Thought of the Day - 21

"A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes...

and is completely dependent on the fact that the door

of freedom has to be opened from the outside,

is not a bad picture of Advent.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Advent Activities - Day 20

Lesson- Create in me a Clean Heart

In verse 21 we read, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Part of Advent is giving up distractions that are keeping you from seeing and savoring Jesus. 

What did you give up?

How has that been going for you?

Have you been able to draw closer to God because you don’t have that distracting you anymore? 

Part of drawing closer to God is by confessing sins or ways you haven’t been living in the will of God.  Verse 17 tells us, that, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  That is good news.  1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

           

Possible Activity-

Have each person write privately (or with help for smaller children) their sins or failures on a small piece of paper. Take time to pray and confess these sins to the God who will not condemn, but will faithfully and justly forgive.  Place the “sins” in a metal bowl and use the advent light to burn them.  Take joy that your sins are gone!

Advent Crafts

An amazingly crafty friend of mine recently made these adorable nativity finger puppets... 

A good addition to any family Christmas.

Nativity Finger Puppets

Verse of the Day - 17

Matthew 2:1-11

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” 

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:   “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” 

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.   When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.   On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

Thought of the Day - 16

“One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph 

wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. 

The innkeeper was not hostile; he was not opposed to them, 

but his inn was crowded; his hands were full; 

his mind was preoccupied. 

This is the answer that millions are giving today. 

Like a Bethlehem innkeeper, they cannot find room for Christ.

 All the accommodations in their hearts are 

already taken up by other crowding interests. 

Their response is not atheism. It is not defiance. 

It is preoccupation and the feeling of being able to get on 

reasonably well without Christianity.” 

- Billy Graham

Thought of the Day - 15

The three wise men came to give Jesus gifts. First, gold, which was often reserved for royalty. The Magi had seen the star and they recognized the signal of the star in the sky that an important birth had occurred. The gift represented the fact that Jesus was royal.  Second, frankincense, it was a highly valued commodity and somewhat rare. The Jewish people had a common use for frankincense that was directly connected to the worship of God. The smoke rising from the altar of incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God in heaven. The Magi presenting this gift to Jesus represents the fact that He was indeed divine. Third, myrrh, was extremely valuable and had a number of uses. The most common use was a perfume. The major use of myrrh was for burials. Myrrh was placed on the cloths used to wrap bodies for burial to help prevent the smell of decay following death. The Magi presented this gift to Jesus as a representation that He would one day die. The gift almost seems to convey the fact that Jesus was born to die.  We also need to recognize that they brought a fourth gift that is often forgotten by many. After they laid their treasures down before Mary and Joseph, they worshipped Jesus. These wise men also came to proclaim that they believed Jesus to be the King of kings. The greatest gift that we can offer to Jesus this Christmas is our praise and worship. 

(Used with permission by Pastor David DeWitt)

Away in the Manger... - Day 14

What was the first Christmas carol?  Not, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" or "The First Noel" or "Away in the Manger."

No, not, any ones that we normally sing.  

It was a Heavenly chorus of, 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  

How interesting that those should be the first words said about the Lord Jesus in praise. 

We see that God was pointing out that peace was the mission of sending Jesus and that though Him favor rests on the inhabitants of the earth.  A way was made in the manger to bring peace between man and God! It doesn't get much greater than that!

Verse of the Day - 13

Luke 2:8-18

"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 of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

Thought of the Day - 12

Let the just rejoice,

for their justifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice,

For their saviour is born.

Let the captives rejoice,

For their Redeemer is born.

Let slaves rejoice,

for their Master is born.

Let free men rejoice,

For their Liberator is born.

Let All Christians rejoice,

For Jesus Christ is born.

- St. Augustine of Hippo 

(AD 354-440)

Thought of the Day - 11

“It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, 

that the most profoundunfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. 

God became man;... 

the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, 

unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, 

needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child... 

The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets.

Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the incarnation.” 

- J. I. Packer

Christmas Recipes

Dutch Treats  

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened                                                

3 large eggs

8 ounces cream cheese, softened                                   

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour                                                             

8 oz. almond paste, cut into cubes

Sliced almonds

Directions:

1. In bowl, cream butter and cream cheese, gradually add the flour, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Roll into 1" balls.

