For Unto Us: Advent Devotionals For Families
How to use this book:
This devotional guide is designed to help families prepare their hearts and minds for Christmas. There are several options for using this book, so you can choose the option that works best for your time and the ages/interest levels of your family. The options are listed below. Regardless of the option you choose, don't miss out on reading the scriptures. There is power and blessing in reading God's words to us! Option 1: Work through the devotional guide completing each day, starting December 1 and going through December 24 For: Everyone Option 2: Complete pp. 4-7, 18-21, 32-35 and 46-49. For: Families with small children or limited time Option 3: Use the Advent Countdown Chain (pg. 60) to create a paper chain Advent calendar (read the daily scripture as you are completing the chain) For: Families with small children or limited time Option 4: Complete Option 1 and use the QR code each week to do additional crafts and activities related to Advent. For: People who really love Christmas, activities, and crafts
© 2017 Connecting Hearts Publishing © 2017 Melissa Rhoads 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. Photography © 2017 Misty Fantauzzo Photography © 2017 Melissa Rhoads
Table of Contents Hope 4 6
December 1
8
December 2
10
December 3
12
December 4
14
December 5
16
December 6
Peace 18 20
December 7
22
December 8
24
December 9
26
December 10
28
December 11
30
December 12
Joy 32 34
December 13
36
December 14
38
December 15
40
December 16
42
December 17
44
December 18
Love 46 48
December 19
50
December 20
52
December 21
54
December 22
56
December 23
58
December 24
60
Advent Countdown Chain
The Christmas Tree and Hope
Today, we start the Advent season. This is a time when we celebrate and wait on the coming of Jesus. Traditionally during Advent, we think about how Jesus brings us hope, peace, joy and love. Each week, we will use things we usually see at Christmas to help us think about Jesus and the gifts He brings. We start this week enjoying how the Christmas tree can remind us of hope. When we plant a seed, we hope for something big and wonderful to grow. Jesus' life on earth started out as a small seed of hope in Mary's womb. When Jesus was born into the world, all people were given hope! Hope that God would live with us forever and that we could be with Him forever. When you look at the Christmas tree this year, remember how Jesus brings hope.
e p o h
5
December 1
Say the verse on the next page together as a family. Practice memorizing it together. Share how loving Jesus gives you hope.
Pray together using these prompts: Remember out loud things about God that give you hope (for example "God, You are loving, perfect, and beautiful). Thank God for things He has given you that cause you to hope. (for example, the Bible, family and food). Share with God places where you need more hope. Ask God for what you want and need to have more hope.
Hope: to want something to happen or be true, trust
6
Though you have not seen him, you love him. 1 Peter 1:8
December 2
Hope That God Is With Us Read Isaiah 7:14-17 The words in the book of Isaiah were written to God's people many years before Jesus was ever born. But guess who they are about? They are about Jesus. In these verses, God says that Jesus will be called "Immanuel," which means "God with us." These words were written to God's people before Jesus was born, and they were written to you and me. Jesus is Immanuel to us too! Immanuel is a wonderful word to learn for Christmas, because that is what Christmas is all about. We are celebrating that God did come to be with us through Jesus. We celebrate Jesus' birth and we celebrate that now Jesus will always be with us. Open the Gift: Tell about a hard or scary time when you needed God with you. We all have hard times, and need hope that things will all work out okay. When you are having a hard time, how can remembering "Immanuel" (God is with me) give you hope?
8
Hope
Isaiah 7:14-17
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!�
9
December 3
Hope In Good News Read Matthew 1:18-25 An angel appears in our reading today, and that angel gets to share the best news ever! The good news the angel shares is that Jesus will come and that He will "save his people from their sins." Not only was that awesome news for Joseph, it is awesome news for me and you! How is this good news? Let's talk about that: God made every single person who was ever born, including you. He made you special and wonderful and He loves you! Sadly, some bad news entered the world a long time ago, when God's wonderfully made people decided to disobey God. This disobedience is called sin. Sin is bad news because when people disobey God, they cannot be with Him. Sin separates us from God. Now back to the good news. God is bigger than any sin and so He made a way for anyone to be forgiven of any sin! The way is Jesus. When we believe in Jesus, we can be with God forever. We will never be apart from Him. Jesus is the way for me and you to be with God , who made and loves us. That's great news! Open the Gift How do you feel knowing God loves you and wants you to be with Him? How can we be with God forever?
10
Hope
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: 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.
