T

he following Advent devotionals were designed

to meet you in whatever life stage you find
yourself. The daily readings can be done on your
own or with others. You may choose to read the
devotionals with a spouse, kids, friend, or your
small group. Theyre written for personal reflection and/or
group discussion. You may choose to read in the morning,
or in the evening; at home or at work.
Likewise, the suggested activities can be done by yourself,
with a friend, your family or even with your small group.
There are no rules for how you choose to use the devotionals.
Each day has a scripture, a reading, and an application
thought for that day. We simply hope that Advent will be
a time where you find yourself drawn closer to God who
drew close to us in Jesus.

ADVENT ACTIVITIES
Here are some ideas for you to do during Advent. These activities can help

you or your family focus on the spirit of Christmas as we anticipate the birth
of Jesus.

START A TRADITION
Set up and decorate an Advent wreath for your home. Each day

throughout Advent, light the candle for that week. You can light the
candle(s) during dinner, when youre reading this devotional or even
first thing every morning as a reminder that Jesus is coming!

HELP SOMEONE IN NEED

Stand With the Valley by picking up a bag at Southwest, filling it with
non-perishable food items and returning it to the church between
December 5 - 20.

Create Grace-To-Go bags (one gallon Ziploc bags filled with socks,

soap, granola bars, water bottles, etc.) and keep them in the car to hand
out to someone in need.

LEND A HAND
Help your neighbors by putting their trash cans out, walking their dog,
washing their car or helping out in some other way.

DO SOMETHING THOUGHTFUL
Take cookies or give a greeting card to your neighbors. Include a
Christmas Eve service invitation card.

Write a note of thanks to a teacher, small group leader or mentor.

HOPE

DAY 1 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29

DAY 2 | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Hope For the Waiting

HE IS THE
G R E AT E ST G I F T
IN ALL OF
H I S T O R Y.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help

and our shield. Psalm 33:20 niv

Advent: The arrival of a notable person,

thing, or event; the coming or second
coming of Christ.

For the Church, Advent represents the

four weeks leading up to Christmas. Each week brings into focus one of

four different characteristics personified by Jesus very existence:

Hope, Love, Joy, Peace. Two thousand years ago, the Savior

of the world laid linen-swaddled in the arms of a young

mother. A tiny baby, Jesus, was an answer to prayer,

and the fulfillment of prophecy.

He is the greatest gift in all of history.

The birth of the Messiah brought hope
for this life, and hope for eternal life. As

we prepare our hearts for Christmas,

may we find comfort knowing that in

the hope-filled waiting waiting for

his return like those who waited for his

birth he is our help and he is our shield.

For Today: As Christmas approaches, is

Hope For the Weary

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings

like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 niv

The holidays can be exhausting. In general, its a stressful time filled

with events, added responsibilities, decorating, baking, gift-giving,

pressure to pay for gifts, relatives, etc. Its possible that some of us dislike
the holidays because it means seeing family members we successfully
avoid the other eleven months of the year. We start out the season

well-intentioned, but sometimes a house full of extended family is just too

much.

TURN TO THE
ONE WHO CAME
WRAPPED IN
HOPE.

Then there are those who dread the

holidays because someone is missing from

the celebration. Perhaps a loved one passed

away, or lives too far to visit. Maybe your

marriage ended, or the marriage youd

hoped for didnt happen.

Whether our weariness and exhaustion come from busyness or loss, we can

find renewed strength from the Lord. We can be confident that, when we
put our hope in God, he will give us energy and strength.

When the hustle and bustle, and maybe heartache, become too hard, turn
to the One who came wrapped in hope.

there something that makes it difficult for

For Today: At times, when we consider what weve lost, we forget about

in a simple prayer, talk to God about it. Ask him

that have brought you joy and hope. In the moments of sadness or struggle,

you to have hope? If so, take a moment, and

to help you find hope for what youre facing as you

head into the holiday season.

the ways weve been blessed by God. Make a list of some things in your life
refer to your list and thank God for his blessings.

