UNTO US
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9:6
This Christmas season is a special time of the year. Each December, we gather with family, friends, and our local church to celebrate the birth of our savior. Christmas allows us to worship and fellowship with those we love. As we get closer to December 25, we anticipate the arrival of Christmas—the arrival of our King.
That is precisely what Advent is. It is the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. The Advent season is precious because it allows us to prepare our hearts and spend an entire month getting ready for the celebration of our Lord's birth.
That is precisely what Advent is. It is the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. The Advent season is precious because it allows us to prepare our hearts and spend an entire month getting ready for the celebration of our Lord's birth.
Advent Devotional & Sermon Notes Booklet
by Church Staff
For Advent this year, FSBC is going through a sermon series titled "Unto Us" in which we will see how the coming of Christ -the King of Kings and Lord of Lords— was foretold years beforehand. We will learn that our Messiah was expected, He was longed for, and He is the fulfillment of God's promises.
As you and your loved ones prepare your hearts for Christmas, we hope this collection of devotions written by our staff will be a blessing to you. It is designed for your entire family and has applications for all ages. Two devotionals each week will begin on December 1. Each includes a QR code you can use to listen to a song that connects to the devotional. There are also Sermon Notes pages for you to use during our Worship Services. As you use this resource, we pray that you are drawn closer to the Lord and that you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the promised King.
Sincerely,
Matt Duckett, Lead Pastor
As you and your loved ones prepare your hearts for Christmas, we hope this collection of devotions written by our staff will be a blessing to you. It is designed for your entire family and has applications for all ages. Two devotionals each week will begin on December 1. Each includes a QR code you can use to listen to a song that connects to the devotional. There are also Sermon Notes pages for you to use during our Worship Services. As you use this resource, we pray that you are drawn closer to the Lord and that you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the promised King.
Sincerely,
Matt Duckett, Lead Pastor
WEEK ONE: HOPE - December 1-7
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 1: A THRILL OF HOPE
A THRILL OF HOPE
READ: Matthew 2:1-12
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “O Holy Night.” One line reads, “A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” Does the hope of Christmas thrill you? Biblical hope is anchored in Jesus—our living hope. The Old Testament audience longed for the coming Messiah. Hope filled their hearts, but He was yet to be revealed. The story of God’s people is one of waiting in hope.
Throughout the Biblical storyline, waiting in hope is revealed not as sitting around but as actively listening to God, learning about God, and walking with God. They understood that you must know what you are looking for to anticipate something. As their hope grew, so did their understanding of God. Yet, as we close the last page of the Old Testament, the people of God continually await the coming Messiah who is yet to arrive.
As we open the New Testament, we learn in Matthew 2:1-12 how the wise men experienced the thrill of hope. On a clear night in the pasture, these wise men understood the hope of God’s people is found in the Messiah to be born. Even the darkness of night could not hide the sign in the sky. Their hope culminated when they saw His star shining. These men, you could imagine, hoped for a long time for their Messiah to come. Their response to this beautiful news of hope being fulfilled was worship.
God kept His promise to send Jesus for us. As a result, we have hope that Jesus is powerful and completely forgives us of our sins when we respond to Him in faith. One day, Jesus will come again to make all things new. Hope in Jesus is more than just a belief in a baby born in a manger. This hope in Jesus is an anchor for the soul, a life-giving aide, and a secure guide through life’s storm.
How is there hope? Because our Savior has been born. O Holy Night - what a thrill it is.
PRAYER POINT:
DEVOTIONAL SONG: O Holy Night
READ: Matthew 2:1-12
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “O Holy Night.” One line reads, “A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” Does the hope of Christmas thrill you? Biblical hope is anchored in Jesus—our living hope. The Old Testament audience longed for the coming Messiah. Hope filled their hearts, but He was yet to be revealed. The story of God’s people is one of waiting in hope.
Throughout the Biblical storyline, waiting in hope is revealed not as sitting around but as actively listening to God, learning about God, and walking with God. They understood that you must know what you are looking for to anticipate something. As their hope grew, so did their understanding of God. Yet, as we close the last page of the Old Testament, the people of God continually await the coming Messiah who is yet to arrive.
As we open the New Testament, we learn in Matthew 2:1-12 how the wise men experienced the thrill of hope. On a clear night in the pasture, these wise men understood the hope of God’s people is found in the Messiah to be born. Even the darkness of night could not hide the sign in the sky. Their hope culminated when they saw His star shining. These men, you could imagine, hoped for a long time for their Messiah to come. Their response to this beautiful news of hope being fulfilled was worship.
