Preface
Advent
Bro. David Rice “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalms 34:8
If there ever was a season that tempts our taste buds with platters of delicious delicacies and entices our eyes with palates of colors and lights, it’s Christmas. What you are holding in your hands is a tool to assist you to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. The goodness of the Lord revealed in the tiny village of Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and ultimately some wise men. Each one of those believing that the God of heaven had come to save His people, embodied in the infant/toddler Jesus. Each one convinced through divine revelation that God was entering the world of time and space as a human to do what Moses attempted to do, to set the people of God free. May this devotional guide you and your family through this season to greater awareness of Jesus Christ. May we all join in the chorus of the Christmas hymn: “Glory to the newborn king” for He was born to reign.
-2-
Advent
NOVEMBER 28
Hope: “A Tent of Grace”
I regularly use a prayer resource called “The Valley of Vision.” It contains prayers from an era of beautifully crafted petitions written by believers mining deep into the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. There is a section near the end for ministers, one of those prayers is entitled “A Minister’s Confession.” Near the middle of this thoughtful reflection on the minister’s weaknesses, the writer says, “But thou dost show thy power by my frailty, so that the more feeble I am, the more fit to be used, for thou dost pitch a tent of grace
in my weakness.”
In the nativity story we find Jesus born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, a tiny village that plays a big role in the plan of God. A thousand years earlier it had been the birthplace of a shepherd boy who would become Israel’s king. During Jesus’ angelic birth announcement, it was called the “City of David.” Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, both humble and renown, mirrors the frailty and the future of his own life in the flesh and looks forward to our salvation. The apostle Paul says that “we have this treasure (salvation) in jars of clay.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) In the Bible “clay” symbolizes the fragility and weakness of humanity. Why would God place such a treasure in something so fragile? “To show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us,” for “His power is made perfect in my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) God’s glory is seen clearly in the display of His grace amid the apparent frailty of my humanity. That is my hope, that despite my failings and disappointing conditions, God is at work for His Glory.
-3-
Advent Hope
John Alvarez Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. (Psalms 25:4-6) When our children are born, we have hopes and dreams for them. We go to the first day of kindergarten’s Boo-Hoo Breakfast at school … where some moms (and dads) actually boo-hoo. Then we attend the middle school orientation with more hope for our children’s learning. After three short years we find ourselves in a high school hallway wondering where the time went. Another Parent’s Day orientation, praying and hoping they gain the knowledge they need.
-4-
NOVEMBER 29
Then the big one: we attend parent orientation at a university. We went to four different ones (some of you did more than that). In many cases, they graduate and begin adulting; however, recently we attended Family Day with Ivan at LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine. That was exciting. Ivan still has a long way to go, but as parents our prayer and hope for each of our children doesn’t ever change. The truth is that Steph and I turned our four children over to the Lord a long time ago. We knew that as parents we do the best we can at that moment; however, our hope and faith has been in our God, our Savior, all day long. We are not perfect parents by any means; we make mistakes. But we know that our God doesn’t. So — when the Lord gave us these amazing gifts, we wanted (and still want) the best for them. The best is found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Where do you place your faith, trust and hope today?
-5-
Advent
Hope
John Albritton The hope we have as Christians represents more than the anticipated hereafter with God. We understand that hope means a desire for something with confident expectation of its fulfillment (1). Our hope is in the presence of God in our daily lives through Christ. David tells us to “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” (Psalms 62:5) And from the 23rd Psalms: “I will fear no evil for you are with me.” We face the struggles of daily life feeling we are alone, but we should draw on the strength provided by God with the Holy Spirit.
-6-
NOVEMBER 30
This is based on Paul’s writing in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Drawing on this “overflow” can be a real test of faith if we start with the premise, we are alone. Remembering Paul tells us “…the Spirit helps us in our weakness…” and “… the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26,27) Our hope is not a future event. Our hope is the constant presence of God giving us strength. (1) Life Application Study Bible Dictionary
-7-
Advent Hope
Christian Burney We hear these phrases all the time; “I sure hope so” or “we can only hope.” What do those exclamations really mean? In a worldly context we think of hope as something “to wish for without assurance or certainty of fulfillment.” Basically, I have no idea if this is going to go the way I want it to. In the best-case scenario, hope is usually an unsure optimism based on nothing concrete. However, the biblical definition of hope is quite the opposite. Hope is often translated from the Greek words elpis or elpizo; meaning expectation, trust, and confidence. In other words, hope is an expectation of what is guaranteed, or anticipation of future events that are certain to come (Paul eloquently articulates this in Romans 8:18-25). How is it possible that the worldly and Christian definitions of hope could be so different?
