts
Finishing touches:
Lemon juice
Soy sauce
Kecap manis (sweet sauce) or kecap pedas (hot sauce)
Recipe submitted by Linda Whiting, Donor Relations Coordinator at MAF HQ, who has served with MAF in Indonesia.
Jon 1:1-12
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
By Dan Whitehead | VP of Aviation | MAF HQ
I have often been amazed at the power of light. It takes just a small amount of light to make a big difference.
On various occasions during my years of serving with MAF in the jungles of Venezuela and Ecuador, I found myself overnighting in some very remote villages. These places are far away from the ambient light we are accustomed to in towns and cities. There is no electricity apart from perhaps a generator that usually is turned off a couple of hours after sundown.
As the sound of the generator’s engine dies away, one becomes enveloped in a blanket of darkness, the kind that does not allow you to see the hand in front of your face. Because you can’t see, you begin to hear all kinds of things and imagine unseen dangers that may be nearly upon you. Fear can easily grip your heart as the strange sounds of the jungle seem to be amplified.
But the small glow of a flashlight, cellphone screen, or even a lit match changes the atmosphere dramatically. In an instant you can appreciate your surroundings. That little bit of light brings understanding and dispels fear.
This passage in John 1 describes a light like no man-made light we’ve ever seen. This is a powerful light whose name is Jesus. He originally brought light to the world, created it in fact, and the power of His light is such that it can illuminate the mind of every person who lives in it. And because He shines in the world, He makes a way for us to become children of God.
This Christmas season, may we live and walk in the Light—Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.
otemlate
•Have you ever been someplace where you felt “enveloped in a blanket of darkness”?
•What circumstances in your life did the Lord use to shine His light and open your heart to receive Him?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how Christ shines in the darkness.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from the darkness that was in my soul. Help me to walk in Your true light and show others the way to You. Amen.
Light a candle, turn off all the lights, and sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” (See lyrics on next page. For a recorded version of the song, click here or scan the QR code.)
Verse 1
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight
And praises sing to God the King And peace to men on earth
Verse 3
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in
Verse 4
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Jon 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ue 2:25-32
By Elijah R.* | Mobilizer | Northwest region of U.S.
“You have arrived at your destination,” the Apple Maps voice said. Other than a narrow swatch of road illuminated directly in front of our headlights, all was very dark.
My adventurous wife, Melanie, had arranged for us to stay in a treehouse in the Water Cave area just a few hours from our home.
By the time we reached the gravel road that led us away from the main highway, darkness had settled in. The road dead-ended at the riverside, and a narrow walking bridge, suspended by cables, disappeared across the river. I decided to scope out the situation.
Making my way across the bridge, I spotted the glow of a bridge guard’s cigarette. He and his coworkers, offering to help us up the mountain, began carrying our suitcases across the river. We were loaded onto a rickety cart pulled by what appeared to be an oversized, single-cylinder rototiller. The bouncy ‘putt’ up the rutted trail began.
After a steep, winding climb, the driver informed us that from there all that remained was a series of cables and tree-root handholds that would lead us up the final precipitous ascent to the treehouse.
Which was already inhabited by two other guests. Hmmmmm….
Our ride had already returned. Our only option was to start the long trek back down the jungle trail. The guard, clearly frightened by the jungle’s night sounds, had no interest in joining us, but gave us a gift I’ll never forget—his headlamp! LIGHT! I’ve never been so thankful for light!
With darkness pressing ominously and frightening jungle sounds all around, we thanked God. Moments before, the trek through darkness seemed terrifying. With that headlamp came the confident expectation that we would be all right.
We eventually found our way back down the mountain to safety, but I’ll never forget that gift of light.
As we celebrate Advent, let us pause to thank our heavenly Father for that great gift—the Light He sent into the world!
•Why do you think Simeon was the one whose eyes God opened to recognize the long-awaited Messiah?
•How can you keep your eyes open to recognize God’s work in your life and in your world?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on Jesus, the light of our lives.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Light of the World, in Your presence I am safe; the darkness cannot overpower me. Give me eyes to see where You’re working so I can join You in that work. Amen.
Before the sun rises, or after it goes down, grab a flashlight and take a walk.
Ask God to help you reflect His light to the world.