God kept His promise to send Jesus for us. As a result, we have hope that Jesus is powerful and completely forgives us of our sins when we respond to Him in faith. One day, Jesus will come again to make all things new. Hope in Jesus is more than just a belief in a baby born in a manger. This hope in Jesus is an anchor for the soul, a life-giving aide, and a secure guide through life’s storm.
How is there hope? Because our Savior has been born. O Holy Night - what a thrill it is.
PRAYER POINT:
- Ask God to allow you to share the hope He has given you this season.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: O Holy Night
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 2: BEGOTTEN TO A LIVING HOPE
BEGOTTEN TO A LIVING HOPE
READ: 1 Peter 1:3-5; Proverbs 10:28, 11:7; Psalm 71:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11
1 PETER 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Hope can be a fickle thing, especially during the Christmas season. For some of us, it is a deep spring welling up to overflowing in our homes, workplaces, and social circles. For others, it is an elusive oasis in the parched desert landscape of daily life. For many of us, our hopefulness is greatly impacted by our circumstances. It is easy to be hopeful when life is going well. But hope is difficult in the valleys of want, sickness, and loss that are often felt strongly this time of year.
The hope described above is a wishful kind of hope. It comes and goes through the mountains and lowlands of life. But biblical hope is different. Proverbs characterizes hope as expectation, resulting in gladness (Prov 10:28, 11:7). The Psalmist parallels hope with trust, resulting in praise (Ps 71:5–6). The prophet Jeremiah connects hope with optimism about the future grounded in the plans and purposes of God (Jer 29:11).
First Peter 1:3 describes the believer’s hope as “living.” In what sense is our hope “living”? In the sense that it depends on the resurrection of Jesus. As Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ is not risen, our faith is empty (v. 14). But now Christ is risen, so we have hope for our future resurrection in Him (v. 22). And 1 Peter 1:5 describes what our living, resurrection hope entails: an incorruptible, undefiled, unfading inheritance in eternity with Jesus.
Our hope in Christmas is far more than just spending time with family, blessing the less fortunate, and exchanging gifts. As believers, we have a living hope for eternity with our Lord. It came to us as the greatest gift ever given—a humble babe born to a young virgin girl in a stable. That babe grew into the Man who has gone before us in death and resurrection to new life. Now, seated in heaven with the Father, He intercedes for us, that we might persevere and receive our inheritance of eternity with Him (Rom 8:34; Col 3:1–3).
As Christmas nears, let us keep our eternal hope in Jesus Christ our Lord at the forefront of our hearts and minds, celebrating it with the saints and sharing it with the world.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Our Living Hope
READ: 1 Peter 1:3-5; Proverbs 10:28, 11:7; Psalm 71:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11
1 PETER 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Hope can be a fickle thing, especially during the Christmas season. For some of us, it is a deep spring welling up to overflowing in our homes, workplaces, and social circles. For others, it is an elusive oasis in the parched desert landscape of daily life. For many of us, our hopefulness is greatly impacted by our circumstances. It is easy to be hopeful when life is going well. But hope is difficult in the valleys of want, sickness, and loss that are often felt strongly this time of year.
The hope described above is a wishful kind of hope. It comes and goes through the mountains and lowlands of life. But biblical hope is different. Proverbs characterizes hope as expectation, resulting in gladness (Prov 10:28, 11:7). The Psalmist parallels hope with trust, resulting in praise (Ps 71:5–6). The prophet Jeremiah connects hope with optimism about the future grounded in the plans and purposes of God (Jer 29:11).
First Peter 1:3 describes the believer’s hope as “living.” In what sense is our hope “living”? In the sense that it depends on the resurrection of Jesus. As Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ is not risen, our faith is empty (v. 14). But now Christ is risen, so we have hope for our future resurrection in Him (v. 22). And 1 Peter 1:5 describes what our living, resurrection hope entails: an incorruptible, undefiled, unfading inheritance in eternity with Jesus.
Our hope in Christmas is far more than just spending time with family, blessing the less fortunate, and exchanging gifts. As believers, we have a living hope for eternity with our Lord. It came to us as the greatest gift ever given—a humble babe born to a young virgin girl in a stable. That babe grew into the Man who has gone before us in death and resurrection to new life. Now, seated in heaven with the Father, He intercedes for us, that we might persevere and receive our inheritance of eternity with Him (Rom 8:34; Col 3:1–3).