-8-
DECEMBER 1
For that answer, it is important to realize that biblical hope is rooted in faith. (Hebrews 11:1) says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Also, as we see in (Romans 8:24), “For in hope we have been saved…”; you cannot have one without the other. We, as Christians, can be so confident in our hope because it is built on the foundation of our faith—God! In other words, our hope is looking forward to the future expecting something will happen because God is in control. Additionally, assurance that our Heavenly Father is in control has no bearing on outcomes. How often have we seen worldly hope turn into resentment/fear/anger because the outcome wasn’t what we were wanting? The fear and uncertainty when our hope is based on wishful circumstances can be overwhelming. That is not God’s plan for our life. He asks that our hope be rooted in our faith and ultimately at his feet, as seen in (Psalms 130:5). I love how John Piper defines hope: “Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass.” So, the next time someone asks you what Christian hope means, try answering with “unwavering assurance and confidence.” What a great way to go start a conversation about the God who can turn wishful thinking into a certain tomorrow!
-9-
Advent Hope
Gloria Bozeman When I was eight years old, we walked to my aunt’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve. I was so excited! We were going to spend the evening eating and exchanging gifts with our family. I knew I would receive something special from my aunt because she had asked me what I wanted for Christmas: A “Uneeda” walking baby doll with real hair. When we arrived at my aunt’s house, I rushed over to the Christmas tree to see if I could “spy” a large gift with my name on it. I saw it, and I was so hopeful that I could barely eat, but I waited.
- 10 -
DECEMBER 2
As my aunt passed out presents, I ripped open my box, but there was no doll. Instead, it was a little red dress. She was so proud when I opened my gift, but I was so disappointed that I nearly cried. I had hoped for a Uneeda baby doll. Didn’t she remember that? It’s been many years since I was that child “without [any] hope and without God” (Ephesians 2:12 NIV). My only hope then was in a baby doll. Now as an adult, “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits [for a different kind of baby], and in His word I put [all] my hope” (Psalms 130:5 NIV). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace [during this season] as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).
- 11 -
Advent Hope
Dave Baker Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith”; it contains 15 individuals by name, as well as a number of unnamed prophets. Hebrews 11:1 begins, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Though hope is mentioned only once while faith is mentioned 27 times, they are inextricably linked. Some in scripture were fortunate enough to see what they hoped for materialize--Simon in Luke 2:2 had been waiting to see Jesus before he died, and what he had hoped for occurred when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated.
- 12 -
DECEMBER 3
A few verses later, Luke 2:36 finds Anna, a widow for over 60 years who had been fasting, praying, and hoping to see the One who would redeem Israel. She was also able to have her hope realized. But they were the rare exceptions. Hebrews 11:13 says, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised. They only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” Yet they did not give up hope; they relied on their faith. Their hopes were not dashed. And while Christmas is often looked forward to with eager anticipation by many, some will be facing it without a cherished loved one, others will deal with a bad medical diagnosis, and still others will face issues with relationships or finances. Let us see these as “light and momentary afflictions which are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthains 4:17). Let’s be sensitive to those struggling this season and strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus using our time, talents, and treasure in the lives of others.
- 13 -
Advent Joy
John Walker We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3) World War II was almost over before America got into it. By May of 1940, the German advance into France was so brutally fast that it trapped 338,000 Allied soldiers on the shores of Dunkirk without any means of rescue at their disposal. The bulk of those soldiers constituted most of Britain’s fighting ground forces. With no chance of resisting the German advance, their defeat would have forced Great Britain to surrender to Hitler, leaving America to fight Japan and Germany virtually alone.
