Advent by Connecting♥︎Hearts Magazine

For Unto Us: An Advent Journal

Connecting Hearts Publishing

ISBN-978-1540437372

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction The purpose of Advent is to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. What a privilege it is to remember what it would have been like for God’s chosen people, the Isrealites, to anticipate the long-awaited birth of Jesus! His arrival was foretold in scripture and anticipated for many years. During the time of Advent we have the opportunity to share in their expectation that the Messiah, or anointed one, was coming to save them. In addition to remembering, we have the opportunity to get in touch with our own longing for Jesus, and the ways in which we need Him, now more than ever. It was told that Jesus would bind up the broken-hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and bring release for the prisoners in darkness. Those promises weren’t just for the Isrealites, they are for us today! Finally, in many ways, we are just like the Isrealite people. We long for Jesus to come again and fulfill all that He promised while He was here on earth. We pray for His kingdom to come and for Him to restore us and our world. Each week of Advent, our hearts will meditate on one topic. By focusing on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, our desire is to prepare for Jesus’ arrival. What joy we can have remembering His earthly arrival, inviting Jesus to enter more into our present lives and anticipating His triumphant return to set all things right. Thank you Jesus, that you are our past, present, and future King!

How to use this book: This journaling study is designed to be used from December 1 to December 24. The topics are divided into 6 days and cover the traditional Advent ideas of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The first day of each topic begins with a journaling question and memory verse related to that topic. The memory verse is found on the page adjacent to the first day of that week. You can also use this verse for encouragement as you begin your journaling for the topic. The next 3 days of each topic include scripture readings looking forward to the advent and second advent of Jesus. They also include a few journaling questions for each day. The final day of each Advent idea includes a short reading and a hymn. Feel free to sing it out-loud. After all, we are celebrating! Although the scripture for the weekly study and journaling is printed right here in the book, we believe that God's Word is living and active. The verses here are printed for your convenience, but feel free to open your Bible and read them there. There is power in God's word. He speaks to us through His word. Read on, dear friend! Follow the star, it can only lead to Jesus! ❄

Contributors: Contributing Writers: Misty Fantauzzo Laura Grotenhuis Melissa Rhoads Photography: Misty Fantauzzo Melissa Rhoads Editor: Gail Hoffman Creative Contributions: Misty Anaya

Table of Contents: Hope

Peace

Joy

Love

6 8

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

20 22

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

34 36

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

48 50

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

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December 1 As we prepare our minds and heart for Jesus' arrival, how appropriate that we would begin with hope! Jesus came to bring hope to the world and our hearts. Use the space below to contemplate one or more of the following ideas: a) What does it mean to hope? b) In what ways does Jesus provide hope to you today? c) Write out a prayer asking Jesus, the living hope, to come into an area of your life that you may need more hope.

MEMORY VERSE Read 1Peter 1:8 and think about the context of hope in this verse. Try to commit it to memory.

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 1 Peter 1:8

December 2 Hope in the Promise I look forward to the Christmas holiday. Part of what I anticipate, even long for, is the potential for rest. I savor the promise that we will slow down, gather as a family and rejoice in the birth of Jesus. Just thinking about the potential for rest gives me hope. As you and I begin to look forward to birth of Jesus through this study of Advent, let’s read about the promise to God’s people that gave them hope. Our reading today comes from the Old Testament prophets, who were sharing a promise of deliverance with a people in captivity, estranged from their homes and under harsh rule. God gave these prophets words to tell of what the people could hope for. God’s words promise a savior. The words of God’s promise, no doubt conceived hope in His people. As I read them today I’m filled with hope. A hope that is conceived in the beauty of the promise of what is to come. I read them in celebration that the savior has come. I read them as a reminder of the fact that God’s promises birth hope and that hope does not disappoint.❄

JOURNAL

Isaiah 2:2-5

Write down one verse from these passages of scripture that fills you with hope.

2 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

What is it in this passage that charges you with hope and why?

