For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given, and

the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
- Isaiah 9:6-7

Note: All Bible verses throughout this

devotional are from the New International
Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT).
About Advent
Every year at Christmas we prepare our schedules, our homes, and our finances for the holiday season. We buy gifts,
attend parties, bake cookies, and make family plans. Celebrating Advent is our opportunity to prepare our hearts,
minds, and spirits for the coming of the newborn King. The Advent season gives us space to pause and remember the
promises God made through the prophets and the fulfillment of his promise found in the manger.

“The season of Advent gives us the opportunity to practice waiting for the light of Christ’s coming into the
dark places of our world and our lives … Advent ushers us into a special kind of active waiting that is alert and
watchful, patient and yet full of anticipation.” - Ruth Haley Barton

Scripture is full of verses which urge us to remember what God has done by pausing our full and ever-busy lives to sit
before him with grateful hearts. This devotional is a simple tool to help you pause and create space in your routine to
remember Jesus’ coming.

How to use this Advent Book

This Advent book begins on December 1 and ends on December 26, and is yours to use in whatever way you find most
meaningful. Each day includes questions to consider, or a rhythm of your faith to put into practice. There is space
provided to write out prayers, journal, or record your response to what you read.

There are also Advent and Christmas Activity Ideas in the appendix of the book, beginning on page 54. Consider
choosing one day each week to do an activity from this section. Mark it on your calendar now (before things get too
busy!). Consider reading through the activities ahead of time and gathering any supplies you will need. Don’t be afraid
to think outside the box! You might even come up with your own ideas of how to celebrate Advent.

May the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus Christ be with you this December and in the year ahead.
2
December 1
The story of Christmas starts in the very beginning...

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:1-5

The story of Christmas is the story of hope, of expectancy. It’s the assurance that what I see now is not all there is, or all
that will be. The story of Christmas is the story of a God who sees, a God who remembers, a God who enters in, a God
who will not leave me alone wandering in dark places.

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
Isaiah 9:2

The story of Christmas is the story of promise fulfilled. The hope of life and light. Jesus, from the very beginning. In which
area of your life do you need to ask the Lord to infuse with new life and light?

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 WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
MIGHTY GOD
E V E R L A S T I N G FAT H E R
PRINCE OF PEACE
ISAIAH 9:6

4
December 2
In that day you will say:
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Isaiah 12:4-6

Isaiah chapter 12 is a song of praise. The phrase “In that day

you will say . . .” is repeated twice, once before each verse.
Some days we might not be inclined to praise or feel sure
things are going to turn out okay. But when we read this song
of praise, we see that we don’t have to worry about that. It’s
okay if we don’t feel it today. This song holds a promise that
in that day, praise will come. In that day, everything will be
okay. In that day — when God restores peace on earth as it
is in heaven — we will say “sing to the Lord, for he has done
glorious things.”

What is something you are lamenting or grieving in this

season? Ask God what hope looks like for you today.

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7
 December 3
Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which
we live.
Galatians 1:4

When the Israelites, who were known as God’s chosen people, found themselves enslaved in Egypt, they were trapped
in a dire situation and yearned for hope and salvation. God, in his compassion, took notice of their suffering and
enlisted Moses to lead them out of slavery, guiding them to freedom.

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, marking the arrival of Jesus on Earth to be among us. Yet, it’s also a time to
commemorate that Jesus came to this world to deliver us from the chains of our own wrongdoing. Regardless of the
poor choices we may sometimes make, God doesn’t condemn us, because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the
cross to free us from the consequences of our sins. God extends forgiveness and love to us just as we are, whether we
are at our best or have stumbled along the way.

It’s reassuring to know that God is just as concerned about our everyday trials and tribulations. Perhaps you’ve
experienced moments of anger or regret, said things you wish you hadn’t, or found yourself in trouble due to poor
decisions. In those times, ask God to reveal how you can rely on his strength to lead a life that reflects the teachings of
Jesus. With his assistance, we can find hope and overcome our challenges, just as the Israelites did when they trusted
in God’s plan for their deliverance.

What are some challenges you need Jesus to free you from?

How could Jesus help you get “unstuck” from your struggles?