- 14 -
DECEMBER 4
But for the success of Operation Dynamo, a much worse WWII outcome would most likely have been the result for the world. Over the span of 9 days, the British civilians joined with the Royal Navy and evacuated the trapped soldiers. For those French and British soldiers trapped on the beach, with dwindling water, food, and medicine, hope was placed in the British people’s willingness to rescue them at any cost. This hope fueled the soldiers’ resolve to endure and not give in to despair. Our world today is not unlike that of this past chapter in history. Evil has crept across the landscape of our society through the mediums of social media, television, and internet. Streamed programs of godlessness have infiltrated our lives, especially the lives of our children. While the temptation is to give in, God has called us to a higher citizenship of heaven. He calls for us to live by faith, to let love be the focus of our labor, and to endure because of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Yes, modern culture’s definition of what Christmas means is a far cry from truth, but that doesn’t mean we are to despair on the beaches. It is a reminder that only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Refresh your hope in Him and refuel your resolve to live for Him today! (1 Peter 1:13; Romans 5:3-5; John 14:6)
- 15 -
Advent Joy
Amy Ricketts “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 When it comes to celebrating Christmas, people are generally split into two categories: those who start humming Christmas music as fall begins and excitedly browsing the holiday decorations that Hobby Lobby puts out before Halloween, and those who grumble about how the tree shouldn’t be put up until after Thanksgiving. For some, the holidays are a non-stop time of joy, filled with twinkling lights and nostalgic traditions. For others, Christmas can be painful as it brings up hard memories, difficult situations, emotional issues, and more.
- 16 -
DECEMBER 5
No matter how you feel about this season, there are probably times in your life when you don’t feel like giving joy, feeling joy, or showing joy. To be commanded (not suggested, but commanded) to rejoice always can seem impossible. And it would be impossible if we were supposed to be rejoicing according to our circumstances. But instead, Paul says to “Rejoice in the Lord.” No matter what my circumstances are – no matter what the world has hit me with or what others have done to me – I have my Jesus. I can feel sadness for my circumstances, but I can still find joy in my relationship with the One who saved me. I can rejoice in the Lord. The angel proclaimed this in Luke, announcing the coming of Jesus: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Jesus had arrived, bringing with Him a priceless gift: the ability to have a direct relationship with the One who would save us. And we can all agree to rejoice to that. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- 17 -
Advent Joy
Nicky Nix “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 We all love getting good news. Sometimes we get unexpected good news, and other times we anxiously wait for it. Getting it is always a great thing. But this one time, at the time of the birth of Jesus, it was the best news ever. For all time. And, luckily for us, for all people. Good tidings of great joy. There is a television show which has run for a few years called Alone. The premise is that several people are taken to an extremely remote location with very few clothes, tools, and utensils, but no food or water. They are in the same vicinity, but not close to each other. Each of them is “alone” and must find food and water and build a shelter. The locations are places like the Arctic; all harsh, hard, and dangerous. The winner is the one that can tough it out the longest without “tapping out.”
- 18 -
DECEMBER 6
Last season, after one of the participants had gone several days without food, he finally caught a fish. To say he was happy was a complete understatement. He yelled, he was thankful, he smiled, laughed, cried, danced, fell down to his knees, got up, and did it all again. To me, he was really overselling the whole thing. Yes, he was hungry. I get it. But all of that? Yes, it is true, he was happy. But as I thought about, he was more than happy. It was a deeper, more serious feeling. Then I figured it out. He was not reacting to the fish because of his hunger. He could have tapped out any time and had a full meal. No. The fish meant that he could eat, and, therefore, he could stay and not tap out. In more general terms, it meant that it was all going to be okay. The angel was telling the shepherds that the birth of Jesus meant it was all going to be okay. Yes, this is an oversimplification. But as creations of God, yet apart from him, what greater thing for us than to know that it was all going to be okay? This One being born would provide a way that we could be reunited with our Creator, our Father, the One who loves us more than any other. Great joy for all people. Joy is the result of knowing the essence of our being is going to be okay. More than okay. It’s all going to be as wonderful as God has planned. No matter the circumstances, the highs and the lows, the happy or the difficult; those who have accepted the gift offered by Jesus can have joy. More than happiness. We can have the hope, the assurance, the happiness, the comfort of knowing that in Jesus, it’s all going to be okay. Great joy. What is better than that?
- 19 -
Advent Joy
Glynn Leach And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of GREAT JOY that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) 2021 has been some kind of year for me and my family. I have experienced emotions on both ends of the spectrum. Now they were not angels, but I had a couple of major announcements this year!