DAY 3 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

DAY 4 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Hope in the Seeking

Hope Born of Trust

HE ISNT
HIDING,
HES WAITING.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that

Over and over again the Bible says that those

Its amazing to think that we can overflow with hope, the very thing that

we think we have to do something big to

joy and peace as we trust in him.

the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 niv

who seek after the Lord will find him. Often

gain Gods approval, when all we have to do is seek him, and put our hope
in him.

What if, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we spend more time seeking

him than seeking the best bargains? How will our relationship with Jesus
change if we stop hoping for the newest gadget, and instead put our hope
in him?

The holidays can leave us feeling wiped out, and sometimes even spiritually

dry. Maybe we cant see the Lord at work in our lives, but hes always at
work in us. We miss that when we take our focus off of him, and are
consumed with things that lack eternal value.

He isnt hiding, hes waiting. We just need to seek after him.

For Today: Think about ways you can seek after Jesus reading the Bible,
praying, singing worship songs and commit to seek after
him each day this Christmas season.

you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 niv

defines God. As though that isnt gift enough, we can also be filled with all

WE CAN ALSO
BE FILLED WITH
ALL JOY AND
PEACE AS WE
TRUST IN HIM.

All joy and peace, and an overflowing of

hope are blessings bestowed on us by the
Lord when we believe and trust in him.

Trust. A difficult thing for many people

to do. Maybe youve suffered hardships
and tragedy. Maybe youve asked God for

something, and you didnt get the answer

you were hoping for.

Maybe things seem completely out of control; we may feel out of control,
but nothing is out of Gods control. When we surrender our lives to Christ,
we do so in faith. A faith and a belief that God is who he says he is. The
Lord came to earth as a tiny baby. What else is more vulnerable? We can

trust a Savior who would do that for us. We can trust him, and then be
filled with all joy, all peace, and an overflowing of hope.

For Today: Is there something youre struggling to trust

God with this season? What is one step you can

take to demonstrate your trust in him?

DAY 5 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

DAY 6 | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

Hope is an Anchor

Hope in the Rejoicing

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19 niv
Without an anchor, a boat can drift under

THE HOPE OF
GOD WILL KEEP
US CONNECTED
S E C U R E LY
TO HIM.

the stirring of even the slightest wind. The

same can be said for us. Without the hope

of the Lord acting as an anchor for our

souls, we can easily drift off course.

An anchor isnt used to guide a boat on

the proper course, an anchor is used to

prevent a boat from drifting away from its

intended destination. An anchor will keep

a vessel held firmly to the ocean floor, and an anchor for the soul the hope
of God will keep us connected securely to him.

At times the chaos of Christmas added to the chaos of life will act as a
gentle breeze and at times, a gale-force wind. It can easily steer you off
course. That is, unless you allow God to map your journey and refuse to
anchor yourself to anything other than the Savior.

For Today: When life is especially chaotic we become

more susceptible to temptation. What is one

temptation that could steer you off
course this season?

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces

perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not
disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy
Spirit, who he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 niv

JESUS DOESNT
CALL US TO
REJOICE BECAUSE
OF OUR
SUFFERINGS,
BUT IN THE
MIDST OF THEM.

In the really, really difficult times

when our bills sit unpaid, when someone

we love passes away, when we are battling

illness, when each day is an uphill battle,

and life feels too hard to even think about
Christmas we can rejoice. Jesus doesnt

call us to rejoice because of our sufferings, but

in the midst of them.

The suffering we experience, if we let it,

will lead to perseverance and character

and hope. This world will bring trials, and we have a choice during the

difficult times. We can live in fear and worry like Mary and Joseph

experienced when they were told she would be the mother of Jesus. Or, we

can let God work through tough situations so that, when we come out on
the other side of them, were closer to him than ever before.

If suffering is inevitable, lets persevere through it and develop character.

Lets allow the suffering to mean something. Lets commit to using our
trials to grow closer to God and spread his love to others.

Then his victory in our lives will be evident, and we will have the type of
hope that comes when God pours his love into our hearts. The type of
hope that comes from rejoicing, always.

For Today: Is there a trial youre facing that you could turn into something
you can do to spread Gods love to someone else this Christmas season?