4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord

Isaiah 7:14-17

Write down some ways that you could share your hope with other people.

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

December 3 A Deep Hope The faith Joseph displayed is dumbfounding. He hopes in God enough to believe in the downright impossible. At the very least, I’d need the angel to include verse 22 in his speech. (The verse explaining that all this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken.) I could learn a lot by contemplating Joseph’s deep faith and strength in his belief. Yet I’m even more blown away when I consider the character of God in this passage. Yes, Joseph seemed to be an upright man, a pretty solid guy, but enough so for God to be vulnerable with? God could have sealed the deal by showing up Himself to relay the message of His coming to Joseph, but rather He sent a messenger. The messenger was impressive, no doubt, but not as glorious as God Himself. Then to condescend further, God allowed Himself to be born into a mortal, human, sinful but faithful family. He took on human, infant form, to be parented by this man, whose only credential was faith. ❄

JOURNAL

Matthew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 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. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

What impresses you about Joseph’s faith in this passage?

What impresses you about God’s vulnerability in this passage?

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

How is God both powerful and vulnerable in trusting you to carry out His work?

How does this affect your hope in God and His words?

December 4 Hope for True Righteousness Wrapped in the promise of today’s passage, we also find a difficult question: “Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?” As God’s people, and as we prepare for the arrival of perfection, it is a worthy question to ask. Who can stand in the light of full perfection? Can I? I know the answer. And yet, even this passage is full of hope that we will bring righteous offerings. These passages talk about the hope of coming righteousness. Now we know that true righteousness came. He took on the weight of our unrighteousness and it killed Him. He died under its weight. And yet the hope comes because He was resurrected. The sacrifice complete and the weight borne. We can accept His gift and now declare “The Lord is our righteousness.” ❄

JOURNAL

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Journal how you feel knowing that Jesus humbled Himself to be born to bear our sins and become our righteousness.

14 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” Write about the deep change that Jesus brings about, moving us from people who cannot stand in His righteous presence to people who declare that He is our righteousness.

Malachi 3:1-3 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

How do you hope and depend on Him to be your righteousness?

December 5 Hope for the Future After years and years of waiting, Immanuel, God with us, the true hope was born. That hope became flesh and walked and talked and lived and died. The beauty is that the hope incarnate didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remain dead. He was resurrected to life, ascended to God and now we wait in hope again for His return. The second advent. God proved that He is the fulfillment of hope. He promised and He was literally delivered. Having proven His promise, we can be delivered into a new hope. The Bible calls it born again. We now know of His birth, life, faithfulness, sacrifice, death and resurrection. We can hope with assurance and evidence in His return. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passage calls it a living hope. His forgiveness has been delivered! Grace is alive! Now we can live in assurance of His return. We are not borrowing on the possibility of the promise. It is finished. We live sure that He is coming again. Our hope is as vibrant and alive as the resurrected Lord Jesus.â?&#x201E;

JOURNAL

1Peter 1: 3-12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 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, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Meditate on the words imperishable, undefiled unfading. Write your thoughts knowing that these words describe your inheritance in Jesus.

How are you encouraged to endure the difficulties that come in this life knowing that Jesus is our hope alive and He is coming again?

We’ll read lots this season about news that angels announced, yet we learn that the good news given by Jesus through the Holy Spirit is something that the angels long to look into. Knowing this, write your thoughts about how you are encouraged by the preciousness and beauty of His gift.

December 6 O Come O Come Emmanuel Hope is something all of humanity needs. Throughout our readings this week we see people desperate for hope in dark times. Whether an entire nation in distress or a single desperate man. This lovely hymn “O Come O Come Emmanuel” is full of pleas for help in dark times. Pleas for wisdom, unity, freedom and safety. But the song goes on to confidently proclaim the hope that help is coming. There is light in this darkness. “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee…” He is light! He is hope in desperate times throughout history, for our present world, and for the world to come. Think about ways God has been your light in times of darkness.❄

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Words: Various Music: Veni Emmanuel 15th century French Processional

PUBLIC DOMAIN

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December 7 This week of Advent focuses on peace. Peace is sometimes hard to come by during the holidays. Use the space below to write down your thoughts on one or more of the following ideas: a) How your relationship with Jesus currently brings you peace? b) If you were able to embrace the gift of peace this season what may look different? c) Are there ways to make room for more peace in your life?

