Advent Devotions 2022
Advent 2022
I am providing these short Advent devotionals in the hope that you can use them with your families, even if you have very young children. Keep them short, avoid doing too much in one setting, and be consistent.
Day 14
Read Revelation 21.1-8
When we celebrate Christmas as believers in Christ, we also celebrate Advent. Advent encompasses the first Advent of Christ, his birth, and the second Advent, his second coming.
In this passage, God created a new heaven and earth. God says that the dwelling place of God is now with man. He has restored through the victory of Christ, his people, and the planet itself. There will be no more crying and no more death.
Therefore, we celebrate this Christmas with much joy and reverence for the Lord. But we also long for the day when all things will be made new, and Christ returns to take us to be with him forever. We have a taste of this now, but the fullness is to come.
Sing
Holy Holy Holy
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for all of your goodness! We are so glad you did not leave us alone but came after us. We pray for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
Day 13
Read 1 John 1
1 John was written to confirm that Christ did come in the flesh; he was not just a spirit being. Therefore, John begins by saying that they had seen and heard Jesus. Furthermore, they had touched him. Christ is the eternal life with the Father in eternity past, but it was made manifest in the first century.
Christmas is about God becoming a man. Jesus was God of very God, but he took on human flesh to redeem us from sin. He became like us so that he could sympathize with our weaknesses and be the perfect sacrifice for our brokenness, weakness, and rebellion.
1 John 1.4 "We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."
Some translations say "your joy" because, in some manuscripts, it is your joy in Greek. Other older and more reliable manuscripts say "our" happiness. The bottom line is that John is writing, and his joy and the joy of the letter's recipients will increase because of these encouraging truths.
When you encourage those, you lead or provide something that helps them; you can not help but be inspired. Leaders desire the joy of those in their care. So, in 1 John 1, it is both John's and his reader's satisfaction that he is ultimately after. John can only be delighted if they see the beauty of Christ and love one another.
Joy is happiness that stands the test of time and is rooted in things that last. Many people's happiness is temporary because it is rooted in money, fun, or something, but God himself is the Christian's joy.
This Christmas, we will genuinely contemplate the truth that Christ came in the flesh; he is real. Christ is our hope; he is our salvation. He is our Joy!
Prayer
God, we praise you and exalt you for your goodness and holiness. You are perfect. We believe in you, and we confess that we need you. You sustain us with your presence and your grace.
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 12
Read Luke 2.22-34
One of the best things you can do for your parents is live life so that others think highly of them. Parents shape their children by training them, so when children make good choices, it reflects well upon their parents. Of course, we can all think of exceptions to this rule. Because kids are independent of their parents, sometimes they make bad choices or act contrary to their training; other times, children who have not had the best upbringing behave in model ways.
In Luke 2, before Jesus' parents even have an opportunity to do much training, they are told that he is extraordinary. Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Lord's Christ. Jesus is the Lord God's anointed One to redeem his people - he is God's salvation.
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to offer what the law prescribed, and they met Simeon there. The law provided different options for the offering depending on the economic position of each family. The offering that Jesus' parents offered reveals that they did not have a lot of money. Money is not everything; God wants us to have the proper perspective.
Simeon had been waiting for years to see Jesus. When I was a young child, I was excited about Christmas. I can remember hurting just inside, yearning for Christmas morning to come. I couldn't wait for a present, but Simeon wanted something better. He wanted to see God's salvation; he wanted to see Jesus.
Understand that Jesus is the gospel. Jesus lived the perfect life that the rest of us have not lived. Then he died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of Father God. Jesus rules and reigns from heaven.
Simeon says, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to your people Israel."
Do you believe Simeon's testimony? God desires that you and I would trust the Bible's words. The Bible is rightly called the Word of God. The name Jesus means God's salvation because Jesus is the One who worked salvation for us. Trust in Jesus this Christmas!
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful that salvation has come to us. Thank you for sending your Son to us. We rejoice in him! Please help us to worship you this Christmas.
Sing
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 11
Read Acts 1.1-11
After they crucified Jesus, he arose from the dead. When he met with his disciples, he bestowed the Holy Spirit upon them and told them they would be his witnesses. A short time afterward, they watched him ascend to heaven. A couple of angels appeared and told them, "This same Jesus, who was taken into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
During the Christmas season, we focus on the first coming of Christ, but Advent usually celebrates the presence of Christ. Therefore, we emphasize the first and second comings of Christ.
We celebrate that Jesus came to us as a baby in a manger, and we look forward to Jesus coming back to us. We know that when Christ returns, he will make all things new - a new heaven, a new earth, and we'll receive new bodies that will never sin and never die. The Bible says that those who know Christ will rule and reign with him. There has never been a better King than Jesus!
Are you looking forward to that day?
Prayer
Lord, we pray that we will be found ready for your return. We pray for our friends and loved ones who have yet to trust in you for the forgiveness of sins. Please draw them to yourself and help them to realize their need for you.