- 20 -
DECEMBER 7
Sitting on my front porch enjoying a nice evening with my wife, I received a phone call from my mother informing me that my dad had gone to be with the Lord. A few weeks earlier, I was sitting in my chair visiting with my daughter, and she announced that I will soon be a Grandpa! Now, those two statements bring about completely different emotions! Or do they? As I reflect on these two emotions, I remember the JOY that overcame me when my daughter announced the birth of a grandchild. I also remember the sadness that engulfed me with the death of my dad. But as I look back…I believe I experienced TRUE JOY! Because of the birth of our Savior, I could have TRUE JOY in both! Jesus had to be born on this earth in order to die, so that we could have eternal life with Him! Yes, there is going to be JOY when that grandchild arrives, and I am excited for that season. But because Jesus showed up here on earth, there is also GREAT JOY in knowing that my dad is with Him now, and I will see him again! That is why I am so thankful for that GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY…JESUS!
- 21 -
Advent Joy
Shelly Paulk I love my kids so much. One of my favorite things to watch them do is run around outside and be free just playing! It seems so innocent and fulfilling all at the same time. Watching them be exactly who they are supposed to be during this time in their life – kids - brings my heart great joy. Ten minutes later when we come inside and get ready for dinner, I hear a crash then a scream. They begin to fight and blame the other sibling for the disaster that just happened. May I tell you, friends, this part of parenting does not always bring me joy.
- 22 -
DECEMBER 8
You see, as I have gotten older, I have learned many lessons in my life about the temporary and the eternal. The things of this world, spouse, kids, jobs, travel, will always bring us joy. But this isn’t the kind of joy that lasts very long, is it? It is the kind of joy that satisfies your heart long enough until something in life disrupts that joy and brings it to a halt. It’s temporary. 1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him, and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Y’all, this is the feeling of eternal joy. Inexpressible and Glorious are used to describe the joy and love we have for our eternal Savior. You see, that is the other side of joy where, as an adult, I have had the privilege to learn to seek and find true peace. This side of heaven the world will only bring us temporary joy. But the Lord brings us an eternal joy with the gift of salvation. I challenge you to reflect on your life and ask yourself, “Is my joy dependent upon people or is my joy from the Lord?”
- 23 -
Advent Joy
Melinda Wallace Two Trees The Garden was a place of indescribable joy. Well, the word joy isn’t actually in the creation account, but the Bible does tell us that everything God created was good. I think it’s safe to say there was no shortage of joy in Eden, but it was rather short-lived. There was a tree involved in the loss of joy for Adam and Eve…and all who would come after them. It was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and it was there that sin entered God’s perfect world, fracturing the relationship between Creator and creation. The joy of God was not stolen by sin, but man no longer had access to Him (or His joy).
- 24 -
DECEMBER 9
Fast forward to a field near Bethlehem where the angel proclaimed “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This marked the earthly arrival of God in the flesh; and with His coming, joy returned to the world. It was three decades later, however, when joy became a lasting reality for all who would trust in the atoning work of Christ on the cross. What was lost at one tree was restored at another. “In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11 [AMP]
- 25 -
Advent Joy
Mark Riser Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! (Psalms 95:1, ESV) One of my favorite experiences during the Advent season is to be with fellow believers as we sing the great songs of salvation. These songs express our joy and our hope in the coming Savior. In the Old Testament, the writer of Psalms 95 expressed his joy as he wrote three exhortations to God’s people.
- 26 -
DECEMBER 10
First, he wanted them to come. The call of the psalmist is to come together in worship. When believers lift up the name of our God and Savior, we affirm that God is worthy of our worship for His love for us (Romans 5:8). As believers come together in worship, we continue the celebration. Second, the writer wanted to hear the people sing. Singing is a vital part of our worship. Our music communicates the truth of who God is and why we should worship Him (Colossians 3:16). As believers sing, we show just a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Third, the people were to make a joyful noise. The call to sing to the Lord is to shout! Why? Because Jesus made our salvation possible through His death and resurrection. His promise is sure because it is based on His word, which is sure. As believers make a joyful noise, it is the sound of ultimate victory (Psalms 94:22). As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, join in the worship, join in the singing, and join in the joyful noise!
- 27 -
Advent Joy
Scott Ridenour So much of what has happened this year has led many of us to grasp for escape — from division, from fear, from so many different things. We yearn for freedom and, in the words of a favorite hymn, a “new and glorious morn.” So then, with so many things to rob us of our joy, how can we possibly echo the words of the Apostle Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)?