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 December 4
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever
does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how
God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the
world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved
God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for
our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one
another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God
lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:7-12

God is love.

This isn’t a play on words; this is an identity claim. Because love is at

his core, everything he does is out of love for us. Everything God does
hinges on this identity claim, and his actions toward us are no exception.
Because love is at the core of who God is, everything he does is out of
love for us. God’s love is based in action and he shows us this love even
when we don’t love him back.

Our culture uses the word “love” in so many ways that it can be hard to
really understand what this passage is trying to communicate. To try
to understand God’s love, think about it in the context of faithfulness.
God’s love is demonstrated in his faithfulness, and God’s faithfulness
is a reflection of his love. When it comes to God’s love for us, these two
words each help us understand the other.

God’s love is evident to us as he continues to be faithful to us. God’s

faithfulness isn’t a feeling, it’s a continued action, but it is a reflection of
his genuine feelings of love for us. Because God is constant, his love and
faithfulness are constant as well. We can depend on them no matter
how the world changes around us.

How have you seen God’s love and faithfulness in your own life? When
have you felt loved by God?

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 December 5
The gospel of Matthew begins with these words, “This
is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David,
the son of Abraham…” Next comes a long list of names.
Fifteen verses worth of names, to be exact. Names we
tend to skim through quickly, at best.

Matthew knew those names would be profoundly

meaningful to his first-century Jewish audience.
We will never fully understand what the waiting and
anticipation of the promised Messiah was like for
Matthew and his community. Matthew 1:17 gives us a
glimpse: “Thus there were fourteen generations in all
from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the
exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the
Messiah.”

The prophet Isaiah recorded a piece of that promise. We

read it in Isaiah 9:6-7:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

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What do you imagine God’s people were thinking and feeling as they waited and anticipated the fulfillment of God’s
promised Messiah throughout so many generations?

Is there something you have been waiting for? What is it? How’s your level of hope toward that circumstance? Spend
some time writing or expressing an honest prayer to God about where your hope stands today.

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 December 6
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind,
they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and
the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The
disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the
waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you
so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the
waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41

Peace does not diminish and suppress things into silence; it brings all variables into harmony and tranquility. Jesus
imposed peace into a terrifying situation. He entered into a setting with many moving parts and brought with him the
peace of God.

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In addition to the wholeness and completeness, only he can only bring peace and harmony. This harmony happens when
we are close to God and he influences our situations — starting with us. God’s peace doesn’t make things right for us, it
makes things right in us. The disciples let their peace, or lack thereof, be fully controlled by the environment they were in;
they thought peace was something that happens to people, not something that happens in people.

Because Jesus had wholeness in his inner life, he brought it into his turbulent surroundings. He was filled with the
constant, continual peace that comes from God, and he created harmony where none existed before. True peace happens
when people bring the presence and fullness of the glory of God into their situations. God sent Jesus to Earth so his
people (that’s us) could experience the peace that comes from being united in a deep relationship with him. God wants to
give us internal peace so that it would ripple out into our external circumstances and to those around us.

Instead of having to work tirelessly to remove situations of conflict in order to keep a false tranquility, you can rest in
God’s peace and infuse it into everyday life, regardless of any storm that might come.

Have you experienced God’s wholeness and harmony before? How? When? Describe it.

Think about the people you interact with every week. Who is in the midst of a storm? How might the peace of God you
experience bring comfort? How might you extend God’s peace to them today?

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 December 7
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod
the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen
his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the
king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and
assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired
of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem
of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet:

‘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 govern my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from
them what time the star appeared; 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.”
When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star
which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest
over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they
rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; 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.
Matthew 2:1-11

We all love the sweetness of the nativity scene. We put Mary, Joseph,
and baby Jesus on our mantles with a few humble shepherds, livestock,
and three wisemen reverently offering gifts to the newly-born Savior.
We imagine an evening of serenity and the sweet smell of hay.
This world-changing night, however, was dusty and disruptive. The
stable was crowded and the skies filled. In a far-off land, the Magi too
noted a change in the skies. A new star marked its place in history and
cued the seeking rulers that the Jewish King had indeed arrived — they
just needed to find him.