*Last name withheld for security purposes
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan——
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Casing ay te arness
By Linda Whiting | Donor Relations Coordinator | MAF HQ
On August 21, 2017, millions of Americans journeyed to a 70-mile-wide diagonal path that stretched across America to catch a glimpse of a rare solar eclipse.
A year earlier, a group of MAF folks began planning to be at the right place at the right time. When the time came, we packed up our tents and fishing poles for a four-day camping trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, where we hoped to have a front-row seat for the coming cosmic show.
Finally, the much-anticipated solar event was upon us. We gathered in a forest clearing where we donned eclipse glasses, spread out white bedsheets to see the shimmering shadow bands, and set up tripods.
What came next was not at all what I expected.
The forests and fields that were usually full of wildlife sounds suddenly went silent. The golden sunshine was instantly snuffed out in darkness. The temperature dropped and an eerie shadow of gloom set in. For two very long minutes, the life-giving light was shrouded by the moon.
Then there was a sudden surge of light that chased away the murky moon shadows, followed by a resurrection glow that rose on the horizon in every direction. What a breathtaking picture of what our Savior did for us when He banished our hopelessness with His coming!
At Bull Trout Lake campground that day, a spontaneous burst of praise songs lifted into the warm mountain air from a scruffy bunch of MAF campers giving glory to God. We were enthralled with our Creator, the gloom slayer from Galilee, who shines His victorious light into our lives and chases away the darkness.
•Can you think of a time when you felt in absolute awe of your Creator?
•Who in your life needs the light of Christ to dispel their sadness or distress?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the light of Christ that chases away the darkness.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, You send the darkness packing and radiate Your light in my heart. With every sunrise, let me remember how Your glorious salvation has changed my life. Amen.
Visit a drive-through coffee shop and pay for the drinks of the car behind you. Who knows—it might just help chase away the darkness for somebody in that car.
1 Jon 1:5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
By Ghislaine Benney | Writer | MAF HQ
It wasn’t elaborately wrapped like the others. Tucked under the Christmas tree behind a large mound of presents, it was to be opened last. By then, my husband, Chuck, and I had spent more than four hours opening the gifts we lavished on each other every Christmas.
During our marriage, we had established a ritual. I’d prepare a special breakfast early in the morning. Then, I’d bring a mugful of coffee to Chuck, sit by his bedside, and wake him up with a kiss. Then we’d stroll to the living room, hand-in-hand. We were in love, happy, and successful … but I was lost!
The illuminated tree, background holiday music, and breakfast spread on the coffee table signaled the start of our self-indulgent Christmas ritual.
That Christmas morning would change the course of our lives … and end our extravagant gift-giving.
I reached under the tree for the gift hidden in the back. Then I presented it to Chuck with these words: “Sweetheart, this present is for you … but you’ll have to give it back to me after you open it.” The puzzled look on his face disappeared when he opened it. He knew at once. His eyes welled with tears as he handed it back to me.
I had been a staunch atheist until a few months earlier when the light of God’s Word had pierced my darkened soul and, in an instant, convinced me of His existence. That had led to my buying a Bible, reading it in secret, and placing it under the tree that Christmas. My dear husband, Chuck, who had returned to Christ two years before, had been praying for my salvation ever since.
Six months later, after resigning from my executive position on Wall Street, Chuck and I embarked on a life of full-time ministry.
Jesus, the light of the world, is the greatest gift of all and the gift in whom I delight at Christmas … and every day.
•What is one of the best Christmas gifts you’ve ever received?
•What are some of the best things about having Jesus—the greatest gift of all—in your life?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how we should walk in His light.
You may want to close with this prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of Your Word! Help me to walk in truth, in Your light, in fellowship with You. Thank You that I can spend time with You in Your Word and find my paths made straight. Amen.
Place a Bible under the Christmas tree. Leave it there until you take the tree down, as a reminder of how the light of God’s Word can illuminate your life.
igt i eey ace
139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
By Dave and Linda Ringenberg | MAF Missionaries (Dave—Director of Operations, Indonesia) | Papua, Indonesia
In the beginning, “God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). But when Adam and Eve sinned, spiritual darkness was introduced into the world.
As we celebrate Advent, we prepare our hearts to remember the first coming of Jesus, when the light of life was reintroduced to the world.