MEMORY VERSE Read Isaiah 11:2 and think about the context of peace in this verse. Try to commit it to memory.

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

December 8 Promise of Peace for His People This week we will be focusing on God’s promise of peace. Today’s passage in Isaiah shares that, among the beautiful and powerful names of Jesus, He is the Prince of Peace. Our everyday lives are full of conflict. It can be as silly as children fighting over Legos or as monumental as wars to end slavery. What I definitely know is that I dislike conflict intensely. In fact I go to great lengths to avoid it. During the time in history that Isaiah was writing, the land he was living in, Judah, was threatened with destruction by Assyria and Egypt. He knew a thing or two about conflict! How wonderful that Isaiah would be chosen to introduce to the world, a time in the future when the words "government" and "peace" are used in the same sentence. A future kingdom that will be known for its justice and righteousness. Just like Isaiah’s people, we are being told of a peace that we have never seen. ❄

JOURNAL What is it like to imagine the peace that will come with Jesus reigning over all people, with all authority?

Isaiah 9:6-7 6 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.

How can that promise of peace sustain you in times of intense conflict?

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

What is one way you can be an ambassador of peace, even in the times of conflict?

December 9 Peace of Justice To give some context to this passage, Jesse is King Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father. The stump represents the way that his generational line has seemingly been cut off. Isaiah shares with us that there will be years that people will not see anyone of consequence coming from this family tree. Then, just when it seems like there is no life at all in that stump, a green sampling, tender and new, will spring forth. Jesus is that shoot and with Him will come a peace like nature and the world has never seen! If you have ever spent any time watching Animal Planet, there is plenty of time spent getting to know animals in a way that we normally canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, up close and personal. We see the cuddly, playful side of lion cubs, but inevitably the show also needs to attend to the other side of these animals. They are predators. We see those cute little animals growing up and realize that in order to survive, they need to hunt. Even as we are rooting for those little guys to find something to eat, we may be equally hoping that the gazelle will escape her predictable fate. Our world is not the way that it should be. It is not the way that God originally designed it. But there is a time when there will be no more predator or prey. Jesus will be our righteous ruler and with that rule comes peace, and the lion will lay down with the gazelle! â?&#x201E;

JOURNAL Isaiah 11:1-10 1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

What excites you the most about the idea that creation itself will be at peace?

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. 6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.

As we look around at the world and you see injustice, poverty and the like, what inequalities cause the most passion to rise up in you?

7 The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. 9 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

December 10 Peace in Trusting and Waiting I am always in awe of Mary’s faith in these verses. Her response to the angel’s news is so pure, so full of faith. Have you ever been challenged to believe God for the impossible? God does not promise every blessing to every person, but there are times that He lets us know, in His own special way, that He has our out-ofcontrol circumstances very much in control. We all have things that we long for. Perhaps you can remember a time that you wanted something so desperately, but were forced to wait. There are really two ways to wait. We can wait impatiently, tapping our foot, resenting the passing of hours, days or years. I have waited in this way. Luckily, God does offer us an alternative. Mary shows us a beautiful example of trusting God with the details. She is given a promise, but not a roadmap. Even though many of the particulars of the promise are left out, she responds with absolute trust. As a result, there is a state of peace that jumps off the pages of the Bible and leaves me speechless. ❄

JOURNAL Is there a situation in your life currently where you could use more trust that God will work out the details?

Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

If you were able to trust that God has it in the palm of His hand, what would you be doing differently?

How do you see trust and peace being related to each other?