Sing
Holy Holy Holy
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Day 10
Read Revelation 12.1-17
In 2016 I received an unusual phone call. The call was from a mom who was scared for her son. She asked if I believed in the Devil and spiritual warfare. If you ever get a call like that, be careful how you answer. Due to her work schedule, we met at Whataburger late at night when there was hardly anyone else present. There I was, praying and waiting for them to arrive, wondering what I had gotten myself into and wondering why I had not called some friends to help.
They both were emotionally distraught as they related his torment. The son was convinced that a black dragon lived over the fence in his backyard and, at night, the dragon would come to torment him. The black dragon was real to him, and he feared for his life. I know it's a small detail, but I kept thinking the dragon in Revelation is red. (See Rev 12.3) The son seemed religiously obsessed as he read the book of Revelation every day, and he did not have a job or anything else to distract him.
So I shared the gospel with them and the Lord's power over the enemy. Then I prayed for them both for a very long time. They both sensed some freedom that night, but when I checked on them a couple of days later, things were back to horrible again.
This time I told other people about the mom, the son, and the dragon, and we all went to their house for more prayer and witnessing. If you want to know how it turned out, you'll have to ask me sometime.
Here in Revelation 12, we have a grand overview of the gospel at ten thousand feet. It is the epic story of the dragon - Satan battling the people of God and the Son of God. The good news is that through the birth of the male child - Jesus Christ, the dragon, and his angels are defeated and thrown down.
Revelation 12.11 "And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
This Christmas, spend some time thinking about the whole message of the Bible. How God created the world and all things, and Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Most of the Bible describes what life looks like when humanity is at enmity with God. Then the Bible tells the promise of redemption and the first coming of Christ, his death, resurrection, and ascension. Lastly, all things are restored and reconciled through Christ. Biblical history includes - creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration.
Advent is a season in which we celebrate the presence of Christ with us, his first and second comings.
Prayer
Father, thank you that in Christ, we have overcome all the power of the enemy in our lives. We no longer fear any dragons - black ones or red ones. For Christ has thrown down the great dragon!
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king”
Day 9
Read John 1.1-18
Christmas is about the incarnation. The Britannica Encyclopedia defines the word incarnation as the central Christian doctrine that God became flesh, assumed a human nature, and became a man in the form of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity. When Christ came to us, a baby born in a manger to Mary and Joseph in the first century, he was God taking on human flesh or a human body. Focus on what John says in chapter one of his gospel.
John 1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word of God was unveiled as the Son of God. He is God's most explicit communication to us and very much in unity with his written word - the Bible.
Some people are opposed to any celebration of Christmas because they do not think the Bible teaches us to celebrate Christ's birth. But the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, and many others did celebrate the incarnation. Truly our focus during Christmas should be driven by and focused upon the fact that God has invaded the earth in the person of the Son.
Decorations and gifts are not explicitly wrong, but an obsession with Santa and celebrating everything but the Son of God is sinful. Leaders of teams and organizations have a saying. "Keep the main thing the main thing." This saying is helpful for Christians as well.
Prayer
Father, please help each one of us keep the main thing the main thing or, as in our case, "the main person." Lord Jesus Christ, you are worthy of all glory, power, and praise!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 8
Read Luke 2.8-20
Luke writes that the shepherds are out in the field, watching their flocks by night, and an angel of the Lord appears to them. God often reveals himself to ordinary people who are faithful to the task. God didn't show this to kings and queens, those in high positions, but to lowly shepherds watching sheep on the hillside.
Scholars say the nature of the shepherds' work kept them from keeping the ceremonial law, and a reputation for stealing land and resources meant they were not regarded highly. Still, God had the angels announce the birth of Christ to these lowly men. The Bible is clear - God cares about the poor, the weak, and the humble.
The angels bring the good news of great joy. Verse fourteen tells us that this peace is for those whom God is pleased with, and he is pleased with humble people - those who look to him for grace.
The announcement also includes that a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, will be born on this day. The angel directs them to find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. A manger was a feeding trough close to the house, perhaps with a rugged covering. Someone once said Jesus is the only one who can answer yes when his mother frustratingly says, were you born in a barn? But then again, Jesus probably always kept his room clean.
It must have been a unique and fearful experience out in the country with a heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth!
Prayer
God, thank you for revealing yourself to me through your word. We pray that your peace will fill our hearts, the earth, and people worldwide and turn to you in faith. Use us to share your love with others through the gospel.
Sing
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 7
Read Luke 2.1-14
In the Santa motif, Santa is coming to town, and he will find out who has been naughty and nice. Those who have been naughty are said to receive a bag of coal for Christmas or, worse, receive nothing. But to those who have been good receive gifts.