3. Press dough in greased miniature muffin tins -- set aside.

  

To Prepare Filling:

1. Beat eggs in a mixing bowl, until light and fluffy -- add sugar, beat well. Add almond paste, beat well.

2. Spoon a tablespoon into each cup. Top with three almond slices.

3. Bake at 325* for 25-30 minutes or lightly browned -- and filling is set.

4. Cool for 10 minutes in tins before removing to racks to cool completely.

Yields 5 Dozen

Reading for Advent

Our family has enjoyed some Christmas reading recently. Here are some of our favorite books for children.  I tend to not really like books that make up stories about "what might have happened" when Jesus was born... you know, stories about the shepherds or children who gave Jesus their coat or something.  It is hearsay, and I think that the Word of God has plenty of amazing things to focus on with having to add or make something up.  But, I did add "Room for a Little One" mainly because the art work is so beautiful and it really just talks about the animals and not adding much to the Nativity Story.  

"Christmas Cookies: Bite-Sized Holiday Lessons" is a book that defines and illustrates words that are exemplified this time of year. For example, "Charitable means setting a big batch aside to give to people who maybe don't have any cookies at all."  It is great to read while you wait for cookies to bake. 

One of my utmost favorites is "The Stable Where Jesus was Born." The art is beautifully done and it brings you full circle in the Nativity Story. "One Wintry Night" is a perfect book to read through out Advent... it starts in the Garden of Eden and walks through our need for Jesus to come as our rescuer.  As is "The Tale of Three Trees."  The "Jesus Story Book Bible" is a must have for any time of the year! Seriously, do get it, you will love it!

The rest you will just have to read to find out about! So curl up with cocoa and enjoy a book or two! 

Verse of the Day - 10

Micah 5:2-4

“But you, Bethlehem, David's country, the runt of the litter—

From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel.

He'll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished.

Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,

And the scattered brothers come back home to the family of Israel.

He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God's strength, centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.

And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect— Peacemaker of the world!” 

(The Message)

Advent Activities - Day 9

Possible Activity-

Read “Christmas Day in the Morning” By Pearl S Buck  or "Bobby Decker's Santa Claus".  They can both be googled and found complete.  Plan a service project to do together as a family. Don’t just write a check, but allow your children to participate in the full experience of giving selflessly to others.

 

Some ideas are…

Bake cookies or a meal for a shut-in and deliver it together.

Go clean house for a new mother.

Go shopping for new clothes for a single parent and child.

Offer free babysitting to a young couple

Make a care package for a soldier, missionary or foster child.

Mentor a child! 

Pack up a huge amount of clothes, toys and un-needed items for a women's shelter.     

Find someone in immediate need and meet it.                                    

Thought of the Day - 8

“The very purpose of Christ's coming 

into the world was that He might

 offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men.  

He came to die.

  This is the heart of Christmas.” 

-Billy Graham

Advent Activity - Day 7

Lesson- Trust and Obey

Mary is thought to be a teenage girl, unmarried, yet very virtuous when she was told that she would be the mother of the Messiah. This would have been very hard for Mary, others would have thought she was being sinful by having a baby out of marriage. However, Mary trusted God to do what was best when she said, “Let it be to me according to your word.” Trusting others can be hard. But Mary knew God and trusted He would work out all of the details she was worried about.

 

Family Activity-

Take turns putting a blindfold on one person and have a child safely lead that person from one room to another.  Or older children can give the blindfolded person verbal directions to get from one place to another. Talk about how it is hard to trust when you can’t see what is happening, but when you know the person leading you, you can feel safe.

 

Song of Praise - Day 6

What Child Is This?

Traditional English Carol

What child is this, who, laid to rest

On Mary's lap, is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

 

Chorus:

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

 

Why lies he in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear for sinners here,

The silent Word is pleasing.

 

Chorus

 

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,

Come peasant king to own Him,

The King of kings, salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

 

Raise, raise the song on high,

The Virgin sings her lullaby:

Joy, joy, for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Thought of the Day - 5

“The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, His hair was like a light.

(Oh weary, weary was the world, but here is all alright.)

Ah, dearest Jesus, Holy Child, make thee bed, soft, undefiled

Within my heart, that it may be, a quiet chamber, kept for Thee.

My heart for very joy does leap, my lips no more can silence keep,

I must sing with joyful tongue, that sweetest ancient cradle song.”

-G. K. Chesterton

Verse of the Day - 4

Luke 1:26-38

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,   to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.   And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.  For with God nothing will be impossible.” 

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."

Advent Activity - Day 3

Luminaries

There are several different ways to make luminaries. 

1. Use tin cans. Fill a washed out can with water and freeze it. Then use a nail and hammer to punch holes in it in a decorate or random pattern.  Allow the ice to melt or run hot water over it until the block of ice will fall out. Place a candle in the can and decorate your porch with the cans... they really are quite pretty! (This is a good activity for older kids or boys.)

2. You can also use small lunch size paper bags. Cut the bags with scissors or crayons and put a bit of sand in the bottom. Put a candle in each and light your porch with this each night. 