December 11 Peace in Glory What would it have been like to be standing in the fields, watching over sheep? It was a night like any other night, peaceful, uneventful, when suddenly everything changed! Those shepherds, considered to be the lowest members of society, were the first to be told of our Savior’s birth. They witnessed the glory of God, which had only been shown to a few people in history. They also were invited to meet the Christ child the very night of His arrival. What an honor. A commentary I read described this scene as a great curtain being pulled back. The invisible spirit realm that surrounds us every day was visible to the shepherds that night. A great number of angels were seen praising God, and proclaiming peace among God’s people. There are plenty of times when I forget about the glory of God. I am sort of like those shepherds, going about my daily life, not thinking about or expecting to see the glory of God. And yet, God says that all creation reveals His majesty. I believe there is a peace that is available to us when we behold the glory of God, just as the angels announced. ❄

JOURNAL

When are you most aware of God’s glory? In what places, times, seasons? Luke 2:8-20 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

Are there ways you can tune into God’s glory and position daily?

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

How do you think this would influence the amount of peace in your life?

December 12 Oh, Holy Night Peace is so entwined with rest it seems impossible to have one without the other. During the holidays we look forward to quiet moments. And yet everyone describes the Christmas season as “so busy.” Rest becomes a discipline. Accepting the Lord and His gift of peace requires accepting the necessary rest. “He knows our need. Our weakness is no stranger. His law is love and His gospel is peace.” These beautiful lines from the hymn “Oh, Holy Night” are a reminder to rest in Christ’s arms and His peace will provide rest even in the most chaotic of times. Spend a few quiet moments reading the lyrics of this hymn and praising God for the incredible gift He sent to the earth that holy night. ❄

Placide Cappeau, 1847; tr. by John S. Dwight Adolph Adam; arr. by G.B.H.

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December 13 Joy is something we all long to have. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength. Use the space below to write down your thoughts on one or more of the following ideas: a) Is the joy of the Lord my strength? If not, what is my strength? b) Are there ways that I could cultivate more joy in my heart and life?

MEMORY VERSE Read Isaiah 52:7 and think about the context of joy in this verse. Try to commit it to memory.

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, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your God reigns.â&#x20AC;? Isaiah 52:7

December 14 Proclamation of Joy to Israel As we look forward to the coming Jesus and the joy His gift of salvation brings, what better place to start than our passage today? It is so beautifully poetic as it paints the image of a lost people who just received word that they are found. Their deliverance is on the horizon. God is the source of the deliverance. He reigns! This news brings great joy to Israel. God is the source of their joy but the news of the joy is delivered by a messenger. The news is delivered by one of their own whom God has commissioned. How lovely that God’s news of salvation brings joy to both the messenger and the receiver. We spend this season in joy, preparing room in our hearts to receive and celebrate Jesus’ birth. We can also bear the image of His beauty as we are messengers of good news to His people in need of deliverance. ❄

JOURNAL Write about the joy and excitement you feel as you read this poetic proclamation of God’s deliverance.

Isaiah 52:7-10 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.” 8 The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the Lord to Zion.

Consider and record some ways that you can have “beautiful feet” by sharing God’s word to those who know Him but are in need of deliverance.

9 Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Write about the joy that you experience from receiving God’s comfort and redemption.

December 15 Proclamation of Joy to All People Yesterday we read about the joyful proclamation of deliverance to Israel, God’s people. Today we’ll read about this proclamation for all! Jesus was born into the world for the salvation of the world. What could bring about more joy than the idea that God wants to deliver us all? As we embrace the joy that comes with the celebration of Jesus' birth, it is encouraging to know that God planned this joy for all His people. Our reading today encourages us to be the messenger, the beautiful feet to everyone. What could be more joy producing than knowing that we get to shout the news from the mountains! The news of deliverance to all the world! ❄

JOURNAL

Write down your feelings about the idea that all who believe in Jesus will not be put to shame.

Romans 10:11-21 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” 19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” 20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

Consider and write down some ways that you can share this joyful news with people who don’t know Jesus.

How does being a messenger about Jesus to the lost increase your joy?