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Some scholars believe the wise men searched not just for days, but for as long as two years. Imagine their relief as
they realized their long travels were finally over. Imagine their celebration! The Bible says they didn’t simply bow and
offer expensive gifts. No, these men could not contain their excitement and joy! Imagine the shouts, the dancing, the
celebration! They were overwhelmed. They had found the one the ancient prophets had spoken of, the true Messiah!

As you reflect today, let the truth sink in. The Messiah, the promised one, has come for us all and he is coming again
someday! We have a King that has made it possible for us to be in right standing with God. We have a Savior that
knows us by name. Let us rejoice exceedingly with great joy!

Spend a few moments reflecting on the miracle of Jesus coming to earth for you. Write out a prayer of worship for the
Savior of the world.

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 WAIT FOR THE LORD;
B E S T R O N G A N D TA K E H E A R T
AND WAIT FOR THE LORD.
PSALM 27:14

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December 8
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God
did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save
the world through him.
John 3:16-17

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman,
subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were
slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son
into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are
no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God
has made you his heir.
Galatians 4:4-7

God loves you and he finds joy in you. He delights in you. Friend, he
even likes you. So much so that he made a way to be with you, to adopt
you as his very own. Let that sink in.

The God of the universe chooses you. He wants you. He welcomes you
as his dearly-loved child and offers you his divine love.

Make no mistake — this divine love God has for you is nothing like the
kind of transactional and messy love people typically offer one another.
It’s the kind of love that moves heaven and earth to accomplish its
purposes. His love forgives, heals, transforms, renews, and protects. It is
faithful, steadfast, never-ending love. You cannot exhaust it. You cannot
chase it away with your neediness. And you cannot earn it. God’s love
for you is his gift, freely offered to one he adores: you.

So it’s worth repeating that God loves you and he finds joy in you. Do
you believe that today? The question isn’t if you know God loves you.
The question is do you believe it, deep in the core of your being?

If you are resting in God’s love for you today, spend some time offering
a prayer of gratitude and tell him what his love means to you and how
it’s changed you.

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 If you find you are struggling to accept this truth, spend some time getting really honest with God. Tell him what’s
keeping you from trusting in or receiving his love for you. Ask him to help you see and experience his love for you this
week. It’s your gift. He wants you to have it. He will help you open it.

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December 9
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen
the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When
the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law
required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as
you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have
seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for
revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”The child’s father
and mother marveled at what was said about him. … There was also a prophet,
Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived
with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she
was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting
and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God
and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of
Jerusalem.
Luke 2:25-33, 36-38

Oh to be like Simeon and Anna, to live our days filled with active anticipation.
Spending days waiting, serving, praying, day after day, expectantly looking for the
Messiah. What would it look like to have lives consistently centered on the promise of
a Savior?

Simeon’s and Anna’s hearts were so attuned to the Holy Spirit that the moment
Jesus’ family entered the temple, they knew God’s promise had arrived. They had
expectantly prepared for God to answer their prayers.

What areas of your life are you entrusting to God? Like Anna and Simeon, how does
God want you to actively anticipate his promises? When both Anna and Simeon
saw Jesus, they worshipped and proclaimed that redemption had come to everyone
around them. Who in your life do you want to share this hope with?

Spend some time asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the hope we have in
him.

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 December 10
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Can you think of a time of year when the weight upon our shoulders
feels heavier than during the holidays? The endless lists of tasks, family
expectations, year-end deadlines, budgeting, and calendar constraints
all add to the weight of our already-full lives. It’s not unusual to catch
ourselves bracing under the load, doing our best to control and contain
the whirlwind of our own hearts. In the midst of these demands the
peace of Jesus can seem an elusive idea rather than a bedrock truth.

Yet here in this ancient prophecy we are reminded whose shoulders are
meant to carry the control. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, does not simply
bring calm to a single hurried season. Jesus is the ruler of shalom, of
whole complete justice and righteousness, and he was born into this
incomplete, broken world for us. In him all can be made new. In him we
can put down the burden of control and marvel at his limitless ability to
set things right.