For many centuries, remote villages throughout Papua lay in spiritual darkness—until missionaries came and shared the light of Christ with them. Some time ago, MAF had the privilege of delivering special cargo to one of these villages. Even though their tribal language had been translated into written form, some people still had not learned to read. This cargo would be of special interest to them because they would now be able to listen to the Word of God.
The boxes that were unloaded from Dave’s airplane that day contained little electronic boxes called Talking Bibles—audio Bible recordings in the local language that could be powered by a small solar panel or hand crank. The people were given a simple description of the Talking Bibles, along with instructions on how to use them.
One older lady was so overjoyed that she tapped her chest and pointed to heaven, signifying her ability to now hear the Word of God not just at church on Sundays but any time her Talking Bible was being used.
The light of the Word of God had come to this village, now in audio form. The excitement of the people was palpable, and the moment was so holy that Dave felt led to kneel down as the people prayed, thanking God for this gift of light that had come to them.
God’s Spirit is moving, bringing light into every place—even to the farthest reaches of the earth, like this remote Papuan village.
•Can you remember your very first Bible?
•What Bible verse or passage has especially brightened up your life?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how God’s light is with you everywhere.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Father, thank You for shining Your light in the most remote places of the earth. And thank You that no matter where I go, You are there. Help me to be more aware of Your presence, especially when I least expect it. Amen.
Research Christmas light displays in your town, and spend an hour or two driving around and appreciating the creative ways light can be used to brighten up each place.
saia 60:1-3
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
atte 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
to te ouce
By Stephen and Ruth Hale | MAF Missionaries (Stephen—Program Director) | Western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
What makes a good light? For some it may be the brightness. For others, the type of light it gives off. Still others may look for specific design features.
Power outages are a part of everyday life in Kinshasa where we live, so our house is equipped with a variety of lights to accommodate this. We have lights hooked up to the city grid. We also have lights connected to a battery system for when the power is off. In addition, we store solar lanterns to light our house when nothing else is working.
All earthly lights must be connected to a power source. In the same way, we, as followers of Christ, must be connected to our “power source”: our heavenly Father. Without knowing, loving, and walking in obedience to Him, we are unable to “let our light shine.” But when we stay “plugged in” to the source of life through prayer and reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, our light can shine before others and bring glory to God the Father.
If you are out at night during a power outage in Kinshasa, it is amazing to see how one small light can illuminate a large area. So it is with followers of Christ. As a pilot, Stephen has often flown a young Congolese missionary named Kennedy. Kennedy trains Sunday School teachers in some of the hardest-to-reach places on earth. In these towns and villages, he will teach leaders from five to eight churches at a time. Each of these churches represents 100 to 200 children from their region. Kennedy may be one person, a seemingly “small” light. Yet, the light of Jesus shines through him to reach thousands of children in the heart of Congo.
This Advent season, consider how Jesus’ light in you can illuminate the darkness of this world.
•How might followers of Christ, in general, do a better job of reflecting His light to the world?
•If you think of God as your “power source,” what are some good ways for you to connect to Him?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how God’s light shines through you.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, don’t let me come up with excuses for not sharing Your everlasting hope. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, help me to be intentional about reflecting Your light to the world. Amen.
Eat your next at-home meal by candlelight, remembering that Jesus is the one true source of light.
tasos
1 ete 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
oring oes
By Anna Pederson | Teacher, Hillcrest School | Papua, Indonesia
Have you ever arrived in a new place at night and had to set up for bed when everything is already dark?
As a child, I never looked forward to bedtime in an unfamiliar place. When my family would go visit a village in the interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I grew up as a missionary kid, the guest houses usually had not been lived in for a while and were thus filled with spiders, cockroaches, and other mysterious creatures that lurk in the nighttime. We would sleep under mosquito nets, but even those were old and had strange looking stains on them. At night, the darkness of the village was all-encompassing. No city lights or street lamps. When the sun goes down, it’s dark. I remember falling asleep feeling very tense and apprehensive about the room around me.
But, in the morning, when the sun shone through the windows, the whole house was transformed into a delightful place! I would look around the same room and just smile because everything was clear. All things threatening or menacing had been banished by the wonderful light. Days in the village were filled with fun, playing, and exploring. With the light restored, I was relaxed and pleased.