December 16 Joy Leads to Worship One of the carols we sing during this season is about the “three wise men.” The lyrics tell of their following a star to discover the king to which the star points. The chorus ends with the words: “Guide us to thy perfect light.” The story of these men is so interesting. It is not known if they were actually seeking a deliverer from God or if they were simply very astute and observant students of the sky. It is known that they were wise and willing to explore truth and direction presented to them by God. The Bible says that when these men saw the star, they rejoiced. It’s possible that the presentation of empirical evidence of hope given to these men was the source of their joy. When they actually saw Jesus, the King to whom the star led them, their joy became worship. They were presented the evidence of the star, which they received with joy and they were led to the perfect light, which they worshipped. As with these wise men, truths about God produce joy in our lives today. When we behold the glory of God to which these truths point, our joy become worship! ❄

JOURNAL

What “stars” has God given you to cause you to want to explore Him more deeply and joyfully?

Matthew 2:1-12 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

What evidence has God shown you that produces joy as you think about His truths?

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Can you think of and write about a time when God proved Himself to you and it led you to worship?

December 17 Joy in Faith in the Faithful It seems completely fitting as we look forward to Christmas, that we would read stories of Mary. She was the very woman pregnant with the promise of salvation for the world. In hindsight, we can see her great faith and hope in God, but it is difficult to imagine what she must have felt during that time. In our reading today, Mary sings a song rejoicing in God. Mary rejoices in what God is doing and will do in her for the salvation of mankind and she rejoices in God’s faithfulness. She recounts what God has already done. Her faith looks forward to being fulfilled in that she knows that God is faithful. As you read today’s passage, take note of Mary’s statements of praise to God’s faithfulness. ❄

JOURNAL

Name some things that God promised and fulfilled in His people and in your life.

Luke 1:46-56 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Journal how reflecting on God’s faithfulness increases your joy.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

Are you pregnant with gifts of God? Maybe something that He has just begun in you. Write how your soul rejoices about this.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

December 18 Joy to the World We have often heard the thought that love is not a feeling but a choice expressed through action. In the readings this week we see that Joy has come to earth, a gift from our loving Heavenly Father. In each example we also see how joy is linked with action. The message of Jesus’ coming was proclaimed to the Israelites and they received and celebrated. As Christians we are encouraged to proclaim this message to all the earth. The joy we know in God is to be embraced and proclaimed. The wise men were open and willing to receive the message of joy. When they recognized the truth, their joy was expressed in worship. As a young unmarried pregnant woman Mary made the choice to trust and be joyful despite her circumstances and the unknown path ahead. And finally, in the opening lines of this beautiful hymn by Isaac Watts we read, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room.” As you go through this holiday season full of tasks and traditions let the Joy of the Lord be your strength and prepare Him room in your heart. ❄

Words by Isaac Watts Music by Lowell Manson (based on Handel)

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December 19 Jesus told us during His earthly ministry that â&#x20AC;&#x153;these three remain; faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.â&#x20AC;? Use the space below to write down your thoughts on one or more of the following ideas: a) Jesus loved people well. Journal about the ways that Jesus is currently loving you well. b) Jesus asked us to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind and soul and to love others as ourselves. Ponder what the Spirit may be telling you about loving God and others well.

MEMORY VERSE Read John 3:17 and think about the context of love in this verse. Try to commit it to memory.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17

December 20 Gentle Powerful Love God’s power is unquestionable. He spoke all of creation into existence. Our passage today ends with a beautiful affirmation of His power. We read: “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” This powerful statement instills confidence in His people, that He will do as He says because He has spoken this with His mouth. And, though God speaks powerfully about His glory, it is the combination of His power and His gentleness in this passage that reveals His love. This juxtaposition of the revelation of God’s glory and His desire to give comfort to His creation is so tenderly loving. God speaks of His powerful revelation from His mouth. God also speaks comfort to His people from His mouth. It is because of God’s great power that I know He will provide comfort and that He can comfort me fully. It is also because of His great power that His comfort is such a statement of His great love. God needs nothing and yet He desires comfort and tenderness. He offers pardon. He speaks to us tenderly. From God’s mouth He speaks glory and comfort. ❄

JOURNAL How does God’s juxtaposition of comfort and power increase your understanding of His love for you?