On the next page, write out a list of the things you have been
shouldering lately, including the areas in your life that seem broken,
incomplete, or unjust.

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Place your hand over the list and pray the words below.

Jesus, thank you for being born on this earth for me. In you, anything can truly be made whole, just, and complete.
Today I take each of these items off of my shoulders and give them to you. I ask you to come in your powerful
peace and speak stillness into my heart and mind. I trust that you are at work, making all things whole, complete,
and right. Equip me to follow your lead in each circumstance. When I feel overwhelmed or tempted to take back
control, remind me to rest all trust and authority in your hands. You are my Prince of Peace, and all rest is found in
you. In your name, amen.

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 December 11
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the
Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said
to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of
David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby
wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his
favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2:8-15

Can you imagine? In the stillness and darkness of an ordinary night, in the middle of nothing special, the shepherds
experienced a divine interruption. Light in the darkness. Heaven come down to Earth. A chorus of praise invading the
silence. From completely mundane to absolutely extraordinary.

It’s as if the angels watching these holy moments unfold simply couldn’t keep it to themselves any longer. “Look! Look
up! Don’t miss this! Lift up your eyes! Can’t you see? The waiting is over … it’s happening right now!”

Seriously. Can you even imagine?

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We may often be like those shepherds. We’re content in the ordinary of our days, caught up in the very average moments
of life, and just completely missing the extraordinary things around us. Sometimes we need someone to lift up our head,
shine a bright light in our eyes and say, “Look, friend! Can’t you see what God is doing? Can’t you recognize his presence
and his provision? You have good news and reason for great joy! Don’t miss the moment!”

What are your eyes focused on today? Do you find yourself low on joy? Might you benefit from adjusting your gaze? Think
back on the past week or month. Where do you see God entering in to meet you? Ask him to shine some light on the
moments you might have missed.

We have really, really good news and reason for great joy. Think about the week or month ahead in light of that reality.
How does that change your view of what’s ahead? Let’s not miss a single moment of joy available to us!

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 December 12
When we think of “The Christmas Story,” our minds often
conjure images of a baby in a humble manger, wise men,
and shepherds. These familiar scenes can become so
ingrained in our thoughts that we sometimes overlook the
profound “why” that underlies the Christmas narrative.
The birth of Jesus occurred to provide us with a pathway
into God’s family. Have you ever pondered what this divine
family might resemble? John offers us a glimpse into this
family in his gospel.

In John 14:23-26, Jesus communicates with his disciples in

a manner that resembles a family discussion:

“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my

teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to
them and make our home with them. Anyone who does
not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you
hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent
me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the
Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you.’”

Can you imagine the emotions Jesus’ disciples must

have experienced as they sat around a table, listening to
his words? How extraordinary it must have been to be
a part of Jesus’ family, to have a Father who loves you
and bestows upon you the gift of the Holy Spirit, serving
as a guide and reminder of what genuine love entails.
It’s a family where you never question whether you are
cherished.

This Christmas, your family will likely gather around a

table at some point. Will every person at the table sense
that they are loved? Will everyone feel appreciated and
genuinely accepted as a member of the family, not judged
by what they give or receive during the gift exchange?
feel truly loved. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful experience
this Christmas?

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If we concentrate on being a part of God’s family, it will assist us in making everyone gathered around our table feel truly
loved. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful experience this Christmas?

Share a time in your life when you felt really loved by your family; by God.

When you are gathered around the table this Christmas have everyone share three things they love about each other.

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 December 13
When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were
listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom
his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion
heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him
to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded
earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because
he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went with
them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends
to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to
have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider
myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant
will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers
under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and
he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus
heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following
him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in
Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and
found the servant well.
Luke 7:1-10

Hope is faith in the future tense. To have true hope in something is to

anticipate and prepare for its arrival before it’s here. When we think
about hope, it usually includes a degree of uncertainty, like wishful
thinking or crossing your fingers, hoping for a desired outcome.

The hope we see in this passage, the kind that comes from trusting
in a faithful God, isn’t just positive or wishful thinking. This is hope
rooted in faith in what God will do because of confidence in who he
is. As a commander in the Roman army, this centurion had a firm
understanding of authority. By recognizing Jesus’ sovereignty, the
centurion’s heart was prepared for Jesus to speak hope and healing into
his circumstance. He didn’t merely want Jesus to heal his servant, he
expected the healing because he knew who Jesus was.