As Christmas nears, let us keep our eternal hope in Jesus Christ our Lord at the forefront of our hearts and minds, celebrating it with the saints and sharing it with the world.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Our Living Hope
WEEK TWO: JOY - December 8-14
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 1: ENDURING JOY
ENDURING JOY
READ: Philippians 4:4
Sometimes a word like joy can be very easy to define and comprehend. Yet, oftentimes it can be easier to understand when recognizing that look on someone’s face. You know it when you see it. I think about how I can find myself “being lost in a moment, doing something I love.”
I think about those joyful moments…maybe an exhilarating ride across the lake in our old boat, sledding out of control down a snowy hill, moments of great laughter with family and friends, and nothing compares to witnessing a new life come into the world - pure joy! You are in awe of the moment, content, satisfied, and so happy.
Most can point to moments of joy in their lives. But how long do those moments really last? How often do those moments endure? The boat gets sent on its way, the snow melts, times of laughter get mixed with tears and trials. Even those precious babies seem to change by the hour! What distinguishes the world’s joy in these moments from the joy Jesus brings His children?
God tells us there is a way to experience joy in our hearts that does not fade. The recognition and celebration of enduring joy began in the Old Testament with the faithful acknowledgment of God’s provision and the continued expectation of deliverance.
Our recognition of enduring joy today comes from a full knowledge of our forgiven sins. The Christmas season brings into focus the birth of a special newborn who was sent into this world to bring joy to all those who would accept Him as their personal savior. Understanding His offer of deliverance from sin and receiving eternal salvation is the advent of true,
transformative, unending joy! Take time to get lost in these moments with your Savior this season.
PRAYER POINTS:
As the line from the third stanza of the poem The Hymn of Joy (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee) states, He is our “well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest!”
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Hymn of Joy
READ: Philippians 4:4
Sometimes a word like joy can be very easy to define and comprehend. Yet, oftentimes it can be easier to understand when recognizing that look on someone’s face. You know it when you see it. I think about how I can find myself “being lost in a moment, doing something I love.”
I think about those joyful moments…maybe an exhilarating ride across the lake in our old boat, sledding out of control down a snowy hill, moments of great laughter with family and friends, and nothing compares to witnessing a new life come into the world - pure joy! You are in awe of the moment, content, satisfied, and so happy.
Most can point to moments of joy in their lives. But how long do those moments really last? How often do those moments endure? The boat gets sent on its way, the snow melts, times of laughter get mixed with tears and trials. Even those precious babies seem to change by the hour! What distinguishes the world’s joy in these moments from the joy Jesus brings His children?
God tells us there is a way to experience joy in our hearts that does not fade. The recognition and celebration of enduring joy began in the Old Testament with the faithful acknowledgment of God’s provision and the continued expectation of deliverance.
Our recognition of enduring joy today comes from a full knowledge of our forgiven sins. The Christmas season brings into focus the birth of a special newborn who was sent into this world to bring joy to all those who would accept Him as their personal savior. Understanding His offer of deliverance from sin and receiving eternal salvation is the advent of true,
transformative, unending joy! Take time to get lost in these moments with your Savior this season.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Praise Him with a joyful heart for the moments of awe in your life,
- Ask Him to give you even more contentment in Him,
- Thank Him for the happiness His love brings you.
As the line from the third stanza of the poem The Hymn of Joy (Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee) states, He is our “well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest!”
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Hymn of Joy
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 2: JOY IN THE SIMPLE THINGS
JOY IN SIMPLE THINGS
READ: Luke 2:19-20; Matthew 2:9-11; Romans 10:8-18
Advent can be a time of finding joy in simple things. When our kids were young, we celebrated Advent most evenings with candles, Bible verses, and a song – usually sung slightly out of tune. Each year, we would also read Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We would laugh at the chaos the Herdman children caused, but it really reminded us to look at the story of Jesus’s birth through the eyes of children who didn’t know about him.
The six Herdmans – Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys – were the terror of the town. They lied, bullied, smoked cigars, set fires, and caused trouble everywhere. But one year, they heard about the church Christmas pageant and were curious, so they arrived for the first rehearsal. They knew nothing about Jesus and asked all kinds of questions. They also proceeded to volunteer for all the main parts.