Even today, I still do love the mornings, when the light comes.
When I think about light that transforms, it’s this kind of scenario that runs through my head. With the Risen Son, lurking enemies like fear, shame, and despair no longer threaten me— Christ’s light scatters them all. Intimidating trials lose their power—His light illuminates my path.
This darkness-to-light transformation is exactly what Jesus does for us when we accept His invitation to come out of darkness and into His wonderful light.
•Choose one of the descriptions in 1 Peter 2:9-10 and describe what it means to you personally.
•How has the light of Jesus transformed you?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how God’s light transforms you.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, thank You for calling me out of the darkness so I can live in Your light. May praises spill from my lips about this new life You’ve given me. Amen.
Set a timer for two minutes and draw a picture in as many circles as you can with whatever comes to mind when you think of the word “dark.” Set the timer for two minutes again and do the same thing with the word “light.”
(See following page. Families may copy this page and share their answers with each other.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
By Reverend Bisoke Balikenga | Chaplain | Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Nowadays in the DRC, war is everywhere, and the Congolese people are suffering. Yet those of us who believe in Christ are experiencing peace in our hearts.
How is it possible to have peace when the world around us is in turmoil? It is only possible through a relationship with God, because He is the only one who can give true peace. And the peace He gives exceeds anything we can understand.
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul encourages us with three ways we can experience this peace:
1.R ejoice. It’s natural to be happy when we’re attending a party or celebrating a wedding. But even when we receive sad news or go through a painful circumstance, we can still experience a joy and peace that is found in God Himself. He is with us in everything we go through.
2.Pray. As we present our needs and difficulties to God, He builds our faith and deepens our relationship with Him. Through prayer we line up our desires with God, and our hearts are made ready for the coming of Jesus.
3.Give thanks. No matter whether we feel good or we feel sad, we can recognize the things God has done for us and give Him thanks. It takes humility to make this choice, but God loves a grateful heart, and He blesses us when we choose gratitude.
Christians are just like everybody else—good things can happen to us as well as bad. The difference is that, even in difficulties, we can experience a deep peace that only comes from knowing God.
Jesus was born into a world full of war and violence, but He came to bring us peace. So let us do our part by rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. When we do, God’s perfect peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
•What do you think the apostle Paul means when he says, “the peace of God … will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”?
•When you experience hardship, which of the following is the most difficult for you to do—rejoice, pray, or give thanks? est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how you can choose joy, prayer, and thanksgiving and find peace in anxious times.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, sometimes my joy slips away when I look at what is happening around the world and what might be on the horizon. Today I lay my anxious thoughts at Your feet and choose to rejoice in You no matter the circumstances. Amen.
eight
Take a look around you and identify the first 4 colors that you see. For each color, come up with one reason to rejoice today.
1:26-38
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
eason of aiting
By Mari Eygabroad | MAF Missionary and Waypoints Mentor | Working remotely from Lesotho
Waiting. Anticipating. Yearning. Longing. These are familiar words, often filled with both hope and anxiety.
They are also words that describe the Advent season. Just as the people of Israel waited— yearned—for the coming of Christ, we now long for His second coming.
We have all had seasons of waiting or anticipation. I am currently in such a season. A couple of years ago, my husband and I received a clear direction from God about where to go next and what to do. We also had discernment from wise friends confirming this direction. The only thing in question was the timing. We thought we would move in a few months. Instead, two years later, we are still waiting.
This waiting season has differed from the past, when we anxiously wondered if God would work things out. Looking back on those situations, we can see that God’s timing was perfect. Therefore, we can trust that He will bring this waiting season to a close when He determines it’s the right time.
We may not always understand the Lord’s ways, but trusting Him brings us peace because we know He has the best intentions for us, and His ways and timing are always perfect and good.
Mary did not understand how the message from the angel of the Lord would come to pass, but she had faith that the angel and his message were from the Lord. Her trusting response was, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” And in that, she had peace.
This Advent season, as we celebrate Christ's birth and anticipate His return, I pray we may have peace in trusting that the Lord is faithful.
otemlate
•Why do you think the virgin Mary was able to respond, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled”?