In fact, this Roman centurion had such confident faith in Jesus, such
assurance of what he hoped for, Jesus himself was amazed.

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Who do you know who demonstrates the kind of hope in God you read about today? What is different about that
individual? What might be keeping you from experiencing that same kind of hope?

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 GLORY TO GOD
IN THE
HIGHEST HE AVEN
LUKE 2:14

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December 14
But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your
Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4

Long before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah told the people of the
world about his impending arrival. During this Advent season, we
commemorate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words. Isaiah referred to
Jesus as the Prince of Peace. As we approach the Christmas season,
it’s a fitting time to pause and reflect on those within our families,
communities, and the world who may benefit from encountering or
rediscovering the peace that Jesus offers.

Isn’t it truly inspiring to hear stories about individuals who actively

promote peace? These are the people who sponsor a child, generously
donate their birthday gifts to hospitalized children, or join forces to
construct homes and revamp schools. Their actions shine as beacons
of hope in a sometimes tumultuous world.

We all have the potential to be peacemakers daily through our

everyday choices. It might be reflected in how we treat a friend or
neighbor, or in how we simply offer a warm greeting to the person
bagging our groceries at the store. When we strive to bring peace
through our words and deeds, we become vessels for God’s light to
radiate through us.

Who has inspired you by the ways they have brought peace to others?

How can you be a peacemaker and offer God’s peace to those in need?

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December 15
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around
to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law
muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then
Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred
sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine
in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes
home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says,
‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the
same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not
need to repent.
Luke 15:1-7

God loves you and he finds joy in you. That’s why he created you!
God is delighted by you and made you to be delighted in him. In
fact, we were designed to be near to God, and to abide with him.
True unity with God brings a satisfaction that flows into every other
part of life. When this happens, people see themselves, others, and
the events in their lives through the lens of our joyful God. The joy
he offers is not a thin or frivolous feeling. It’s thick and substantive
and rich. It isn’t based on the external; it’s internal and lasting.

Almost everything we do comes from our innate desire to feel

joy, because joy makes us feel complete. We long for satisfaction,
acceptance, and belonging, and God wants to be the supplier of
all those things for us. When we seek lasting joy through things
in our world that don’t last, we’re eventually disappointed, aren’t
we? Those temporary pleasures only last as long as they keep
us stimulated. Even the best taste of joy this world has to offer
is limited and fleeting. God’s joy requires no stimulation, only a
connection to him.

Intimacy with God creates a satisfaction and a depth of joy that

prevails over everything else. It doesn’t necessarily change our
external circumstances, but it does change our ability to bring joy
with us into those circumstances.

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 Have you ever experienced the satisfaction that comes from God? How would you describe it to a friend?

Have you ever seen God’s joy in other people? What did you notice about them?

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December 16
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another … And so we know and rely on the
love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and
God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we
will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like
Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because
fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect
in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:10-11, 16-19

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not

arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable
or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Spend some time meditating on these Scriptures. God’s form of love

always goes first and is always humble.

Who in your life can you serve with humble love this week? Is their a
family member or friend that needs to know you love them this week?

Spend a few moments making a plan to love someone well and follow it
through.

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 December 17
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3

In this Advent season, we reflect upon the long

period of anticipation endured by the people of
God as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah.
God, in an unexpected twist, chose to fulfill
his promises by sending Jesus in human form.
This divine act didn’t align with the people’s
preconceived notions of how God would fulfill
the prophecies.

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God entrusted us humans with the task of bringing the Savior of the world into this world through a young woman.
Throughout the life of Jesus, there are fleeting moments where he reveals his true identity to those around him. It is in
Isaiah 61 that he formally declares his identity to his friends and family, signaling that he is the answer to their prayers and
the resolution to their sorrow. As we contemplate Isaiah 61, we uncover a passage brimming with hope, a promise that all
wrongs will be made right.