- 28 -
DECEMBER 11
The reality is, we have a choice. God gives us a joy that is impregnable. We can choose to live in anger, fear and resentment OR we can pursue the joy of Christ. But what does that look like for you and me? Joy is trusting when you want to doubt. (Isaiah 26:4; Mark 9:24) Trusting God is more than a feeling; it’s a choice to have faith in what He says even when your feelings or circumstances would have you believe something different. Joy is celebrating when you want to fear. (Luke 1:13; 1:20; 1:30; 2:8-10) What is the first thing angels say to humans? “Fear not.” Like the shepherds, we can choose joy over fear. The message is clear: we are called to rejoice. We need to pursue it; to fight for it. We need to choose God’s insurmountable gift of joy.
- 29 -
Advent Love
Kaleb Hanson Love, what is it? We love our new TV show, we love that dessert we only get on special occasions, and we even say we love our close friends! Love, the common word in all those descriptions, we use to show extreme adoration for or the intense happiness we get from the experience. However, I doubt any of us would give our lives up for many of the things we tend to put the tag of “Love” on. When God describes Himself, it tends to bring amazing and hopeful characteristics to His love. The Old Testament gives us this clear picture of God’s love, “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,”(Exodus 34:6 ESV).
- 30 -
DECEMBER 12
The God that describes Himself as abounding in steadfast love to Moses means that today He is just as overflowing and consistent with His love for us! Later on God has a different, yet complimentary description of how His love can be viewed. God, the almighty breather of creation, describes Himself like a nursing mother that will not forget her child in that time (Isaiah 49:15-16). It goes on to remind us that even if a mother, broken by sin, could forget her child, God never will! In fact, He has the name of His children etched into His palms! This love created a plan from the beginning of time to redeem us through the mosaic cumulation of God’s actions to the finale of Christ’s birth. From His birth, He showed us what true love looks like by sacrificing and raising Christ up from the grave for His glory (Ephesians 2:4-7). Love without action is quite meaningless, but I would say placing a crown on our head solely bought by the death of the King who created us is example enough. Let us dwell on that love during this Christmas season. What are some different examples of Christ’s love that are shown to be set apart from our “worldly” type of love in scripture? Do you feel this type of love from God? If not, what is standing in that way? What are some ways we can be good stewards of this type of love to our neighbors and enemies?
- 31 -
Advent Love
Patricia Chism The word love is tossed around for many reasons. Not to be indiscriminate, but we love sports, we love certain movies, we love a good book, and we love certain foods! Merriam Webster defines love as a strong affection, an attraction, an unselfish loyalty, or a concern! Love is all these definitions, but is also the joy we receive from God when we put His benefit and the benefit of others before our own! We love our neighbors as ourselves by praying for them, by interceding for them! (1 Corinthians’s 13:4-8).
- 32 -
DECEMBER 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs! Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth! It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres! Love never fails! Reading this scripture I find comparable likeness to the marriage vows between husband and wife. To the bond between parent and child, and also, most important, the union between God and His children! The sanctity of the baptism where the old self dies in the water and a new self emerges thus being the most important sacrament in Christianity as the love of God purifies the human heart! The infinite God, incarnate as Jesus, loves infinitely! His immeasurable love that showers us, His death for our sins, and His resurrection, that my friend is love! As we approach the annual religious and cultural Christmas festival, where the birth of Jesus shifts to Santa Claus and gift exchanging, let us please remember the reason for the season! That Jesus came to save his people from their sins! Enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts, remembering that all our celebrating flows from one simple truth, Jesus was born to save and He loves us!
- 33 -
Advent Love
John Harp Bryan Duncan recorded his song, Love You With My Life, which is written from Jesus’ perspective of going to extremes in order to demonstrate God’s love for the world. God, giving His Son, was extreme. What culminated at a cross and empty tomb began as God’s gift of love in a baby to a world in desperate need. One Christmas season when I was a teenager, our church presented a musical called, His Love Reaching. Yes, God reached right into our lives and planted the gift of His one and only Son to be with us. Immanuel! God with us!
- 34 -
DECEMBER 14
Even though he was a prophet of God’s judgment, I like the way Zephaniah also promises God’s deliverance for those who love Him. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT). Let those last two phrases simmer in your heart this Christmas season. “With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs!” Let your heart rejoice in the God who, in his love, is rejoicing over you!
- 35 -
Advent Love
Reece Lewing Love. What a powerful word. It’s been the inspiration of poets and artists; prince and pauper. It is complex and elusive, but so simple and familiar. But what is love, really? The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). Yes, He loves us and is loving. But it is much more than that. He IS love. Love was created by Him and inseparable from His very nature. In fact, you could say, Jesus is the very personification of love. He has created us in His image and given us this incredible gift called love!