But the gospel tells us that no one has been perfect; compared to God and his holiness, none of us are perfect. So, Christ saves people by the grace of God. Jesus came and died on the cross to rescue us from our sins. God saves people who haven't been good; he saves people who acknowledge their need for him and reach out to him in faith.
Jesus said he did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. People who think they are already righteous will not be aware of their need for Christ. But people who know they are not perfect will appreciate the mercy of God in Christ.
This Christmas, I hope you will give gifts to your loved ones, not based on how good you think they have been this year, but on your generosity. In that way, you will be a little bit like God. Jesus said that God causes it to rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, meaning that he provides common grace to people. He causes good things to happen to people who deserve it and those who do not. God is a generous giver.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your goodness to us. Thank you for not treating us as our behavior deserves; you are gracious. Please help us to be more like you.
Sing
Silent Night
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
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Day 6
Read Matthew 2.1-12
In 2001 the unexpected happened. My son's 5th-grade baseball team beat one of the best teams in the league on the final day of the regular season. It had been a difficult season for us, and no one would have predicted that we would win that day, but we won.
When Jesus was born, many Jewish religious leaders failed to recognize the birth of promised savior king. Numerous prophets had prophesied his birth, and even the small town of his birth was given. But it is as if they closed their eyes and refused to see the obvious.
On the other hand, many Gentile wise men persistently traveled from far away to see Jesus, the promised king.
Scholar, Daniel Wallace, says, "The wise men were a class of counselors and priests, like Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament book which bears his name, who were also astrologers."
King Herod and others vigorously opposed Jesus and his birth, but foreigners and shepherds zealously welcomed Jesus by offering expensive gifts and worship.
Those who should have known better did not, and those who were not expected to know better did.
The big question for each of you this Christmas is, will you pursue Christ and worship him? He is worthy of your best gifts and worship.
Prayer
Lord, we praise you and honor you! You are worthy of honor and glory and praise. You are the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king”
Day 5
Read Mark 10.32-45
Name the characters you remember from the biblical story of the birth of Christ.
Wise men
Joseph
Mary
Shepherds
Sheep
Baby Jesus
You know the characters in the story, but do you know why Jesus came?
People say:
He came to set an example for us to follow.
He came to confront the corrupt religious system of his day.
He came to heal the sick, cast out demons, and serve the poor.
He came to bring peace to the earth.
Though these are all part of why Jesus came, none are the main reason Christ came. Someone has said we should read the gospels backward - through the lens of the cross.
Jesus came to serve Mark 10.45
Jesus taught that great people serve others. Often people think that to be great means that you get to boss other people around and tell them what to do. But Jesus taught us that the most remarkable person is the one who serves the most.
Jesus came to drip the cup. Mark 10.38
In the Old Testament, the cup represented God's destiny for a person or nation.
Psalm 16.5 ESV "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot."
Jesus told them they would, in some sense, drink the cup. In other words, they will suffer; they won't suffer precisely as Jesus will, but they will drink a cup of suffering. Suffering is part of the Christian life. But Jesus suffered uniquely; he suffered vicariously for us.
The cup here represents God's wrath.
Isaiah 51.17 ESV "Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering."
On the cross, Jesus drank the cup of God's wrath on our behalf.
Galatians 3.13 ESV "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…."
Jesus came to pay the ransom. Mark 10.45
A ransom is a payment for someone's release. We have all seen television shows where a kidnapper leaves a ransom note. "Pay us one million dollars, or you will never see your loved one again." We were all taken captive by the devil to do his will, and we all were under the just wrath of God Almighty for sinning against him. Jesus paid our ransom with his life; the payment was to the Father. The Father and the Son are in perfect unity.
Isaiah 53.11-12 ESV "Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors, yet he bore the sin of many and makes intercession for the transgressors."
How did the cross redeem us? Christ is the propitiation for our sin – he is that which turns away the wrath of God upon us and that we justly and richly deserve. God satisfied his wrath by substituting himself in our place. Christ's death and his absorbing the Father's wrath enables God to be just when he follows his nature to reach out to us in love. The cross didn't make God loving – he is love. It simply allowed him to love us justly. You cannot justly love one who is by his very nature opposed to everything you are.
Prayer
Father, thank you for Christmas and all that it implies. Grant us grace to deal with all the extra burdens we have placed upon what is supposed to be a joyous season. We marvel at your wondrous grace. Lord Jesus, thank you for bearing the sin of your people. Amen!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 4
Read Matthew 1.18-24
Joseph was a just man, meaning that he wanted to do what was right, and he was kind. Those two characteristics are not easily balanced. When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant before they were officially married, he wanted to break off the wedding, but he wanted to do it quietly so he didn't shame her.
But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him not to be afraid to marry Mary because the child she was carrying was from the Holy Spirit. Joseph was such a man of faith and courage that he could handle all of this well.
The name Jesus means that God saves; God delivers. The Bible says that the baby's name would be Jesus and that all of this happened to fulfill the passage in Isaiah, which states that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name would be Immanuel, meaning - God with us.