Isaiah 40:1-5 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 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. 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Why do you think God repeated the word “comfort?”

Where in your life do you need comfort, comfort from someone perfect and powerful?

4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Meditate on God’s glory and on His desire to provide comfort to His people. Write your thoughts below.

December 21 Love in the Flesh We are all familiar with the story of Jesus birth. It is beautiful, scandalous, and glorious. It is to be told and savored, meditated on and believed. It is a notable point in the ultimate story of Jesus and His love for each and every person He created. A love so intense He was willing to give up glory for humility, heaven for a manger and perfect fellowship within the trinity to be raised by an imperfect family. He became flesh or as some of my favorite song lyrics express it: the incarnation of love. Enjoy todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading. He loves you. He loves you enough to condescend to infancy in the land of imperfection. â?&#x201E;

Luke 2:1-21 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

JOURNAL Write ideas about what it must have been like for Jesus to be born as an infant on earth having condescended from perfect heavenly fellowship.

How do you feel when someone goes out of their way, to the point of self-sacrifice, to give you something you need in love?

Even in this passage highlighting Jesus’ birth, glory is still ascribed to God. Write about how God receives glory when you love humbly.

December 22 Love and Obedience If you are a parent, the idea that love and obedience are connected likely resonates with you. When your children respond favorably to “because I said so,” it reflects that they have faith in you, are willing to submit to your authority and that they trust your love for them to guide them in what is right. What about Jesus? Did He demonstrate His love for His Father in obedience? Today’s reading addresses Jesus’ love for humanity and His Father through His submissive obedience. Obedience that cost Him His earthly life. In addition to obedient love, we read of the beautiful reciprocal love among the Son, Father and Spirit all toward Godly glory. The Son’s obedience brings glory to the Father and so the Father, in turn exalts the Son. The end result of this glorious love fest? At the Son’s name, all bow and confess that the Son is Lord to the glory of God! The obedient love comes full circle and the result is glory! ❄

JOURNAL Write down your thoughts about love and obedience being interconnected.

How do you feel about God, your Father, knowing that it was His desire that Jesus demonstrate such sacrificial love for you? Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

How do you feel about the sacrifice Jesus made for you?

Write down a confession of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lordship to the glory of God the Father.

December 23 Love Leads to Imperishable Life Advent. Humanity awaited His arrival and He was born! Why was He born? He was born to reconcile, touch, heal and to bring us to life. In a word: love. Now we await His second advent. His coming again! This time to bring humanity into a state of imperishable life. This life, unending, will be spent with Him who showed us ultimate love. That is true life indeed! â?&#x201E;

JOURNAL What does it mean to you that God was willing to give in such a way for us to have imperishable life?

John 3:16-21 16 â&#x20AC;&#x153;For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.â&#x20AC;?

When you are loved this much, how safe is it to step into the light of truth about yourself? Journal about that.

Write down how you feel about the idea that you will not perish but have eternal life.

December 24 Silent Night As we arrive at the close of this study, we end with the Silent Night that changed everything. All the hope of humanity, the needed peace, and the joy that all hearts desire, arrives with God’s gift of love. This “holy infant so tender and mild” is the “Son of God, love’s pure light.” This idea that the all-powerful God, creator of the universe, came to earth as a newborn baby is the evidence of His tender love for us. If you receive this gift you receive it all; hope for the future, peace to give you rest in this busy, striving world, and the joy that is our strength and motivation for action. Tomorrow as you rise, on the day we have been anticipating all month, spend a few quiet moments praising Jesus for His glorious presence on the earth and the gift that changes everything. He is the gift. ❄

Words by Joseph Mohr; tr. by John F. Young Music by Franz GrÃ¼ber

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