- 36 -
DECEMBER 15
Love is an action word. We don’t just love, we love. We love because He loves. We reach out to those who are alone and say, “I will be your friend.” We become the healing hands to those who are hurting. Not really us, of course, but God who works through us. To the one who has been abandoned, God says, “I love you and I will never leave you.” To those who feel worthless, love says, “you are precious in God’s eyes.” Love says to the hopeless, “oh, there surely is hope, and let me tell you about it (John 3:16). Love says, “I will carry the load for you when you are weak. I will lead you to the Light when you are in darkness.” To our beloved, love says, “I will not leave you. I will remain faithful, even through the tough times.” Love doesn’t quit. Love gives when nothing can be given in return. So, what is love, really? God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us (Romans 5:8). Sometimes love is messy. It is impossible for us to fully grasp the ugliness of the cross. Brutality, blood, and death. But this is what love does; it transforms that same horrible cross into the most beautiful portrait of God’s love. A masterpiece that declares to the world, “I love you!” You see, we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). We can now love because Jesus showed us how.
- 37 -
Advent Love
Judy Dolese “I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with me].” John 15:9 (AMP) The first Christmas was in a simple stable. The Baby lay on straw intended for animals. The only ones aware of His birth were lowly shepherds guarding their sheep by night. The makings of a King. Fast forward through the life of that Babe, the man called Jesus. He loved the crowds who came for the miracles He performed. But they turned on Him; crucified Him. Yet He rose from the dead, testifying of His Father’s great love and His desire to save His people. The makings of a true King.
- 38 -
DECEMBER 16
A manger scene reminds us that before time began, love was poured out for us. God became a tiny Baby. The love continued as Jesus grew and demonstrated the glory of God in everything He did. Because of His death on the Cross, we don’t have to fear death. Because He rose from the dead, we have the privilege of loving Him and living in His presence forever. He is King forever. The song simply says, “Love came down at Christmas. . .” Do you truly know this glorious love? Because this is the real Christmas!
- 39 -
Advent Love
Joe Tarr There was once a father and son on their annual Christmas week fishing trip. The father noticed how unusually quiet his son was. “What’s on your mind son?” the father asked. The son replied with a quiet and nervous voice, “How do you know if you love someone?” The son was expecting to hear something about stomach butterflies, abnormal heart palpitations, or even sweaty palms. However, the father’s answer took the son off guard. “You know you truly love someone when you’re willing to give up your own life so that they can live.” There was a long pause before the son finally spoke again, “Dad, I don’t think I’m in Love.” There are two verses that come to mind when thinking about this little story.
- 40 -
DECEMBER 17
The first is John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” And the second one is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” What these two verses speak to us about God’s love is simple but profound. God’s love for us isn’t up for debate, it isn’t in question. We have a great confidence in his affection for us due to the actions he has taken in becoming a man, living a sinless life, and dying on a cross so that we might live, and live abundantly! The work of Jesus on the cross for us is God’s ultimate proof of His love for us. He may give additional proof, but He can give no greater proof. The Christmas season can be full of many uncertainties, but there is one thing that is guaranteed…we are deeply loved by God!