The night of the pageant, everyone was waiting to see what disaster would unfold. But Ralph and Imogene, being Joseph and Mary, come in quietly, looking quite unsure of themselves. They were a little dirty and rumpled. Imogene burps the baby Jesus doll as she puts him in the manger. Then Gladys, as the Angel of the Lord, announces with authority – “Hey! Unto you a child is born!” The young boys who were the shepherds really are afraid – that Gladys might kick them. The wise men, Leroy, Claude and Ollie, arrive carrying a gift. It wasn’t the decorated jars of perfume and oil, but a gift that really meant something to them. They placed the ham from their charity Christmas basket by the manger. As the pageant ends with everyone singing Silent Night, Imogene begins to cry, picks up baby Jesus and holds him close.
This fictional, very human story, kind of like a parable, makes us stop and think. How can we approach Christmas in the best way – not a perfect, over-the-top, or hurried way – but simply and with joy?
Like Ralph and Imogene, we are all lost and rumpled, but we can come to our Savior humbly and in awe of God’s perfect plan. He will give us true joy. Read Luke 2:19-20
Like Leroy, Claude, and Ollie, we might not have amazing gifts to give. We can bring what we do have, giving from our hearts with joy and generosity. Read Matthew 2:9-11
Best of all, like Gladys, we can joyfully proclaim and share with others who do not know the Good News of our Savior! Read Romans 10: 8-18
May you find a new sense of wonder and joy this Christmas – just focusing on Jesus, God’s most precious gift to us.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Silent Night
READ: Luke 2:19-20; Matthew 2:9-11; Romans 10:8-18
Advent can be a time of finding joy in simple things. When our kids were young, we celebrated Advent most evenings with candles, Bible verses, and a song – usually sung slightly out of tune. Each year, we would also read Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We would laugh at the chaos the Herdman children caused, but it really reminded us to look at the story of Jesus’s birth through the eyes of children who didn’t know about him.
The six Herdmans – Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys – were the terror of the town. They lied, bullied, smoked cigars, set fires, and caused trouble everywhere. But one year, they heard about the church Christmas pageant and were curious, so they arrived for the first rehearsal. They knew nothing about Jesus and asked all kinds of questions. They also proceeded to volunteer for all the main parts.
The night of the pageant, everyone was waiting to see what disaster would unfold. But Ralph and Imogene, being Joseph and Mary, come in quietly, looking quite unsure of themselves. They were a little dirty and rumpled. Imogene burps the baby Jesus doll as she puts him in the manger. Then Gladys, as the Angel of the Lord, announces with authority – “Hey! Unto you a child is born!” The young boys who were the shepherds really are afraid – that Gladys might kick them. The wise men, Leroy, Claude and Ollie, arrive carrying a gift. It wasn’t the decorated jars of perfume and oil, but a gift that really meant something to them. They placed the ham from their charity Christmas basket by the manger. As the pageant ends with everyone singing Silent Night, Imogene begins to cry, picks up baby Jesus and holds him close.
This fictional, very human story, kind of like a parable, makes us stop and think. How can we approach Christmas in the best way – not a perfect, over-the-top, or hurried way – but simply and with joy?
Like Ralph and Imogene, we are all lost and rumpled, but we can come to our Savior humbly and in awe of God’s perfect plan. He will give us true joy. Read Luke 2:19-20
Like Leroy, Claude, and Ollie, we might not have amazing gifts to give. We can bring what we do have, giving from our hearts with joy and generosity. Read Matthew 2:9-11
Best of all, like Gladys, we can joyfully proclaim and share with others who do not know the Good News of our Savior! Read Romans 10: 8-18
May you find a new sense of wonder and joy this Christmas – just focusing on Jesus, God’s most precious gift to us.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Silent Night
WEEK THREE: LOVE - December 15-21
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 1: GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS
GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS
READ: Exodus 34:6; Psalm 25:7, 136; Titus 3:4-7
Anyone who has learned a foreign language knows that there are just some things that get lost in translation. No matter how diligently you try, there are inevitably some words or idioms that just lose the richness of their meaning when shifting from one language to the next.
This is especially true for one of the most used words for love in the Old Testament, featured about 248 times. In Hebrew, Hesed (חֶ֫סֶד), is a word layered with meaning. It is most commonly translated into English as lovingkindness, loyal love, steadfast love, mercy, or Covenant faithfulness. It expresses the compassion, unmerited favor, and sacrificial love of God toward His people. It is a lavish outpouring of His emotion embodied in action. It is love with grit.