11
December 4
Hope in God's Promises Read Jeremiah 33:14-16 It's a big deal to keep a promise. Each of us has probably had promises kept and promises broken. God always keeps His promises! In the verses we read today, God reminded the people that He would keep His promise. These words are about God's promise to send Jesus. We have been reading all week about God's promise of Jesus. At Christmas time, we celebrate that God kept this promise. God always keeps His promises. Open the Gift Where can we learn God's words and promises? At Christmas we celebrate that God kept His promise by sending Jesus. How do you feel knowing that God always keeps His promises?
12
Hope
Jeremiah 33:14-16
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.’”
13
December 5
Hope in Jesus Alive Read 1 Peter 1:3-9 At Christmas, we remember and celebrate Jesus' birthday. When we celebrate our own birthdays, people often ask; "how old are you?". We answer with our age. No one answers, "oh, I've been alive forever." Guess what? Jesus is and will be alive forever and these verses tell us that when we believe in Him, we will also be resurrected to be alive forever with Him. This is very good news! One day, everyone who knows and believes in Jesus will get to live with Him forever in Heaven. Open the Gift Can you tell a story you know about Jesus that shows He is good? (remember Jesus and the loaves and fishes?) How is Jesus the kind of person that you would want to live with forever?
14
Hope
1Peter 1: 3-9 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.
15
December 6
This week we learned about how God always keeps His promises and how He promised to always be with us through Jesus, Immanuel. The song O Come O Come Emmanuel is about the joyful hope we feel knowing that Jesus is God with us! Sing it around the tree one night as a hymn of hope and celebration
16
17
e c a pe
Christmas Lights and Peace
Every year at Christmas time, I look forward to seeing all of the beautiful lights. The city decorates with lights and we put strings of lights up both inside and outside of our houses. Jesus was called the Light of the World. He said whoever follows Him "will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life."(John 8:12). The idea that Jesus gives us light and chases away darkness brings peace! Take some time this week to enjoy the Christmas lights in your house or in your town. As you do, think about and share how Jesus is light and that His light gives us peace.
e c a e p
19
December 7
Say the verse on the next page together as a family. Practice memorizing it together. Share how knowing Jesus gives you peace.
Pray together using these prompts: Remember out loud things about God that give you peace. Thank God for things He has given you that cause you to experience peace. Share with God places where you need more peace. Ask God for what you want and need to have more peace.
Peace: a quiet and calm state
20
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him Isaiah 11:2
December 8
Prince of Peace Read Isaiah 9:6-7 Advent, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is all about waiting. We are waiting to celebrate Jesus' birthday at Christmas and we are also waiting for the things that have not yet happened. One thing we celebrate but has not yet happened is Jesus coming back. These verses describe Jesus and tell us what it will be like when He comes back. We read that the returning Jesus is the Prince of Peace. This means Jesus will have and be in control of peace. These verses also say that this peace will never end! In our lives right now we do have conflict (we might disagree with friends, fight with our brother or sister or feel frustrated when things aren't done the way we want them). Try to imagine what it will be like when there is no conflict.
Open the Gift Underline some of the names for Jesus in the scripture on the next page. (what is He called?) Which ones are your favorites and why?
22
Peace
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. 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.
23
December 9
Peace in Jesus' Power Read Isaiah 11:1-5 Today we are reading more verses that tell about what Jesus is like. In verse 2 we read a description of God's Spirit. After reading this with your family, discuss the meanings of the words and phrases: wisdom, understanding, might, and knowledge and fear of the Lord. Open the Gift Tell how knowing that Jesus is wise and understanding can give you peace. Tell how knowing that Jesus is mighty can give you peace. Tell how knowing that Jesus knows and respects God can give you peace.
24
Peace
Isaiah 11:1-5 1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 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.
25
December 10
Peace, Because God Can Do Things We Can't Imagine Read Luke 1:26-38 This is an awesome Christmas story! Mary is visited by an angel, who tells her she will be the mother of the Son of God. This story is a true story! These things really did happen. The story is amazing because it is miraculous. Only God, who can do more than we can ask or imagine, could make a story like this be true. That is one of the wonderful things about God. He loves us and He will do things we never even thought of in ways we could never imagine to be with us.
Open the Gift What are some things that are difficult for you right now? If you remember that God controls everything and that nothing is too difficult for Him, how does that give you peace when things are difficult? Can you hear that God is telling you "do not be afraid?"
26
Peace
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.