- 41 -
Advent Love
Marilyn Fain Thinking about the meaning of the word “Love” and it’s loose (even flip) usage in our culture today has led me to consider the impact of God’s absolutes in Holy Scripture...plain words like “never” and “all” or “always.” I have a hearty tendency to exaggerate for effect when writing and speaking...a technique when over-used, I’ve discovered, tends to dilute the impact of my pronouncements. But when in His Word our Heavenly Father speaks absolutes, He means precisely that...NEVER...ALL... ALWAYS.! No amount of human rationalization gets to water down anything that our Lord says. Simply, God says what He means, and He means what He says. While studying His Word, I practice “sitting up and taking notice” whenever I encounter there a God-proclaimed absolute - as in the familiar, beloved 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthians...that speaks so eloquently about the Advent subject at hand, Love. The eighth verse (from the Amplified Version) says, “Love never fails (it never fades nor ends). But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” Upon encountering these profound statements recorded here,
- 42 -
DECEMBER 18
I am impressed that rarely in my long life have I observed, received or offered such unwavering devotion...perhaps, a parent for its child or a child for its parent; less frequently, a spouse for the chosen one or a friend for a friend...these to the human experience, it seems to me, come closest...but at best, we love imperfectly. So what brand of Love is God’s scribe, Paul, writing about here? The answer must be, simply, the Love of God! Ahhh, but if our pattern, our model IS God, should not then our aim be to practice loving in kind? Yet, to put aside expectations of return on our own love investments does not come naturally to our self-centered flesh. And “practice” must be connected to tended relationship with God...through prayer & cultivated quiet in His Presence, Holy Spirit-guided Scripture study, and fellowship with fellow believers... in order for that Paul-described brand of love to grow and flow through us...naturally. Our world, our culture (and sometimes our own family members) are dying for wont of this Love...that we have been commissioned to share! Matthew 28:19-20. What better time than the Christmas Season when we celebrate the human birth of our Lord (Who loved each of us SO MUCH that He was willing 33 years later to go to the cross to secure our Salvation)...to practice loving like He loves: up close and personal, sharing out of our own abundance - even sacrificially, making eye contact, listening - really listening, investing not just financially but one-on-one with our time and talents. Let’s not overlook loving like Jesus in our own homes, our first mission field - up close and personal, investing time in that place...making eye contact, listening - really listening, taking time to touch, to talk, to BE with those given to our care...as well as to those whose paths cross ours as we come and as we go. “By this shall all (ALL) men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” John 13:35
- 43 -
Advent Peace
Bob Wolf Travel with me to a season of PEACE in a small house years ago where we watched our Christmas tree crash to the floor. My sister and I were terrified by what we had done. Our parents were on the way home. Then travel further back with me to another season of PEACE in a field near Bethlehem where some shepherds were terrified by an appearance of an angel, who would introduce the greatest of all gifts, the gift of PEACE.
- 44 -
DECEMBER 19
Listen to the greatest Praise Team of them all: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger was God’s greatest gift to us, the gift of PEACE; not peace as the world knows, but PEACE between God and those of us upon whom His favor rests. To miss this fundamental point is to create a world without peace. Our world will not go to the manger to see God. From terror to PEACE, the shepherds found the gift from God. From terror to PEACE, my sister and I found the gift from God too, as Mother restored the PEACE in our small house years ago. So, let’s thank our God for His gift of PEACE to those on whom His favor rests.
- 45 -
Advent Peace
Bruce Hennigan In Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah, he says: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) In the ancient Hebrew culture, a prince would be a leader among a group of people. But what does it mean to be “Prince of Peace”? At the time of Jesus’ birth, the world was far from peace. Caesar’s declared “Pax Romana” was meant to be the worldwide peace of Rome. But not long before Jesus’ birth, thousands of men were crucified along the road to Jerusalem. The nation of Israel groaned under King Herod, and they longed for peace.
- 46 -
DECEMBER 20
Peace in the Hebrew language is “shalom” and refers to an appearance of tranquility among individuals; within groups; between nations. The Greek word for peace is “eirene” and means unity and accord as an objective of the early church. The church sought such “peace” in the face of endless persecution. However, a deeper meaning of the word “Peace” is “the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God.” The ultimate peace is between a person and God. Jesus’ title “Prince of Peace” would be the ultimate title. Angels sang about peace at His birth. Peacemakers were blessed at the Sermon on the Mount. Just hours before his arrest, Jesus told His disciples that He would leave, and He would give them peace. Paul spoke of a “peace that surpasses all understanding.” What then is Peace? It means all things are well between God and His people. It brings harmony, unity, and an inner feeling of restfulness in the midst of chaos. Peace with God means a life without fear or despair. As was told by the angels two thousand years ago, only the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, can give us such peace in the midst of our troubled world. And this perfect harmony of love and an inner calmness means we rest in Christ and that peace truly surpasses any peace a human can conceive. Today, fall in worship at the feet of the Prince of Peace!
- 47 -
Advent Peace
Daniel Faulkner It’s Christmas time! But at times we don’t feel “Christmassy.” Life is not perfect. Things are not “together.” Why couldn’t life be as easy as we had planned? The boat of our lives is often rocked. This happens quite frequently, friend. Who promised that this life was going to be easy? This world was never meant to be our home (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Psalms 90:12; Hebrews 9:27). Life is short. The things we hold onto fail. (Which is why we need to be holding onto the right things.)