•Can you think of a situation where the Lord gave you peace even though you weren’t sure of the outcome?
est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on God’s peace that comes as you trust Him.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Father, when the way forward seems unclear and I’m waiting for You to answer, help me to trust in Your faithfulness to work things out in Your perfect timing. Amen. eight
Research live drive-through or walk-through Nativity displays in your area. Visit one of them, and remember that just as Jesus came at the right time, we can trust God’s timing in the things we are waiting for.
1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
By Cornelius Mbuluku Fala | Administrative Representative | Western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
My Peace Corps Volunteer teacher wanted me to take a graduate program in Bukavu, eastern DRC. Life was peaceful for me in the western town of Kikwit where I lived—I enjoyed my friends and family.
I accepted her offer. Her generosity was reassuring and increased my expectations that my friends would stay in touch and give me their support. They tried, but their letters arrived torn, the money removed. As a result, they finally stopped sending me things.
Separated from my friends and family, my heart melted inside me with fear and uncertainty. As my world outside crumbled, I felt loneliness, resentment, selfishness, arrogance, shame, despair, and anger every day.
I wondered where was the loving, caring God I had heard about—until I ran into a born-again sister who won me to Christ. Two years later she became my wife.
My life changed radically. I started an English club outreach ministry called “Let’s Talk About Jesus,” and I came to know MAF when staff members volunteered to help.
Yet life continued to have difficulties. Marriage was a challenge. Jobs were scarce. I used to wake up at midnight to pour tears secretly in prayer unto God.
One morning, an unfamiliar woman stopped by and said she had a message for me from God. “The Lord has told me to tell you that He did not redeem you through tears, rather through His blood on the cross.”
These were the words I needed to hear.
Jesus prayed in John 12:27, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” To give peace to man through His blood on the cross, Jesus experienced strong opposition, loneliness, horror, anxiety, and anguish. But He countered it with His unmatched willingness to accept the wrath of God for the sins of man.
I am so thankful for the peace we have through Jesus’ sacrifice.
otemlate
•How many descriptions of the Son of God can you find in today’s Scripture passage?
•How would you use these verses to answer someone who asks you if you believe Jesus is the only way to have peace with God?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the peace you have through the blood of Christ.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, when I think that my performance means anything in securing my salvation, remind me that Your sacrifice was enough. Your blood covers my sins, and I can stop striving. I have peace with the Father because You went to the cross. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Enjoy the crossword puzzle based on today's reading of Colossians 1:15-20.
Down
2.People exercising government or dominion
3.The e vent described in Genesis 1
4.A male offspring
6.A state of mutual harmony
7.The point at which something starts
10.Not some, but
Across
1.The body of Christ
3.The object on which Jesus was crucified
5.The opposite of separately
8.A time earlier than
9.The likeness of someone or something
Jon 14:26-27
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
esting ssue
By Annabel Koher | MAF Missionary | Mozambique
When embarking on life as a missionary, there comes a realization of the potentially dangerous scenarios you and your family could encounter. Serving in the world of aviation brings unique risks. This can be hard to grapple with, but my husband, Ryan, and I find our calling to be worth the cost.
However, you don’t really know how you will handle the risk until you are faced with an undesirable situation.
We hadn’t been in Mozambique six months when Ryan left early for an all-day flight. I had just sat down to breakfast with my boys when my phone started ringing. To my surprise, it was Ryan. My mind immediately went to the possibilities of why he could be calling.
Ryan calmly let me know that shortly after takeoff he had noticed that his oil pressure gauge was at zero and oil was leaking into the cockpit. He told me there had been a split second where he realized the gravity of the situation, but then he had experienced peace that enabled him to focus on the tasks at hand.
As he recounted the events to me, I also experienced peace, because I could see that God had been leading Ryan through this dangerous situation. We praised God for a safe landing and were in awe of the peace we both experienced—something we have continued to experience with subsequent flights.
A peace like that could only come from one place—the Holy Spirit. He brings peace because of who He is. He is God.
In this time of Advent, I’m reminded that Jesus came as Immanuel, “God with us.”
As Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, He promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This promise is fulfilled through the Holy Spirit. No matter what we may encounter in the future, we can rest assured because God is still with us.
•When have you been most frightened?