3. Use washed out glass jars.  Cut a strip of paper to a right size to wrap around the jar. Decorate the paper with paint, crayons and use a hole punch to create holes in the paper. Tape the paper around the jar and put a candle inside... again, light your porch with it.

An Object lesson... Light in Darkness

Isaiah 9:1-2 and Luke 1:76-80 speaks of people living in darkness and a "great light" coming to illuminate their lives and world.  Ask your children who that light was.  Tell them that our world is dark in sin and that we have the light of Christ and we pray our lights will shine like our luminaries to show people the way to Jesus. 

Thought of the Day - 2

"Jesus Christ became Incarnate for one purpose, to make a way back to God that man might stand before Him as he was created to do, the friend and lover of God Himself.”  

- Oswald Chambers

Verse of the Day - 1

Isaiah 7:10-16

"Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz,  “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.” 

Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also?  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.  But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste."

What is Advent?

Advent is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his first coming and the anticipation of the return of Christ in his second coming. The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.”  Because we are also looking forward to Christ’s second coming, Advent is much more than just observing an event that happened 2000 years ago.  It is celebrating a truth about God; that God is fulfilling a plan to reconcile all creation to Himself through Jesus Christ.  Advent is a time to draw personally, as a family and as a body of Christ into the deeper understanding of the incarnation.

Historically, Advent was thought to have started as a time of fasting by the early church. It was a time of penance between St. Martin’s Day (Martinmas) and Christmas day. The practice of fasting and penance isn’t common to our time, especially during the holiday season of overindulgence. Take note of this and let the Spirit convict you, as He will. Perhaps you will feel lead to eliminate things from your over active schedule, take a fast from TV or technology, to take a time of fasting personally from food or to reduce your budget of gifts and give the remainder to those in need.

It wasn’t until the 1600’s that the German Lutherans began a celebrative form of Advent with the addition of their own customs of wreaths and candles.  These traditions are still very much alive in liturgical congregations and homes.  However, all Christians can appreciate and find purpose in the practice of Advent.

Advent is a 25-day celebration that starts December 1^st and leads up to Christmas day.  Each night your family will light a candle to remind you that Jesus is light in a sin-darkened world.  It also reminds us that we are to reflect this light to others. “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,” Isaiah 42:6

As for the wreath and candles, three of the candles are blue or purple. They are this color because blue or purple is the color of royalty to welcome the coming of the King.  The first candle is called the “candle of hope” or to remember the prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The second candle is the “candle of the way,” as the light of Christ shows us the way out of darkness. The third candle is called the “candle of joy,” it indicates that the only lasting joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last. The fourth candle is the “candle of peace.” It reminds us that Jesus comes to bring peace to both the world and to people's hearts. The center candle lit on Christmas Eve and Day is white and called the “Christ candle.” It is white because Christ is our unblemished and sinless sacrifice. It is placed in the center of the advent wreath as a symbol that Christ is to be dwelling in the center of our hearts and lives.

The twenty-five days of Advent are a time of reflection, meditation, and celebration in the joy of what has been done through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Look to Him during this season, seek to know Him more and take deep joy in all He has done for you!

Why We Need Advent

As you have probably experienced already, Christmas is often distorted into a materialistic circus the very first day after Thanksgiving. It is almost as if we spend a day remembering to be thankful only to jump headlong into a whole month of seeking more and more.  It is so easy to overlook the “Christ” that made “Christmas” even possible. We forget that we give gifts only because we were given the greatest gift from God in the person of Jesus Christ, as he fulfilled the most heroic rescue mission the world has ever known. How easily we forget the amazing events that brought about the incarnation of the God-man Jesus?  How apathetically we treat the wonderful truths found in this season? 

The good news is that long ago a tradition was designed to help Christians prepare our selves for a whole-hearted celebration of the coming of Christ. 

It is the practice of Advent!

Advent is one of the only Christian traditions that is done both in the Church, corporately, and also in the home as a family.  Some churches may observe Advent in the lighting of a wreath with four or five candles each Sunday and with the reading of scripture or through a Jesse Tree. These are great ways for the Church to set aside the season of Christmas as different and unique, but many of you may not know you can continue this preparation and celebration in your homes throughout the rest of the week.  This book is meant to help you and your family, do just that.  It should be noted that this isn’t a craft or activity guide for preschoolers or school children. This is a guide for the whole family that each member of the family may see and savor Emmanuel, “God with us.” Activities, readings, lessons and worship are included in the daily plans, not as an end, to enjoy the holidays, but as a means of intentionally drawing yourself or your family closer to the manger throne of God. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)  More than anything, enjoy your time as a family and your opportunity to prepare your hearts for the arrival of the Lord Jesus in this time.