It is this very concept of HESED that God, himself, uses to describe His own character. While cutting a covenant with Moses and the people of Israel, in Exodus 34:6: “The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, ‘The Lord! the Lord! a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.’”
Because HESED is embedded in God’s nature, it is not surprising that He continually demonstrates loyal love toward His people. In Psalm 136, there is a continual refrain of “His love (hesed) endures forever.” The Psalm reminds us that at every step of His people’s journey, God’s lovingkindness has never and will never fail them. His love truly endures.
This type of love is not limited to the love of God toward humanity; however, as several people in the Old Testament are said to have demonstrated HESED to others: Rahab the prostitute toward the spies; Ruth toward Naomi; Boaz toward Ruth; David toward Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son; etc. These heroes of the faith remind us that true followers of God emulate Him by regularly demonstrating lovingkindness to others.
Although the Hebrew word HESED is not found in the Greek New Testament, the concept and expression of love certainly is. It is usually equated with the word for mercy. Jesus, himself, personifies this mercy that acts in loving ways. Titus 3:4-7 says, “ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Lovingkindness
READ: Exodus 34:6; Psalm 25:7, 136; Titus 3:4-7
Anyone who has learned a foreign language knows that there are just some things that get lost in translation. No matter how diligently you try, there are inevitably some words or idioms that just lose the richness of their meaning when shifting from one language to the next.
This is especially true for one of the most used words for love in the Old Testament, featured about 248 times. In Hebrew, Hesed (חֶ֫סֶד), is a word layered with meaning. It is most commonly translated into English as lovingkindness, loyal love, steadfast love, mercy, or Covenant faithfulness. It expresses the compassion, unmerited favor, and sacrificial love of God toward His people. It is a lavish outpouring of His emotion embodied in action. It is love with grit.
It is this very concept of HESED that God, himself, uses to describe His own character. While cutting a covenant with Moses and the people of Israel, in Exodus 34:6: “The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, ‘The Lord! the Lord! a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.’”
Because HESED is embedded in God’s nature, it is not surprising that He continually demonstrates loyal love toward His people. In Psalm 136, there is a continual refrain of “His love (hesed) endures forever.” The Psalm reminds us that at every step of His people’s journey, God’s lovingkindness has never and will never fail them. His love truly endures.
This type of love is not limited to the love of God toward humanity; however, as several people in the Old Testament are said to have demonstrated HESED to others: Rahab the prostitute toward the spies; Ruth toward Naomi; Boaz toward Ruth; David toward Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son; etc. These heroes of the faith remind us that true followers of God emulate Him by regularly demonstrating lovingkindness to others.
Although the Hebrew word HESED is not found in the Greek New Testament, the concept and expression of love certainly is. It is usually equated with the word for mercy. Jesus, himself, personifies this mercy that acts in loving ways. Titus 3:4-7 says, “ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Lovingkindness
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 2: LOVING OTHERS IN HUMILITY
LOVING OTHERS IN HUMILITY
READ: John 13:34
JOHN 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
During this season of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and joy, for we celebrate THE extraordinary event that changed the course of human history. But when it comes to Christmas, and the birth of Christ, we don’t normally consider the sacrifice that Christ made in the incarnation and the sacrifice Christ would ultimately make on our behalf. We don’t take the time to reflect on the significance of this miraculous event and the ramifications it has on humankind.
Jesus’ birth, life, and death, were marked by humble circumstances. He was born in a meager setting, to an ordinary young couple, in a small town. Not one detail would even hint at His birth being that of a King. The humility of these details proclaims a powerful message about the nature of God’s love.
God’s love is not distant. It is not arrogant. It is not selective. His love is not some abstract thought to be understood. God’s love is real. It is tangible. It is accessible. It is available to all people - regardless of their social status, familial background, skin pigmentation, etc.
The announcement of His birth was extended to the poor and lowly shepherds, as well as the wise Magi from the East. All of these things, and many more, show how God expresses His love in humility to us. God’s love isn’t about power or prestige. It’s about serving others and being present in their struggles and time of need.
The birth of Christ represents God's ultimate act of love and His desire to be intimately present in relationship with His creation. As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace the truth that God is not a distant deity but a loving Father who drew near to us. Let us respond in kind and love others as He has loved us.