•When you’ve been afraid, has the Holy Spirit ever brought to mind certain promises of God? If so, which ones? est
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on Christ’s gift of peace through the Holy Spirit.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit and Your gift of peace. When problems, sickness, or danger approach, remind me of Your presence and the comfort of the Spirit.
Can you think of someone who needs to know that God is with them? Prepare a gift basket or Christmas treat, along with a card of encouragement, and take it to them. If you have time, offer to visit with them for a few minutes.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Te on of eace
By Maddison Souza | MAF Missionary | Ecuador
As I write this, it seems there is not much peace in the world. Our beloved Ecuador, where we have lived and worked for almost five years, has been upended by strikes and protests against the government. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, and a string of mass shootings in our home country of the United States has left a wake of tragedy. No matter where you look, the world is broken and peace with one another seems like a fairy tale.
Yet for one young man who was taking part in the protests here in Ecuador recently, the conflict and discord of the world were exchanged for a new way—the way of peace. Our chaplain encountered him outside of our hangar as he was joining a group of protestors down the street. They struck up a conversation, and the young man shared his struggles in the face of the current situation in the country (he, like so many others, was struggling to find work, money, and food.) Our chaplain shared with him that the Word of God has the answers to help him find peace. The young man’s simple response: “Teach me.”
When Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth, He made a way for us to have peace with God. He broke our bonds of sin and death and invited us into a new bond—a bond of peace.
When we live lives that are humble, gentle, patient, and loving, the world notices. And then we have the opportunity, one person at a time, to tell the world about this new way and invite people to live with us in the bond of peace.
What we celebrate during Advent—the coming of Jesus to this broken world—changed everything, including our ability to live at peace with one another. We can celebrate the Giver of Peace this Christmas and sing with conviction the words of the carol, “and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.”
•Are there any people in your life with whom it’s difficult to be at peace?
•What would it look like for you to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3)?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the bond of peace we share as the body of Christ.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Jesus, thank You for making a way for us to have peace with the Father and each other. Help me to pursue harmony with my brothers and sisters in Christ and to have nothing but grace and patience toward those who are not yet part of God’s family. Amen. eight
Look through the Christmas cards you’ve received this year, noting each one that has the word “Peace.” Choose one of the cards and pray for God to fill that individual or family with His peace this Christmas.
saia 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
ee Is oe, eally?
By Annaleis Woodsum | MAF Missionary | Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
For men are homesick in their homes, And strangers under the sun, And they lay their heads in a foreign land Whenever the day is done.
—G.K. Chesterton, “The House of Christmas”
We spent our first Christmas holiday on the field overnighting in a thatched-roof rondavel on the banks of Uganda’s Nile River. As I laid my infant daughter in her crib, monkeys swung from tree to tree to find their perfect nest for the night.
In that moment, I felt the familiar queasiness of homesickness, but where was home? Was it the snowy cabin in the woods of my childhood? Our sunny beach house in Hawaii? Our picturesque village in Nyankunde, DRC?
Two years later, intertribal conflict would drive our MAF operations from Nyankunde to the bustling city of Bunia—would my children learn to call that place home?
I often find myself nostalgic for freediving at Honaunau Bay, off the Kona coast of Hawaii. I remember how I breathed deeply the salty air before diving into the warm waters until there was as much ocean above as there was below. All around me, in every direction, I could see nothing but blue expanse extending endlessly. The heaviness of the water compressed my lungs. It was awefilling and terrifying, yet utterly peaceful, not unlike the “weight of glory” described by C.S. Lewis.
A glimpse of eternity. A glimpse of home.
Homesickness is the soul’s longing for harmonious relationship with God, called shalom in Hebrew. This can only be possible through the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. The government rests on the shoulders of this Mighty God who knows well another heaviness: that of the cross resting on His innocent shoulders instead of our own. His sinless life, sacrifice, and resurrection make relationship with Him possible.
Shalom is the only hearth where I am truly and forever home.
•Where do you feel most at home?
•What kinds of moments prompt you to long for the day when all will be made right and you are at home with the Prince of Peace forever?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the peace of Christ that is never ending.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, when I seek You I find Your everlasting peace in abundance, and my soul can rest. Help me to truly make my home in You, here on earth. Amen.