Jesus, embodying God in human flesh, has fulfilled the work foretold in Isaiah 61. During this Advent season, we embark
on a journey with God as we navigate our own experiences of unanswered prayers, grief, and unexpected challenges. It is in
our vulnerability with Jesus that we discover healing.

Our trust in Jesus is well-placed because he intimately understands the human experience; he lived it. Moreover, we can
trust him because of his own declarations – he is the mender of shattered hearts, the herald of freedom and favor, the
protector of the vulnerable, and the source of comfort for those in mourning.

Reflect on the past year, considering where you needed to witness the hope of Christ in your lives. Share with God your
moments of lament in a prayer below.

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 December 18
Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:7-14

What comes to mind as you consider the word

“peace”? Maybe it’s an overall feeling of calm or
serenity. Or maybe when you think of “peace,”
you tend to think of harmonious relationships
or a desire for life’s circumstances to be safe,
uncomplicated, under control, relieved of stress.
You’ve probably had words similar to Psalm 27 in
your own heart, “Come into my messiness God,
and fix it. Make it right. I’m waiting for you to show
up. Where are you? Have mercy. Mold this mess
into something good, something free from pain
and pressure, something peaceful.”

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The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. Although shalom does include a sense of security and well-being, it also speaks of a
kind of peace reflected in completion, restoration, and wholeness. As God’s people waited for their Messiah, their Prince of
Peace, their idea of peace may have been limited.

Were they longing for peaceful external circumstances, like political and religious freedom? Or were they longing for the
kind of supernatural, internal peace that actually changes everything — shalom, completeness in God, through the Prince of
Peace?

How about you? In what area of your life are you lacking peace today? What kind of peace do you find yourself longing for —
internal or external?

How might an internal, shalom kind of peace change your experience or perspective of your current external circumstances?

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 December 19
Most everyone in the world loves Christmas time. What’s
not to love? Decorating your house inside and out,
spending extra time with friends and family, eating tasty
food and desserts and getting presents…Christmas time is
the best!

In Matthew 2:9-11 we read about the wise men who went

on an incredible, long journey to discover another reason
that makes Christmas so great.

“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. When they saw
the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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.”

As we read the story of the wise men, we see their journey

led them to an amazing time and place in world history.
What they discovered has impacted the lives of millions.
What they found was – and still is – the best gift ever given.
This great gift was Jesus, God’s Son, given to all of us.
Jesus is a different kind of present, one that will never get
old, never be out of season or disappoint us. As we discover
him and keep him at the center of our lives we, too, will
rejoice.

Christmas time is great for many reasons, but the main

reason that this time of year is so great is we are reminded
that God loves us. Like the wise men of old we get to
worship Jesus, God’s perfect gift to us.

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What tradition or memory brings you joy at Christmas time?

Who are you thankful for this season, and how can you show them love and joy?

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GOD LOVES YOU AND
HE FINDS JOY IN YOU

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December 20
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges,
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:4-11

Advent is the waiting, the longing for what is to come. For 42 generations, the Israelites waited
for their promised Messiah. All of their hope for justice, all of their hope for redemption, for the
end of their suffering and sin, rested on the long-awaited King. Little did they know their Prince
of Peace would come in the form of a tiny baby born in the poorest of circumstances.

Did they ever imagine the one who spoke the galaxies into existence would also babble and
coo? Did they imagine their Wonderful Counselor would have to attend school? How surprised
were they when they realized the Mighty God loved them so fiercely that he crammed his all-
powerful, unlimited self into the boundaries of human skin?

Jesus chose this upside-down rescue plan with us in mind. He chose humility so we all could
have hope. He experienced pain and injustice so we could experience peace. He chose death
on a cross so we could find the joy of freedom in him. Jesus chose human limits so we could
experience his limitless love.

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 Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is this limitless love that gives us everything we need to

take on the same role of a servant. It is this never-ending,
never-breaking, always and forever love that gives us the
ability to bring hope to a weary world.

Reflect on the place and privilege that Christ gave up because

of his love for you. How does this limitless love impact your
perspective? Your confidence? Your actions?

Who is someone in your life that seems weary and far from
God? How can you lovingly offer hope to them this week?