- 48 -
DECEMBER 21
Enter: The Good News of Peace. Jesus is that eternal peace (Ephesians 2:13-14). He is always there (John 8:48-59). He is the anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). He is the guide through every storm (Mark 4:39). He is calling that we trust and obey. And there are others (whose boats are rocked) that Christ would have us share this message with, too. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20) This is what God has been working on in me, and I hope it is some blessing to you today. Merry Christmas! Love you all, Brookwood!
- 49 -
Advent Peace
Stan Wallace At Jesus’ birth, angels announced peace on earth! (Luke 2:14) The good news of great joy is that Jesus made a way for those who believe to have peace with God! Often forgotten, though, is that Jesus also made it possible for believers to have peace with one another. Not surprisingly, we see division, hostility, and conflict in our world daily – across political, ethnic, and social lines. But sadly, the Church isn’t sheltered from these attitudes.
- 50 -
DECEMBER 22
The Gospel of Peace – In the first century Church, some Jewish Christians struggled with accepting Gentiles into the family of Faith. The apostle Paul told the Ephesian church that, not only did God (love) us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, (and make) us alive together with Christ – but He (Jesus) Himself is our peace! He has made us both (Jew and Gentile – includes every political party, tribe, tongue, and ethnicity) one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall…that He might create one new man in place of two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross…killing the hostility. (Ephesians. 2:4-5, 14-15) In His final prayer before His death, Jesus prayed that all believers would be one – and made this “horizontal” peace possible through the cross – so that the world may believe that you have sent Me. (John 17:21)
- 51 -
Advent Peace
Tracy West Every holiday season we hear Luke 2:14 “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Our society uses it to mean people make peace with other people; that is good, but it isn’t really what that verse says or means. That verse says, “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” What it is saying is that the one true, almighty God wants there to be peace on earth and that He isn’t angry with us!
- 52 -
DECEMBER 23
He wasn’t then and He isn’t now; disappointed, yes…mad, no! As much as we have done, as much as we have thought about doing and as much as we will do - the great Jehovah isn’t mad. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16. Peace, God’s goodwill & everlasting life that is for every believer! So why is it difficult for us to find peace? It shouldn’t be; all we really need is faith in God and faith in His Word! God isn’t angry with you, He loves you. So, in this holiday season, have peace.
- 53 -
Advent Peace
Ben Oliver What is peace? Is it a feeling? A state of mind? Maybe it’s just a gesture we make when taking a picture or when we dress up on 70s day? After all, “I’ve got one hand in my pocket, and the other one’s giving a peace sign.” Peace is popular. We strive for peace. We have fought for peace. Webster defines peace as “a state of tranquility or quiet.” As great as that sounds, especially living with 3 teenagers, I believe this secular definition misses the mark. Peace has got to be more than taking a nice stroll along a quiet brook or digging your feet into white sand, listening to seagulls overhead. Right?
- 54 -
DECEMBER 24
Peace is also defined as “a state or period which there is no war.” Peaceful times are the best times. Images of soldiers returning home from war to the embrace of their loved ones overwhelm our hearts and bring tears of joy to our cheeks. During war, opposing sides struggle to get their way, battling with everything they have to impose their will upon the other. Is that not similar to the scenario we have with God? We battle with Him whenever we selfishly believe our ways are best and try to impose our will upon Him who made us! So what is Peace after all if not a feeling, a tranquil state of mind, or just a brief period of time between wars? Godly peace, the peace that transcends all understanding, can only be found in one way, the same way wars end and peaceful times ensue, through surrender. For peace to be found in our lives we must surrender to God. 1 Peter 3:11 says, “They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” We must seek peace, therefore we must seek God. Merry Christmas and peace on earth!
- 55 -
Advent Peace
Bro. David Rice I have known a lot of people by many names, but I have only known one Irene. This is the name of one of my favorite people in ministry. She was the pastor’s assistant when I served in Colorado Springs, CO. She was the portrait of stability and calmness, graceful and confident. It was no surprise to me when I learned that her name means “peace.” That’s right, whenever you read peace in the New Testament you are reading the word, eirenā. We are familiar with this term’s appearance in the heavenly host’s chorus:
- 56 -
DECEMBER 25
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14) Peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is the condition that is the result of God’s favor (salvation). It is the result of knowing Him, trusting Him, and resting in Him. Consider the following verses as you meditate on “Peace”: You keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Peace equips us with joy in sorrow, hope in despair, and confidence in uncertainty.
- 57 -
PRAYERS
- 58 -
- 59 -