Therefore, the baby born to Joseph and Mary during this time is the instrument through which God saved the world, and Jesus is the God-man who is present with us even now. God saves us through no merit of our own but by his action. Jesus has redeemed us through his life, death, and resurrection. But this all started in eternity past, through God's eternal covenant, and came to fruition when Christ was born as a baby. This is what Christmas is really about. Christmas is not so much about Santa, reindeer, or toys. It's about Jesus!
Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of your Son! We celebrate your goodness and your love. Please help us to be godly people like Joseph and Mary were. But most of all, please help people to see their need to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Day 3
Read Isaiah 9.6-7
Some facts you can realize even at a very early age, like a math whiz who does Algebra in the seventh grade, while other truths only come to you over time. One of the great lessons of adulthood is that human political solutions are disappointing. Be careful about being too optimistic about political candidates because they all will fail you at some point. But Isaiah tells us about a coming child-king who can not be overrated. The ruler is born as a baby, so he is very human, but the government is on his shoulder, meaning that this baby is a royal ruler - a king.
Furthermore, in verse 7, Isaiah tells us that this child-king will bring about an ever-increasing rule characterized as peaceful.
His rule goes on forever because this king lives forever. The best thing about this king is that he is a righteous ruler, meaning his decisions are good, right, and pure.
Political leaders often get elected in our world, but other people must accomplish their agendas. But notice in verse 7 that God, through his zeal, will achieve the righteous reign of this coming child-king.
Do you know who this child-king is? He is the whole reason for this season. There would be no Christmas if he were never born. But over two thousand years ago, a baby boy was born in Bethlehem. His name is Jesus, and he is a righteous ruler whose kingdom will go on forever. To be in his kingdom, you must surrender to and trust him for your salvation from sin. Jesus Christ is worthy of your love and devotion.
Prayer
Father, we are grateful that you are trustworthy and do not disappoint us like human leaders. Your rules are good, and your ways are righteous. We are excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus in the coming weeks!
Sing
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 2
Read Isaiah 9.6
Yesterday was a different time. I am talking about the early 1970s when people bought things with cash; intelligent people still needed to invent debit cards and Apple Pay. My dad would go to the bank and come home with a big wad of money. He would say, "Does anyone want a crisp twenty?" He was a generous giver.
But there has never been, nor will there ever be, a more generous or gracious giver than our Lord. In this passage of Isaiah, Isaiah says, "To us, a child is born; to us, a son is given."
That is the essence of Christmas. Our culture thinks Christmas is about shopping, food, time off from work, lights, trees, and decorations, but genuine believers in Christ know that Christmas is about Christ coming into the world and taking on human flesh to redeem us.
So, Christmas is about gifts. We give gifts to those we love because we want to spend money on our friends and loved ones. But you miss the point if you don't appreciate that God is a gracious giver. He gave us the Lord Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger. Furthermore, Christ willingly came to earth to seek and save the lost.
Look at the titles for the names of this Son whom God gave to us:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace
There is no way a mere human could fill those shoes. That is why we acknowledge Christ is God in human flesh or incarnate.
Say, "God is a gracious giver." This gracious giving means God gives to us even when we do not deserve it. We all have disobeyed God and do not deserve his love or care, but he gave his Son to us anyway.
Prayer
Father, thank you for Christ! Please help us to find our most profound joy in Christmas about you and not all the other lesser things. We love you; thank you for loving us!
Sing
Go Tell it on the Mountain
Go, tell it on the mountain.
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain.
That Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a Holy light
Go, tell it on the mountain.
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain.
That Jesus Christ is born
Day 1
Read Isaiah 9.1-5
Have you ever felt gloomy? Describe a time when you felt that way.
When we feel gloomy, we are sad or quiet, and we find it hard to smile.
The people in this passage know what it is like to feel gloomy. They had experienced war and political upheaval; life was hard. But God is saying, through his prophet Isaiah, that joy is coming. Their way is going to become glorious. They are going to experience this joy because God is a redeeming rescuer. Can you say that? God is a redeeming rescuer!
Verse 2 "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light"
This is one of the reasons that we decorate with a lot of lights during the Christmas season. Whenever you see cool Christmas lights, I want you to think about God's goodness and his bringing light to the darkness.
Verse 3 "you have increased the nation's joy"
With Jesus Christ's coming, God rescued us from oppression and sin. Through the gift of the Son of God, our burden has been removed, and God has brought peace. God is calling us to turn away from our disobedience and to trust our lives into his hands.
We celebrate this time of year because we use this time to think mainly about the birth of Jesus Christ into our world. God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin and judgment so we would have life in his name.
As you think about that, see who can have the biggest smile. Ready go!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the joy we have found in Christ. Thank you for sending him to us to redeem us. You are a redeeming rescuer!