If you were writing a poem about the Messiah, as Isaiah did, what would you say about Him? Take a few minutes and write a poem about Jesus. (If you are with your family, each person could compose two lines.)
2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
eace to al out te
By Brad Westom | Member Care Specialist | MAF HQ
It was not Christmas, but November. It was not on a hill with flocks of sheep but in our house in a jungle. We were living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Earlier that day, rebel forces and government forces had waged a battle down on the far end of the airstrip. The rebels won this battle.
Then, about ten of them came marching up the hill singing victory songs. They came to my house and demanded the MAF satellite phone so they could call the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and tell their side of the story. I initially refused, but they insisted and had guns, so I gave them the phone. But I did not give them the antenna.
They left, but that evening, while I was praying with my wife, Kristian, I felt God say, “They will be back.”
We put the kids to bed and continued to pray. Around 10:30, I felt Him speak again: “They are here.”
As I got to the door to go outside, I prayed, “Lord, please help me not to shame You, and please protect my family.”
That moment, I experienced a small place of warmth and peace inside my gut. I knew I had a choice: focus on that peace, or focus on the situation that seemed out of control, dangerous, and chaotic. I chose to focus on the peace, and I felt like I had been dipped in cool water. I had never experienced this kind of peace before—it enveloped me.
I went outside to call the soldiers into my yard and talk with them and was overwhelmed with a sense of trust in my sovereign God.
The angels brought the message of peace to a band of terrified shepherds going about their lives in the midst of a hurting, broken world. Through the Baby born that night, the same peace that passes understanding is available to us today.
This Christmas Eve, I encourage you: pause a few moments to experience God’s peace.
otemlate
•What was the reason the angel gave the shepherds to not be afraid?
•How can you make way for God’s peace to fill your heart as you get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth?
Take a few moments to pause and reflect on how Christ came to bring peace for all.
You may want to close with this prayer:
God, thank You for sending Your Son to bring hope and peace to earth. Good news, for sure! As I get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth tomorrow, help me to focus on Your peace rather than on the troubles of this world. Amen.
Turn off all the lights in your house except the lights on the Christmas tree. In the quiet, sing “Silent Night,” allowing the peace of Christ to wash over you.
Verse 1
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Verse 2
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Verse 3
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Te Jouey to osip
By Lynette Fagerland | MAF Missionary | Haiti
There my five-foot-two frame was, heart racing, praying like crazy, trying to speed walk to keep pace with our Haitian driver in front of me and my husband right behind me. We had a matter of seconds to get to our car to put some protection between us and the angry mob headed our way.
Once on the road, we came across protestors who were throwing rocks at passing cars. When our driver stopped unexpectedly, right in front of the roadblock, my heart sank! He looked at the men, pointed to his rubber bracelet with the MAF logo, and said very confidently, “I’m with MAF. I need to get through!” The leader waved away everyone in his group with an air of authority and let us pass.
Afterward, I asked our driver if he knew that his MAF bracelet would get us through the roadblock. He said, “No, but my children pray for my safety every day, and God helps to keep us safe.”
We had been the recipients of answered prayers from five children whom we had never met, and the outcome of that day’s journey was one of joyful praise.
I imagine that the wise men never suspected their long journey would include an encounter with a murderous, jealous king. How shocking for them to be summoned to Herod’s palace, interrogated, and sent on their way with a suspicious directive to report back to him right away.
But the unexpected turn of events for the Magi did not change the fact that they were on a divine journey. It did not deter them from their intent to host a baby shower. They kept their focus on the journey’s purpose, hearts ready for their moment with the King!
When that moment arrived, they worshiped Him with overflowing joy.
This Christmas Day may nothing deter our joyful worship of the One who is worthy of all our honor and praise.
•Are there certain things that have the potential to deter you from joyful worship on this Christmas day?
•How will you worship Christ today?
Take a few moments to pause and prepare your heart to worship King Jesus today.
You may want to close with this prayer:
Lord, let nothing distract me from the joy of praising You today and remembering what Your birth means for me, for the world, and for eternity. Amen.
Enjoy a nice mug of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee today. But first, take a sticky note and write the word “WORSHIP” on it. Then place it somewhere that will remind you, throughout the day, to worship Jesus in everything you do and say. Merry Christmas!