27
December 11
Peace Lights Up the Darkness Read Luke 2:8-20 When you have a birthday party, do you decorate and make pretty or cool party invitations? In this Bible story, we see how God chose to decorate a birthday party invitation for Jesus. Let's just say, "WOW!" This birthday party invitation from God went out to a group of shepherds who were watching their sheep at night. When God invited them to come meet Jesus, He started out by sending an angel and He lit up the darkness with His glory. I'm thinking that there were more bright colors than we can even imagine! It was so amazing that at first the shepherds were scared, but the angel comforted them by telling them about Jesus. After that, God sent a big group of angels to sing about Jesus. Can you imagine how this invitation was beautiful to their eyes and ears? Even today, when someone is invited to meet Jesus, it is beautiful. We may not see or hear the angel band but they are still partying at the mention of Jesus' name. Open the Gift What do you think the angels sing to you about Jesus? Decorate a party invitation for Jesus birthday.
28
Peace 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, 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.
29
December 12
The night Jesus was born, the world changed. It was a very special night because Jesus brought true peace into the world. He made a way for every person to be a peace with God. This hymn celebrates the special night that Jesus was born and reminds us of the good news that Jesus brought peace.
30
31
The Christmas Star and Joy
This week we will be celebrating the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. In the Bible, we read a true story about how a star lead people to Jesus. They were so happy to be able to follow the star to Him! This week, as you see the star on top of your Christmas tree, or other stars that are part of Christmas decorations, think about how being led to Jesus brings people joy. Think about how Jesus brings you joy. As a family, you can talk about how you can be stars to other people. By shining the light of Jesus to others, you can help them come to Him.
y o j
33
December 13
Say the verse on the next page together as a family. Practice memorizing it together. Share how knowing Jesus gives you joy.
Pray together using these prompts: Remember out loud things about God that give you joy. Thank God for things He has given you that cause you to experience joy. Share with God places where you need more joy. Ask God for what you want and need to have more joy.
Joy: a source or cause of delight, a feeling of great happiness
34
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news Isaiah 52:7
December 14 Joyful Beautiful Feet Read Isaiah 52:7-10 This week we are talking about the joy that Jesus brings. In Isaiah 52:7-10, Isaiah is encouraging the people with the good news of the future. He describes the person who delivers this joyful news as having beautiful feet. He means that the one bringing the good news is doing beautiful work. They are sharing God's message that He wants to save His people. The messengers are also using their bodies to come to tell the people the good news. They use their mouths to announce the news. They sing about it. We can use the gifts God gave us to share His good news too. We can use our bodies to serve and our mouths to sing and tell about Him. We can use our hands to be kind in His name. We can have "beautiful feet!"
Open the Gift How can you work with your body to help share the joyful news about Jesus with other people? Sing a song you know about Jesus.
36
Joy
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. 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.
37
December 15
Joy from Sharing Good News Read Romans 10:11-17 There is joy that comes from knowing Jesus! Jesus wants every single person to know Him. He wants every person to know the good news that He is the way to be with God forever. Jesus knows that the message about Him is wonderful and beautiful and so He lets us share it. We get to tell the good news!
Open the Gift What is the good news about Jesus? Name some people you could tell about Jesus and the good news about Him.
38
Joy
Romans 10:11-17 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.
39
December 16
Joy from Finding Jesus Read Matthew 2:1-12 This week, we have been remembering the joy that Jesus brings when we look at the star on the Christmas tree. Our Bible story today tells us that the wise men also had great joy when they saw the star! Were the wise men feeling joy about the star or something more? I think they were feeling joy because they knew the star led to Jesus. It wasn't the star that brought them joy, it was that they were going to meet Jesus. Meeting Jesus does bring us joy because of who Jesus is. He is the most important and powerful person who ever lived, but He is also the kindest and most giving. He is God and He likes us!
Open the Gift Tell how knowing Jesus makes you happy. How is Jesus a good friend to you?
40
Joy 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: 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.
41
December 17
Joy Remembering the Great Things Read Luke 1:46-55 Today, we read the words to a song that Mary sang to God. Mary is rejoicing (feeling joy) because she is remembering all of the great things that God has done for her. God likes when we remember the great things He has done. When we thank Him and remember them it is called praise. What great things can you remember that God has done?
Open the Gift Make up and sing a song thanking God for things He has done. What great things has God done for you? Tell how knowing that He has done those things for you makes you feel.
42
Joy Luke 1:46-55 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. 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. 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.�
43
December 18
This week we thought about joy. This Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World," reminds us that the whole world can have joy because Jesus came to earth. Let's sing it and remember how the good news about Jesus' birth, life and resurrection brings joy to each of us.