I am providing these short Advent devotionals in the hope that you can use them with your families, even if you have very young children. Keep them short, avoid doing too much in one setting, and be consistent.
Day 14
Read Revelation 21.1-8
When we celebrate Christmas as believers in Christ, we also celebrate Advent. Advent encompasses the first Advent of Christ, his birth, and the second Advent, his second coming.
In this passage, God created a new heaven and earth. God says that the dwelling place of God is now with man. He has restored through the victory of Christ, his people, and the planet itself. There will be no more crying and no more death.
Therefore, we celebrate this Christmas with much joy and reverence for the Lord. But we also long for the day when all things will be made new, and Christ returns to take us to be with him forever. We have a taste of this now, but the fullness is to come.
Sing
Holy Holy Holy
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for all of your goodness! We are so glad you did not leave us alone but came after us. We pray for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
Day 13
Read 1 John 1
1 John was written to confirm that Christ did come in the flesh; he was not just a spirit being. Therefore, John begins by saying that they had seen and heard Jesus. Furthermore, they had touched him. Christ is the eternal life with the Father in eternity past, but it was made manifest in the first century.
Christmas is about God becoming a man. Jesus was God of very God, but he took on human flesh to redeem us from sin. He became like us so that he could sympathize with our weaknesses and be the perfect sacrifice for our brokenness, weakness, and rebellion.
1 John 1.4 "We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."
Some translations say "your joy" because, in some manuscripts, it is your joy in Greek. Other older and more reliable manuscripts say "our" happiness. The bottom line is that John is writing, and his joy and the joy of the letter's recipients will increase because of these encouraging truths.
When you encourage those, you lead or provide something that helps them; you can not help but be inspired. Leaders desire the joy of those in their care. So, in 1 John 1, it is both John's and his reader's satisfaction that he is ultimately after. John can only be delighted if they see the beauty of Christ and love one another.
Joy is happiness that stands the test of time and is rooted in things that last. Many people's happiness is temporary because it is rooted in money, fun, or something, but God himself is the Christian's joy.
This Christmas, we will genuinely contemplate the truth that Christ came in the flesh; he is real. Christ is our hope; he is our salvation. He is our Joy!
Prayer
God, we praise you and exalt you for your goodness and holiness. You are perfect. We believe in you, and we confess that we need you. You sustain us with your presence and your grace.
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 12
Read Luke 2.22-34
One of the best things you can do for your parents is live life so that others think highly of them. Parents shape their children by training them, so when children make good choices, it reflects well upon their parents. Of course, we can all think of exceptions to this rule. Because kids are independent of their parents, sometimes they make bad choices or act contrary to their training; other times, children who have not had the best upbringing behave in model ways.
In Luke 2, before Jesus' parents even have an opportunity to do much training, they are told that he is extraordinary. Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Lord's Christ. Jesus is the Lord God's anointed One to redeem his people - he is God's salvation.
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to offer what the law prescribed, and they met Simeon there. The law provided different options for the offering depending on the economic position of each family. The offering that Jesus' parents offered reveals that they did not have a lot of money. Money is not everything; God wants us to have the proper perspective.
Simeon had been waiting for years to see Jesus. When I was a young child, I was excited about Christmas. I can remember hurting just inside, yearning for Christmas morning to come. I couldn't wait for a present, but Simeon wanted something better. He wanted to see God's salvation; he wanted to see Jesus.
Understand that Jesus is the gospel. Jesus lived the perfect life that the rest of us have not lived. Then he died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of Father God. Jesus rules and reigns from heaven.
Simeon says, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to your people Israel."
Do you believe Simeon's testimony? God desires that you and I would trust the Bible's words. The Bible is rightly called the Word of God. The name Jesus means God's salvation because Jesus is the One who worked salvation for us. Trust in Jesus this Christmas!
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful that salvation has come to us. Thank you for sending your Son to us. We rejoice in him! Please help us to worship you this Christmas.
Sing
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 11
Read Acts 1.1-11
After they crucified Jesus, he arose from the dead. When he met with his disciples, he bestowed the Holy Spirit upon them and told them they would be his witnesses. A short time afterward, they watched him ascend to heaven. A couple of angels appeared and told them, "This same Jesus, who was taken into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
During the Christmas season, we focus on the first coming of Christ, but Advent usually celebrates the presence of Christ. Therefore, we emphasize the first and second comings of Christ.
We celebrate that Jesus came to us as a baby in a manger, and we look forward to Jesus coming back to us. We know that when Christ returns, he will make all things new - a new heaven, a new earth, and we'll receive new bodies that will never sin and never die. The Bible says that those who know Christ will rule and reign with him. There has never been a better King than Jesus!
Are you looking forward to that day?
Prayer
Lord, we pray that we will be found ready for your return. We pray for our friends and loved ones who have yet to trust in you for the forgiveness of sins. Please draw them to yourself and help them to realize their need for you.