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December 21
We live in a part of the world where Christmas falls during the darkest time of the year. We know that the early evening
shadows and the dark mornings are going to be present for a while. We live in that darkness and wait for light.

And isn’t that a tricky thing sometimes? To believe that light will come to banish the darkness?

As we light candles and anticipate the arrival of the Light of the World, some of us are able to simply say that we wait
with hope. But for others, there is a daily absence of hope. Despair may cover our eyes and cause us to surrender to
the darkness.

We must choose to hope despite illness, anxiety, loss, loneliness, financial worry, addictions...the list seems to go
on and on. So how do we respond with hope? John 1:5 reminds us that “The light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness has not overcome it.” We respond with hope because darkness cannot overcome the light.

Sit quietly and recall a time you felt hopeless. How did someone care for you during that time? Ask God to bring to
mind someone who is experiencing hopelessness. Reach out to them in a way that you think they would experience
help from you.

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 December 22
I have seen what they do,
but I will heal them anyway!
I will lead them.
I will comfort those who mourn,
bringing words of praise to their lips.
May they have abundant peace, both near and far,”
says the Lord, who heals them.
Isaiah 57:18-19

“I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway!” What a
humbling and hopeful statement God makes here. God knows us and
sees us – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly – and yet chooses
to heal us anyway.

Even when we want to give up on ourselves, God stays faithful to the

process of transformation. He promises to heal us, lead us, and comfort
us, resulting in words of praise from our lips. God reveals it is his desire
for us to exist in shalom – in peace – both near and far.

What praise would you give today for such a God as this?

Where do you need to experience peace? Take a minute now to pray to

God on your own.

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 The Magnificat
Also known as "Mary’s Song", this is Mary’s prayer in
which she praised God for his blessings and his
faithfulness to his promises.

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their
inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
- Luke 1:46-55

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 December 23
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the
Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said
to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of
David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby
wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God.
Luke 2:8-13

God did something amazing when Jesus was born, and he was ready for the world to know. Instead of going to
someone powerful or famous like a king or religious leader, he sent an angel to tell the shepherds, who had little
importance, respect or power in that culture.

Not only did God send one angel to the shepherds, he sent what the Bible calls a “multitude” of angels, which means
a large crowd, a swarm, or masses. The angels shone around them and were singing praises. God pulled out all the
stops to share his excitement with a group of average men. Why do you think he did that?

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Maybe he wanted us not to forget that when the angel said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all
the people” that God really wanted his good news to be for ALL people. The baby the shepherds found in the stable
would change the whole world, and Jesus can still change our lives now. Think of the people who influence you in your
everyday life – your friends, family members, coworkers. These are all people you know and who know you, and that
you spend time with. Just as we desire to be with and know them, Jesus wants us to get to know him and talk with
him everyday.

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 Christmas Eve
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this. -
Isaiah 9:6-7

When we talk of a king, or someone who has

complete rule, reign, and authority over us and
those we love, it’s very important to know if this
is a good king, or an evil king. Israel certainly
had their share of both. In these two verses
Isaiah paints the picture of a very good king,
Jesus, who will rule Israel forever. While nations
are precarious and ephemeral, Jesus came to
establish a kingdom upheld with righteousness
and justice for all time and eternity. And the
very name of this good King will be Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of
Peace.

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This Advent season we give thanks for what has already come and what is still yet to come; we give thanks that the
good news, the gospel, is that we have a good king. Help us, Holy Spirit, to access each of these names, each of these
true characteristics of your reign, that we might live joyfully with assurance and communicate with others the beautiful
meaning of Christmas – that you are good, that we are loved, and that you really did pull on skin and move into our
neighborhood to be with us always.

How are you reassured about God’s Kingdom through this passage?

What kingly name do you feel yourself most drawn to this Advent season?

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 Christmas Day
The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart.
-Howard Thurman (late 20th century theologian and author)

Our Prayer for You

May the LORD who created the stars, and gave us his only son, bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.
Numbers 6:24b-26

Merry Christmas!