44
45
Jesus is the Gift of Love THE PRESENTS! You will be opening them soon. Right now, they are probably still wrapped up and sitting under the tree. God got you a special gift for Christmas too. He sent Jesus because He loves you so much and wants to be your friend forever. You don't even have to wait to open God's gift. You can have Jesus anytime, any day! God got a special gift for Jesus too. When we follow Jesus, the Bible says we are His reward. Just like God gave us the gift of Jesus, God gave Jesus the gift of us. Jesus is excited to have you as His gift. This week, as you look at the gifts under the tree, think about how God loved you so much that He gave you the gift of His only Son.
e v lo
47
December 19 Say the verse on the next page together as a family. Practice memorizing it together. Share how God sending Jesus is an act of love.
Pray together using these prompts: Remember out loud things about God that show His love. Thank God for things He has given you that cause you to feel loved. Share with God places where you need to feel or share more love. Ask God for what you want and need to feel more love. If you love God, tell Him.
Love: strong affection for another arising out of personal ties
48
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
Love Comforts Read Isaiah 40:1-5 Do you remember the last time you or your child fell and got hurt? If you are a child, you probably got scooped up by mom or dad and held while they comforted you. They probably said tender words to you. This is exactly what God does for us! He loves us like a parent loves a child (and even more really). He knows that sin or disobedience is painful and He comforts us. He sent us Jesus to give us comfort and speak tender words to us.
Open the Gift Name some ways you know God loves you. Is there anything that you felt sad about this week? If so, can you imagine God holding you and speaking tender words to you about this?
50
Love
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. 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.�
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December 21 Love Communicates in Ways We Understand Read Luke 2:1-21 Have you ever heard someone talk to a baby? They might use baby talk. Do you know why they do that? I think it's because they want to communicate with the baby in a way the baby would understand. Friends learn things about the way each other communicates so that they can communicate in ways that their friend will understand. This is a way to show love. God did this for us when Jesus came to earth and was born as a human baby. Jesus is God, He did not have to live as a person or a baby, but He chose to so that He could love people in a way they could understand. Open the Gift Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby? Think about what it might feel like to be as big and smart as you are now and to become a newborn baby again.
52
Love 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, 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. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
53
December 22
Love and Obedience Read Philippians 2:5-11 Yesterday, we talked about how Jesus was born as a human baby because He wanted to show us how much He loves us by communicating with us in a way we could understand. To do this, Jesus had to choose to be obedient to God. In Philippians 2, we read about how Jesus showed His love for God and for us by being obedient.
Open the Gift We can be like Jesus by choosing to be obedient. Who can you show love to by being obedient?
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Love
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.
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December 23
Love Wants to Bring Light and Life Read John 3:16-21 God loves us so much that He gave us the best gift that could ever be given! We celebrate this gift on Christmas. God loves us so much, He sent Jesus. He sent Jesus so that we could believe in Him and live forever. He sent Jesus to light up our way. No wonder we say "Merry Christmas!" Merry means happy and Christmas is the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday. It is a happy thing to think about how much we are loved!
Open the Gift What Christmas gift did God give us to show us how much He loves us?
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Love
John 3:16-21 16 “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.�
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December 24
Tonight is Christmas Eve. We will celebrate Christmas soon! We will open gifts. Tonight, we can remember how much God loves us by giving us the gift of His son. This song, Silent Night is about the night Jesus was born. If you would like, sing it together celebrating how God love us. Celebrate the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas!
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Advent Countdown Chain
Instructions: Cut along the dotted line for the corresponding date. Use your Bible to read the scripture referenced on the paper. Join the ends of the strip and tape them so that it forms a circle. For each day after day one, be sure that the ends are joined inside the previous day's circle so that you make a paper chain. You can hang this chain where your whole family can see it as it grows!
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Dec 6 - O Come O Come Emmanuel
Dec 5 - 1Peter 1: 3-9
Dec 4 - Jeremiah 33:14-16
Dec 3 - Matthew 1:18-25
Dec 2 - Isaiah 7:14-17
Dec 1 - HOPE - Christmas Tree
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Dec 12 - Oh Holy Night
Dec 11 - Luke 2:8-20
Dec 10 - Luke 1:26-38
Dec 9 - Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec 8 - Isaiah 9:6-7
Dec 7 - PEACE - Lights
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Dec 18 - Joy To The World
Dec 17 - Luke 1:46-55
Dec 16 - Matthew 2:1-12
Dec 15 - Romans 10:11-17
Dec 14 - Isaiah 52:7-10
Dec 13 - JOY - Star
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Dec 24 - Silent Night
Dec 23 - John 3:16-21
Dec 22 - Philippians 2:5-11
Dec 21 - Luke 2:1-21
Dec 20 - Isaiah 40:1-5
Dec 19 - LOVE - Gifts
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Connecting Hearts Publishing