Sing
Holy Holy Holy
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Day 10
Read Revelation 12.1-17
In 2016 I received an unusual phone call. The call was from a mom who was scared for her son. She asked if I believed in the Devil and spiritual warfare. If you ever get a call like that, be careful how you answer. Due to her work schedule, we met at Whataburger late at night when there was hardly anyone else present. There I was, praying and waiting for them to arrive, wondering what I had gotten myself into and wondering why I had not called some friends to help.
They both were emotionally distraught as they related his torment. The son was convinced that a black dragon lived over the fence in his backyard and, at night, the dragon would come to torment him. The black dragon was real to him, and he feared for his life. I know it's a small detail, but I kept thinking the dragon in Revelation is red. (See Rev 12.3) The son seemed religiously obsessed as he read the book of Revelation every day, and he did not have a job or anything else to distract him.
So I shared the gospel with them and the Lord's power over the enemy. Then I prayed for them both for a very long time. They both sensed some freedom that night, but when I checked on them a couple of days later, things were back to horrible again.
This time I told other people about the mom, the son, and the dragon, and we all went to their house for more prayer and witnessing. If you want to know how it turned out, you'll have to ask me sometime.
Here in Revelation 12, we have a grand overview of the gospel at ten thousand feet. It is the epic story of the dragon - Satan battling the people of God and the Son of God. The good news is that through the birth of the male child - Jesus Christ, the dragon, and his angels are defeated and thrown down.
Revelation 12.11 "And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
This Christmas, spend some time thinking about the whole message of the Bible. How God created the world and all things, and Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Most of the Bible describes what life looks like when humanity is at enmity with God. Then the Bible tells the promise of redemption and the first coming of Christ, his death, resurrection, and ascension. Lastly, all things are restored and reconciled through Christ. Biblical history includes - creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration.
Advent is a season in which we celebrate the presence of Christ with us, his first and second comings.
Prayer
Father, thank you that in Christ, we have overcome all the power of the enemy in our lives. We no longer fear any dragons - black ones or red ones. For Christ has thrown down the great dragon!
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king”
Day 9
Read John 1.1-18
Christmas is about the incarnation. The Britannica Encyclopedia defines the word incarnation as the central Christian doctrine that God became flesh, assumed a human nature, and became a man in the form of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity. When Christ came to us, a baby born in a manger to Mary and Joseph in the first century, he was God taking on human flesh or a human body. Focus on what John says in chapter one of his gospel.
John 1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Word of God was unveiled as the Son of God. He is God's most explicit communication to us and very much in unity with his written word - the Bible.
Some people are opposed to any celebration of Christmas because they do not think the Bible teaches us to celebrate Christ's birth. But the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, and many others did celebrate the incarnation. Truly our focus during Christmas should be driven by and focused upon the fact that God has invaded the earth in the person of the Son.
Decorations and gifts are not explicitly wrong, but an obsession with Santa and celebrating everything but the Son of God is sinful. Leaders of teams and organizations have a saying. "Keep the main thing the main thing." This saying is helpful for Christians as well.
Prayer
Father, please help each one of us keep the main thing the main thing or, as in our case, "the main person." Lord Jesus Christ, you are worthy of all glory, power, and praise!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 8
Read Luke 2.8-20
Luke writes that the shepherds are out in the field, watching their flocks by night, and an angel of the Lord appears to them. God often reveals himself to ordinary people who are faithful to the task. God didn't show this to kings and queens, those in high positions, but to lowly shepherds watching sheep on the hillside.
Scholars say the nature of the shepherds' work kept them from keeping the ceremonial law, and a reputation for stealing land and resources meant they were not regarded highly. Still, God had the angels announce the birth of Christ to these lowly men. The Bible is clear - God cares about the poor, the weak, and the humble.
The angels bring the good news of great joy. Verse fourteen tells us that this peace is for those whom God is pleased with, and he is pleased with humble people - those who look to him for grace.
The announcement also includes that a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, will be born on this day. The angel directs them to find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. A manger was a feeding trough close to the house, perhaps with a rugged covering. Someone once said Jesus is the only one who can answer yes when his mother frustratingly says, were you born in a barn? But then again, Jesus probably always kept his room clean.
It must have been a unique and fearful experience out in the country with a heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth!
Prayer
God, thank you for revealing yourself to me through your word. We pray that your peace will fill our hearts, the earth, and people worldwide and turn to you in faith. Use us to share your love with others through the gospel.
Sing
Away In a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 7
Read Luke 2.1-14
In the Santa motif, Santa is coming to town, and he will find out who has been naughty and nice. Those who have been naughty are said to receive a bag of coal for Christmas or, worse, receive nothing. But to those who have been good receive gifts.
But the gospel tells us that no one has been perfect; compared to God and his holiness, none of us are perfect. So, Christ saves people by the grace of God. Jesus came and died on the cross to rescue us from our sins. God saves people who haven't been good; he saves people who acknowledge their need for him and reach out to him in faith.