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December 26
Every parent has the post-Christmas moment. Staring bleary-eyed at crinkled, misshapen paper that once fit tightly
around that perfect present, you lean back with a third (or fourth, or fifth) cup of coffee and watch your children
busy themselves with their new favorite gifts. You’re satisfied, enjoying their enjoyment, but you also know what this
means. The anticipation is over, the celebrating has concluded, and it’s back to work.

Or is it?

When John, Jesus’ closest friend, wrote about the coming of the Son of God, he said, “He came to his own, and his
own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God, who were born, not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13).

The blessing of Christmas comes when we receive it, not just live through it. John says Jesus gave us “the right to become
children of God.” During Christmas, we reflect on the glory of God in Jesus, but after Christmas we reflect on the blessing
of being adopted as sons and daughters into his family. As we become his children, the question for us becomes: in light
of our new Father, how do we live differently as his children?

Paul tells the Philippians: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent,
children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation...” (Philippians 2:14-15). The best
“work” we do in our faith happens when we stop trying to earn his love, but instead receive it and work out of that
blessing. The work we get back to after Christmas should be coming from a refreshed and renewed sense that we are his
children, filled with his love.

What should the lives of “the children of God” look like in today’s world? How can you and your family better embrace
being children of God?

How does being a child of God bring peace and rest to your heart?

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 ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
ACTIVITY IDEAS

Nativity Set
Create a nativity scene or nativity crafts with your
family. Search “homemade nativity scene” on
Pinterest for dozens of great nativity scenes, projects,
and neighbor gift ideas. When you pack up your
decorations once Christmas is over, you may want to
leave the Magi and camels from your nativity scene out
a while longer since they will still have a long way to go
before they get home.

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Advent Wreath
This popular tradition comes from Scriptures that teach us that Jesus is the Light of the World (Matthew 4:16;
John 1:4-9, 8:12). The wreath typically includes four or five candles, one to represent each week/theme of
Advent and a fifth optional candle, called the Christ candle.

If you choose to create an Advent wreath, put it in a prominent spot in your home so everyone is reminded
of the purpose of Advent all month long. There are some great videos on YouTube with step by step
instructions to create a beautiful Advent wreath.

The candles included on the wreath have different symbolism depending on the tradition, but in one of the
more common they are intended to help us look forward through the lenses of hope, faith, joy and peace:

Hope: On the first Sunday in Advent, we light the first candle to celebrate hope, representing the hope we
have because Jesus is coming.

Faith: The second Sunday in Advent is marked with the second candle, which symbolizes faith.

Joy: On the third Sunday in Advent, we light the third candle, which represents the joy the world experienced
when Jesus was born in human flesh.

Peace: On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, we light the final candle as we celebrate peace, that reminds us of
the message the angels sang: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men!”

Purity: The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent Jesus’ first coming.

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 Write a Letter
If you sponsor a child through Africa New Life or Compassion International, write a letter to
your sponsored child. Share some of your Christmas traditions, ask about
theirs, and consider enclosing a picture of you and your family. Letters
may be written online by scanning one of the QR codes below or by
going to africanewlife.org or compassion.com.

Africa New Life

Sponsored Kids

Compassion International
Sponsored Kids

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Share an Invitation
Invite a family from your neighborhood to join you to share one of your favorite Christmas traditions. Or consider creating
and sharing a meal from the foods people would have eaten in Nazareth at the time of Jesus. Nazarenes’ diet fluctuated
with the seasons, but typically included a steaming bread cake made from an ancient form of popcorn. The bread cake
would have been served with goat cheese, yogurt, fish, eggs, or chicken as a protein source, with lamb reserved for special
occasions. During the warmer months, beans, cucumbers, or other vegetables sprinkled with dill, and fruits such as
melons, dates, figs, and olives, would have been included.

Make Tamales
Tamales have become a part of the traditional Mexican celebration of
las posadas, the annual commemoration of Mary and Joseph’s search
for shelter before Jesus’ birth. So for families all across Mexico and the
American Southwest, the beginning of Advent kicks off the season for
tamales. Google “tamale recipes” for instructions on how to make these
tasty traditional treats. You can even turn making tamales into a special
party, known as a tamalada. Not only can making tamales as a group
activity be fun, it’s great as a gift-making activity when you share your
tamales with others.

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