PRAYER POINTS:
DEVOTIONAL SONG: This is Love
READ: John 13:34
JOHN 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
During this season of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and joy, for we celebrate THE extraordinary event that changed the course of human history. But when it comes to Christmas, and the birth of Christ, we don’t normally consider the sacrifice that Christ made in the incarnation and the sacrifice Christ would ultimately make on our behalf. We don’t take the time to reflect on the significance of this miraculous event and the ramifications it has on humankind.
Jesus’ birth, life, and death, were marked by humble circumstances. He was born in a meager setting, to an ordinary young couple, in a small town. Not one detail would even hint at His birth being that of a King. The humility of these details proclaims a powerful message about the nature of God’s love.
God’s love is not distant. It is not arrogant. It is not selective. His love is not some abstract thought to be understood. God’s love is real. It is tangible. It is accessible. It is available to all people - regardless of their social status, familial background, skin pigmentation, etc.
The announcement of His birth was extended to the poor and lowly shepherds, as well as the wise Magi from the East. All of these things, and many more, show how God expresses His love in humility to us. God’s love isn’t about power or prestige. It’s about serving others and being present in their struggles and time of need.
The birth of Christ represents God's ultimate act of love and His desire to be intimately present in relationship with His creation. As we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace the truth that God is not a distant deity but a loving Father who drew near to us. Let us respond in kind and love others as He has loved us.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Spend some time reflecting on how you can love others, in humility, right where you are today.
- Pray and ask God to show you who in your life needs to be loved and how to love them.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: This is Love
WEEK FOUR: PEACE - December 22-25
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 1: PEACE IN CHRIST
PEACE IN CHRIST
READ: Isaiah 6:10, 9:6-7; Ephesians 2:14; Revelation 11:15
ISAIAH 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
With Christmas just a few days away, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, tired, and ready for the season to end. Traffic has been bad, perhaps your family has had a little too much time together, and you just need a little Peace. On the other hand, maybe this season has been a very sweet time for you. Perhaps you’re enjoying the time with your family, you’ve enjoyed the cold weather and warm fireplace, and you want these moments of Peace to last forever.
Whether this Christmas season is marked by the presence of Peace or the absence of it, it is good to remember that this is only a season. A moment in time that is sure to pass.
However, unlike the Christmas season, there is coming a day in which Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace won't just be weeks of Advent, but will be an everlasting reality.
As I reflect on this week’s theme of Peace, I am reminded of a prophet who saw the future Peace coming to the earth in a season of His life in which Peace seemed impossible. Isaiah spent His life watching Israel decline spiritually and physically. He was known for prophesying to a people who were deaf and blind to the Word of God (Isaiah 6:10). Yet even in this season of history, He prophesied of a day in which Peace will reign upon the earth. This Peace won’t be a momentary season bound to pass. Instead, this Peace will be a Prince, the ruler of the Heavenly Kingdom that will have no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).
While Isaiah may not have seen this reality in His time on earth, as New Testament believers, we have begun to see the dawn of this reality. Jesus Christ the Son of God, the one whom we celebrate this Christmas season, is the Prince of Peace Isaiah saw so many years before. Through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus has become our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). His reign has begun and someday we will get to enjoy the full reality of His reign for eternity (Revelation 11:15).
As this Christmas season comes to an end, I pray that you take time to rest in the presence of the Prince of Peace. I pray that you will find Peace in Christ in each moment, no matter what season you are in.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Prince of Peace
READ: Isaiah 6:10, 9:6-7; Ephesians 2:14; Revelation 11:15
ISAIAH 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
With Christmas just a few days away, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, tired, and ready for the season to end. Traffic has been bad, perhaps your family has had a little too much time together, and you just need a little Peace. On the other hand, maybe this season has been a very sweet time for you. Perhaps you’re enjoying the time with your family, you’ve enjoyed the cold weather and warm fireplace, and you want these moments of Peace to last forever.
Whether this Christmas season is marked by the presence of Peace or the absence of it, it is good to remember that this is only a season. A moment in time that is sure to pass.
However, unlike the Christmas season, there is coming a day in which Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace won't just be weeks of Advent, but will be an everlasting reality.