Jesus said he did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. People who think they are already righteous will not be aware of their need for Christ. But people who know they are not perfect will appreciate the mercy of God in Christ.
This Christmas, I hope you will give gifts to your loved ones, not based on how good you think they have been this year, but on your generosity. In that way, you will be a little bit like God. Jesus said that God causes it to rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, meaning that he provides common grace to people. He causes good things to happen to people who deserve it and those who do not. God is a generous giver.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your goodness to us. Thank you for not treating us as our behavior deserves; you are gracious. Please help us to be more like you.
Sing
Silent Night
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
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Day 6
Read Matthew 2.1-12
In 2001 the unexpected happened. My son's 5th-grade baseball team beat one of the best teams in the league on the final day of the regular season. It had been a difficult season for us, and no one would have predicted that we would win that day, but we won.
When Jesus was born, many Jewish religious leaders failed to recognize the birth of promised savior king. Numerous prophets had prophesied his birth, and even the small town of his birth was given. But it is as if they closed their eyes and refused to see the obvious.
On the other hand, many Gentile wise men persistently traveled from far away to see Jesus, the promised king.
Scholar, Daniel Wallace, says, "The wise men were a class of counselors and priests, like Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament book which bears his name, who were also astrologers."
King Herod and others vigorously opposed Jesus and his birth, but foreigners and shepherds zealously welcomed Jesus by offering expensive gifts and worship.
Those who should have known better did not, and those who were not expected to know better did.
The big question for each of you this Christmas is, will you pursue Christ and worship him? He is worthy of your best gifts and worship.
Prayer
Lord, we praise you and honor you! You are worthy of honor and glory and praise. You are the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king”
Day 5
Read Mark 10.32-45
Name the characters you remember from the biblical story of the birth of Christ.
Wise men
Joseph
Mary
Shepherds
Sheep
Baby Jesus
You know the characters in the story, but do you know why Jesus came?
People say:
He came to set an example for us to follow.
He came to confront the corrupt religious system of his day.
He came to heal the sick, cast out demons, and serve the poor.
He came to bring peace to the earth.
Though these are all part of why Jesus came, none are the main reason Christ came. Someone has said we should read the gospels backward - through the lens of the cross.
Jesus came to serve Mark 10.45
Jesus taught that great people serve others. Often people think that to be great means that you get to boss other people around and tell them what to do. But Jesus taught us that the most remarkable person is the one who serves the most.
Jesus came to drip the cup. Mark 10.38
In the Old Testament, the cup represented God's destiny for a person or nation.
Psalm 16.5 ESV "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot."
Jesus told them they would, in some sense, drink the cup. In other words, they will suffer; they won't suffer precisely as Jesus will, but they will drink a cup of suffering. Suffering is part of the Christian life. But Jesus suffered uniquely; he suffered vicariously for us.
The cup here represents God's wrath.
Isaiah 51.17 ESV "Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering."
On the cross, Jesus drank the cup of God's wrath on our behalf.
Galatians 3.13 ESV "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…."
Jesus came to pay the ransom. Mark 10.45
A ransom is a payment for someone's release. We have all seen television shows where a kidnapper leaves a ransom note. "Pay us one million dollars, or you will never see your loved one again." We were all taken captive by the devil to do his will, and we all were under the just wrath of God Almighty for sinning against him. Jesus paid our ransom with his life; the payment was to the Father. The Father and the Son are in perfect unity.
Isaiah 53.11-12 ESV "Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors, yet he bore the sin of many and makes intercession for the transgressors."
How did the cross redeem us? Christ is the propitiation for our sin – he is that which turns away the wrath of God upon us and that we justly and richly deserve. God satisfied his wrath by substituting himself in our place. Christ's death and his absorbing the Father's wrath enables God to be just when he follows his nature to reach out to us in love. The cross didn't make God loving – he is love. It simply allowed him to love us justly. You cannot justly love one who is by his very nature opposed to everything you are.
Prayer
Father, thank you for Christmas and all that it implies. Grant us grace to deal with all the extra burdens we have placed upon what is supposed to be a joyous season. We marvel at your wondrous grace. Lord Jesus, thank you for bearing the sin of your people. Amen!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Day 4
Read Matthew 1.18-24
Joseph was a just man, meaning that he wanted to do what was right, and he was kind. Those two characteristics are not easily balanced. When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant before they were officially married, he wanted to break off the wedding, but he wanted to do it quietly so he didn't shame her.
But an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him not to be afraid to marry Mary because the child she was carrying was from the Holy Spirit. Joseph was such a man of faith and courage that he could handle all of this well.
The name Jesus means that God saves; God delivers. The Bible says that the baby's name would be Jesus and that all of this happened to fulfill the passage in Isaiah, which states that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name would be Immanuel, meaning - God with us.
