December 7
“Birthdays,” by Maddie Pritchett
Birthday are for presents.
Of this you can't deny.
But the one with Holy presence,
He knew He had to die.
He lived every day
Knowing He'd give his life,
But He went on anyway
Pushing through the strife.
On His birthday
The world was saved,
He gave you your life.
And for your ways
He did pay
Though it hurt like a knife.
And so today
Don't forget to pray
And thank Him for the way
He saved your soul
At such a toll
And gave you this day.
December 6
“Experiencing Christ during such a busy time…” by Leslie Garcia
This is something that I find increasing harder each year. It feels like every year there is more and more to get done, more to buy, more places to go. It seems that it gets harder each year to just sit back and remember the true "reason for the season"…
As a family we have decided to make a few commitments that we will honor during December so that we do our part to remember the "reason for the season"….
Brian:
Makes a commitment to purchase a Christmas devotional for the family to read and participate in each day during the month of December.
Grace:
Makes a commitment that we will pray together as a family before bed each night in December.
Graham:
Makes a commitment to make a poster to hang in our home the month of December that says, "Jesus is the reason for the season" to remind us each day to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Leslie;
I make a commitment to SLOW DOWN. Worry less about the cleanliness of the house, the things on my calendar, finding the perfect gift… and spend time with my family and friends celebrating the true reason we have this amazing season.
Ally:
Ally is going to read us a little something about Jesus each day that she is here with us.
Dear God, thank you for the giving us such an amazing season. Thank you for family and friends and our wonderful church. Please help us all to take a little bit of time each day to slow down and enjoy all the gifts you have given us.
Amen.
December 5
“Wonderful Christmas News,” by Becky Proctor
Hospitals are open 365 days a year. People don’t choose when they get sick or injured. And they need care regardless of the date on the calendar. As an ICU nurse, I was always disappointed when I had to work on Christmas Day rather than be with my family.
One Christmas, I went in to work and was taking care of a woman with a severe head injury, who had been in the ICU in a coma for several weeks. Her husband was at home with their 5 children, trying to make Christmas as normal as possible without mom. At one point in the day, I went into the room and though she had had her eyes open before, now she was focusing on me. I went over to her side and said “hi!” After being unresponsive for weeks, it took my breath away. I was thrilled to be able to give her family the wonderful news on such a special day.
Though I was not able to spend the day with my family, I felt that I was where I needed to be. I felt the spirit of Christmas in the miracle that I experienced that day.
Dear God, help us to be mindful that you are present in all times and spaces in our lives. Open our eyes to those moments that take our breath away, and we know that you are among us. Amen.
December 4, 2nd Sunday of Advent
“Christmas Day,” by Ed Ice
The table is set
The presents all bared
The joys of the children
With everyone shared
Loved ones all gathered
Tho some are away
For miles apart
On this Christmas Day
We keep in our mind
Of the happiness we sing
Of why we’ve all gathered
To honor the newborn King
Tho the children are joyful
We miss those not here
Sharing joy and love
And Christmas cheer
Jesus was born
For us to rejoice
The love in our hearts
Ring out from one family voice
Keep close to the heart
Our loved ones away
And remember why they call this
Christmas Day
December 3
“Simeon,” by Rev. Corey Howard
Luke 2:25-35: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah…. The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too”
I really like Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. He gives us so much backstory and pulls in relatives and strangers to give us a great picture of the birth of this Child. We get to see the parallels in the birth of John and Jesus, we see the extended family preparing for these children, we see Mary’s transition from fear to excitement.
And we see Simeon. He’s an interesting character. The story tells us he was a good guy, righteous and devout. He had been eagerly awaiting this child’s birth. And after all that waiting, he finally gets to see Jesus. Now, I imagine this would be a pretty joyous occasion. He is clued in that this child Jesus is going to be a big deal. The Messiah, even. He knows this. But what does he tell Mary? Reading over what he said, I think it is safe to say that Simeon maybe wasn’t the best guy for breaking the news. I’m guessing he wasn’t a spokesperson by trade. Instead of “oohing and ahhing” over the new baby like most people are prone to do, he gives Mary some unsettling news. He essentially says “Hey, um, Mary… your child is, well, he’s going to do some amazing things, but some people aren’t really going to like him and it’s going to end badly for you.” Um… thanks?
I wonder how Mary reacted. Scripture doesn’t tell us. When we think about the ordeal Mary had already endured up to that point- getting pregnant without being married (by God, no less), social stigma, trying to figure out if Joseph was going to leave her, dealing with divine visitors, etc., I wonder if she just let it slide, rolling with the punches. Given how crazy her life had recently become, it was probably just another day in the crazy life she was living. Maybe she was just so excited and focused on this new child that it didn’t bother her.
Maybe that’s how we should be. Despite the crazy circumstances we face, the busy-ness of our lives, the problems and troubles and hurdles, despite all those things, perhaps we need to remain focused on the Advent season and the celebration of this Christ child. Perhaps we need to bask in the excitement and celebration of the Messiah. Mary’s life was completely changed by this Child. May ours be as well.
“God, may we remain focused on the beauty and celebration of this Advent season and the coming of the Christ child. Help us to ignore potential distractions and focus on the wonder that you would dwell among us, our Immanuel.”
December 2
“Christmas thoughts on Jesus and St. Nick” by Steve Metternich
St. Nick comes once per year...
Jesus is always present.
St. Nick requires you to stand in line to see.....
Jesus is waiting for the mention of His name.
St. Nick invites you to sit on his lap.....
Jesus embraces you in His arms.
St. Nick doesn't know your name and asks for it....
Jesus knows us before birth, current and future.
St. Nick has a belly like jelly......
Jesus is full of love.
St. Nick doesn't want you to 'cry'......
Jesus wants you to 'cast all your cares' on Him.
St. Nick's elves make the toys....
Jesus makes our lives new.
St. Nick offers a jolly 'Ho, ho, ho'.....
Jesus offers health, help and hope.
St. Nick may give you a chuckle.....
Jesus gives you joy that is your strength.
St. Nick gets around in a sleigh.....
Jesus rides on the wind and walks on water.
St. Nick comes down your chimney when he wants.....
Jesus enters your heart when invited.
St. Nick leaves your stockings filled with goodies....
Jesus supplies all needs.
St. Nick leaves gifts under the tree.....
Jesus is our gift.
St. Nick live at the North Pole......
JESUS IS EVERYWHERE!!!!
“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)
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as
my Saviour. Bring peace to the world this Christmas and help me to be the kind of person You want
me to be. Amen
December 1
“Christ is the Light of the World”
By Shirley Martin
Christ’s light means the world to me:
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
This song was written in 1719 and later some parts and phrases were used in Handel’s, The Messiah, first performed in 1742. The song emphasizes the reverent joy that Christ’s birth brought to mankind. The entire Advent season is filled with rejoicing as we renew God’s great gift, His son Jesus Christ.
Christmas is a special time for me and my family. Every year we have a big family Christmas dinner and exchange grab bag gifts. We get pretty excited about the gifts but we share that excitement by talking and praying about God’s precious gift. Imagine being a shepherd in a quiet field and suddenly one night the sky is lit with angels and singing filled the air. An angel announced that a very precious gift had just come for them - baby Jesus. They left their sheep and went to Bethlehem to find Him. God sent Jesus to earth for the shepherds, for you, for me, and for everyone else. My family shares in the excitement about God’s precious gift every year. My world with God is constant in everything I do and I can describe God’s world to me in the last verse of the Christmas song Joy To The World.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove;
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your continued grace. Help me fulfill Your plan for my life and give me a heart to hear Your voice.