As I reflect on this week’s theme of Peace, I am reminded of a prophet who saw the future Peace coming to the earth in a season of His life in which Peace seemed impossible. Isaiah spent His life watching Israel decline spiritually and physically. He was known for prophesying to a people who were deaf and blind to the Word of God (Isaiah 6:10). Yet even in this season of history, He prophesied of a day in which Peace will reign upon the earth. This Peace won’t be a momentary season bound to pass. Instead, this Peace will be a Prince, the ruler of the Heavenly Kingdom that will have no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).
While Isaiah may not have seen this reality in His time on earth, as New Testament believers, we have begun to see the dawn of this reality. Jesus Christ the Son of God, the one whom we celebrate this Christmas season, is the Prince of Peace Isaiah saw so many years before. Through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection, Jesus has become our Peace (Ephesians 2:14). His reign has begun and someday we will get to enjoy the full reality of His reign for eternity (Revelation 11:15).
As this Christmas season comes to an end, I pray that you take time to rest in the presence of the Prince of Peace. I pray that you will find Peace in Christ in each moment, no matter what season you are in.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Prince of Peace
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 2: PEACE BE WITH YOU
PEACE BE WITH YOU
READ: Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:26-38; John 14:27
As we conclude our Advent journey this week, we celebrate Jesus's birth and our Messiah's fulfillment. Advent gives us a time to refocus our attention on the singular emphasis of the season – Jesus. But, if you're anything like me, sometimes our
attention goes elsewhere.
There is so much to do. Presents still need to be bought, gatherings need to be planned, and stockings need to be hung. It all seems so overwhelming. The Christmas season should usher in a time of Peace, yet we anxiously rush. Yet, even in our stress, Scripture promises the Peace of God can and will abide in each of us.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for Peace is Shalom. At its base, shalom means complete or whole. So, when situations shattered, when life took a turn, Shalom was gone. However, the prophet Isaiah looked for a Prince of Shalom who would make an everlasting covenant of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
In the first few pages of the New Testament, we learn that Jesus's birth is the birth of Peace, and he wants to share this Peace with you, too. This Peace is not based on circumstances or feelings. Rather, it is a covenant of unending Peace only found in the Savior.
This week's passage shares that Mary and Joseph understood the anxious emotions when their lives turned upside down. In Luke 1:26-38, we learn of the Angel Gabriel sharing a life-changing message with Mary that she would bear a son. Confusion and worry engulfed the situation until Gabriel said, "Peace be with you." The Peace of God is far surpassing anything we can comprehend. You can personally experience the same Peace this Christmas season. You can trust He is in control and has a plan for you.
Today, amid the hustle and bustle of the season, we can take refuge in Jesus' words in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
PRAYER POINT:
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Peace Has Come
READ: Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:26-38; John 14:27
As we conclude our Advent journey this week, we celebrate Jesus's birth and our Messiah's fulfillment. Advent gives us a time to refocus our attention on the singular emphasis of the season – Jesus. But, if you're anything like me, sometimes our
attention goes elsewhere.
There is so much to do. Presents still need to be bought, gatherings need to be planned, and stockings need to be hung. It all seems so overwhelming. The Christmas season should usher in a time of Peace, yet we anxiously rush. Yet, even in our stress, Scripture promises the Peace of God can and will abide in each of us.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for Peace is Shalom. At its base, shalom means complete or whole. So, when situations shattered, when life took a turn, Shalom was gone. However, the prophet Isaiah looked for a Prince of Shalom who would make an everlasting covenant of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
In the first few pages of the New Testament, we learn that Jesus's birth is the birth of Peace, and he wants to share this Peace with you, too. This Peace is not based on circumstances or feelings. Rather, it is a covenant of unending Peace only found in the Savior.
This week's passage shares that Mary and Joseph understood the anxious emotions when their lives turned upside down. In Luke 1:26-38, we learn of the Angel Gabriel sharing a life-changing message with Mary that she would bear a son. Confusion and worry engulfed the situation until Gabriel said, "Peace be with you." The Peace of God is far surpassing anything we can comprehend. You can personally experience the same Peace this Christmas season. You can trust He is in control and has a plan for you.
Today, amid the hustle and bustle of the season, we can take refuge in Jesus' words in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
PRAYER POINT:
- Take some time to pray as a family. Ask God to bring you Peace this Christmas season.
DEVOTIONAL SONG: Peace Has Come
Advent Devotional Spotify Playlist
Enjoy listening to songs that accompany the Advent Devotionals featured in the booklet.
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