Therefore, the baby born to Joseph and Mary during this time is the instrument through which God saved the world, and Jesus is the God-man who is present with us even now. God saves us through no merit of our own but by his action. Jesus has redeemed us through his life, death, and resurrection. But this all started in eternity past, through God's eternal covenant, and came to fruition when Christ was born as a baby. This is what Christmas is really about. Christmas is not so much about Santa, reindeer, or toys. It's about Jesus!
Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of your Son! We celebrate your goodness and your love. Please help us to be godly people like Joseph and Mary were. But most of all, please help people to see their need to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sing
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the new-born king"
Day 3
Read Isaiah 9.6-7
Some facts you can realize even at a very early age, like a math whiz who does Algebra in the seventh grade, while other truths only come to you over time. One of the great lessons of adulthood is that human political solutions are disappointing. Be careful about being too optimistic about political candidates because they all will fail you at some point. But Isaiah tells us about a coming child-king who can not be overrated. The ruler is born as a baby, so he is very human, but the government is on his shoulder, meaning that this baby is a royal ruler - a king.
Furthermore, in verse 7, Isaiah tells us that this child-king will bring about an ever-increasing rule characterized as peaceful.
His rule goes on forever because this king lives forever. The best thing about this king is that he is a righteous ruler, meaning his decisions are good, right, and pure.
Political leaders often get elected in our world, but other people must accomplish their agendas. But notice in verse 7 that God, through his zeal, will achieve the righteous reign of this coming child-king.
Do you know who this child-king is? He is the whole reason for this season. There would be no Christmas if he were never born. But over two thousand years ago, a baby boy was born in Bethlehem. His name is Jesus, and he is a righteous ruler whose kingdom will go on forever. To be in his kingdom, you must surrender to and trust him for your salvation from sin. Jesus Christ is worthy of your love and devotion.
Prayer
Father, we are grateful that you are trustworthy and do not disappoint us like human leaders. Your rules are good, and your ways are righteous. We are excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus in the coming weeks!
Sing
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
Day 2
Read Isaiah 9.6
Yesterday was a different time. I am talking about the early 1970s when people bought things with cash; intelligent people still needed to invent debit cards and Apple Pay. My dad would go to the bank and come home with a big wad of money. He would say, "Does anyone want a crisp twenty?" He was a generous giver.
But there has never been, nor will there ever be, a more generous or gracious giver than our Lord. In this passage of Isaiah, Isaiah says, "To us, a child is born; to us, a son is given."
That is the essence of Christmas. Our culture thinks Christmas is about shopping, food, time off from work, lights, trees, and decorations, but genuine believers in Christ know that Christmas is about Christ coming into the world and taking on human flesh to redeem us.
So, Christmas is about gifts. We give gifts to those we love because we want to spend money on our friends and loved ones. But you miss the point if you don't appreciate that God is a gracious giver. He gave us the Lord Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger. Furthermore, Christ willingly came to earth to seek and save the lost.
Look at the titles for the names of this Son whom God gave to us:
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace
There is no way a mere human could fill those shoes. That is why we acknowledge Christ is God in human flesh or incarnate.
Say, "God is a gracious giver." This gracious giving means God gives to us even when we do not deserve it. We all have disobeyed God and do not deserve his love or care, but he gave his Son to us anyway.
Prayer
Father, thank you for Christ! Please help us to find our most profound joy in Christmas about you and not all the other lesser things. We love you; thank you for loving us!
Sing
Go Tell it on the Mountain
Go, tell it on the mountain.
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain.
That Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a Holy light
Go, tell it on the mountain.
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain.
That Jesus Christ is born
Day 1
Read Isaiah 9.1-5
Have you ever felt gloomy? Describe a time when you felt that way.
When we feel gloomy, we are sad or quiet, and we find it hard to smile.
The people in this passage know what it is like to feel gloomy. They had experienced war and political upheaval; life was hard. But God is saying, through his prophet Isaiah, that joy is coming. Their way is going to become glorious. They are going to experience this joy because God is a redeeming rescuer. Can you say that? God is a redeeming rescuer!
Verse 2 "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light"
This is one of the reasons that we decorate with a lot of lights during the Christmas season. Whenever you see cool Christmas lights, I want you to think about God's goodness and his bringing light to the darkness.
Verse 3 "you have increased the nation's joy"
With Jesus Christ's coming, God rescued us from oppression and sin. Through the gift of the Son of God, our burden has been removed, and God has brought peace. God is calling us to turn away from our disobedience and to trust our lives into his hands.
We celebrate this time of year because we use this time to think mainly about the birth of Jesus Christ into our world. God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin and judgment so we would have life in his name.
As you think about that, see who can have the biggest smile. Ready go!
Sing
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the joy we have found in Christ. Thank you for sending him to us to redeem us. You are a redeeming rescuer!
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