DAY 7 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Hope in the Resting

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5 niv
Have you ever sat down in a quiet place in your home on December 26th,
looked around and thought, Christmas happened? There arent any other
times during the year that can fill our calendars the way the Christmas
season can. We have office parties, family dinners, school programs, gift
exchanges, and on and on. Were so preoccupied with the tasks, we miss

the holiday altogether. As Jesus-followers, we should see Christmas as a

celebration of our Saviors birth. Instead, that sentiment can become lost
in all of the doing and the striving.

HOPE IS
RECOGNIZED
IN THE
RESTING.

As we end the first week of Advent, take time

to rest. Find a quiet spot and spend a few

minutes thanking the Lord for his grace and

his Gift. Read Luke 2:1-40, and be filled with

wonder at the power of Jesus birth. Listen to

worship music. Do something that will replace
your busyness with praise.

Whether this is your favorite season, or if this time of year is hard for you
rest. Hope is recognized in the resting.

For Today: Take a moment right now to identify one thing youre going
to do to rest. It might be something that you normally do during the

Christmas season that youll make the choice to skip, so that you can use
that same amount of time for rest. How will you be intentional about
resting in the midst of this season?

LOVE

DAY 8 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

DAY 9 | MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

The Greatest Love

Love One Another

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 niv

John 3:16 is one of the most, if not the most, recognized scriptures in the

Bible. Gods plan for all of humanity is explained in one sentence. The

sacrifice on the part of the Father, paved the way for his Sons sacrifice for
us that began with his birth.

WE CAN
EXPERIENCE
NEW LIFE,
BECAUSE JESUS
WAS BORN IN
THE FIRST PLACE.

Jesus needed to take on human flesh in

because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 niv

In the middle of all the holiday rush, we have to stop

and fervently love the people around us. We have to,

because Jesus was born love personified and we
have to because showing love to others is a reflection

of Jesus in our lives. Most importantly, were instructed to love above all.

the form of an infant because 33 years

Fervent in this scripture means to be stretched or to be strained, like

we would have the chance to believe in

called to love those around us. A love strong enough to forgive, and start

later, he would sacrifice his body so that

him, and have eternal life.

the muscles of an athlete working at full capacity. Thats how deeply were
anew.

Jesus was born to die. For us. We are so

December arrives, and everyone seems to operate on double time. Moving

good-bye to his Son so that Jesus could

levels of frustration. We can snap at our kids, or someone in a check-out

loved by our Father in heaven, that he said

be born on earth, and then experience

separation from him again when Jesus took on all of our sins on the cross.
It is proof of Gods love, and no love is greater than that love for us.

We can experience new life, because Jesus was born in the first place. Christmas
marks the birth of the Messiah, and the beginning of our stories.

For Today: How did your story with Jesus start? Who will you share that
story with this week?

WE CAN
CHOOSE
LOVE
INSTEAD.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another,

lightning-quick through our to-do lists can cause short fuses and high
line, or a driver who nabs the parking spot we were eyeing. Or, we can
choose love instead.

We can, above all, choose love the love of Christ.

For Today: Who can you show more love to
this week?

DAY 10 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

DAY 11 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Love is a Spotlight

Love the Unlovable

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Following a God we cant see may be hard at times; theres no shame in

Matthew 5:44 is a red letter scripture.

His forgiveness is unceasing. Yet, we cant see him. We know, without a

mouth. Later, during his crucifixion, Jesus

love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12 niv

that. His work in our lives is undeniable. His love for us is immeasurable.
doubt, that he is our Savior, but we occasionally think, This might be
easier if he was in human form.

He was, once. Jesus toddled to his first human steps, then walked out

his purpose among society, proclaiming his Fathers message and asking

people to follow him. People could look

LOVING OTHERS
POINTS A
SPOTLIGHT
R I G H T AT J E S U S .

at Jesus, they could reach out and touch

Matthew 5:44 niv

That means it came directly from Jesus

would model this directive to love our

enemies and pray for those who persecute

us when he proclaimed, Father forgive

WE WILL BEGIN
TO LOVE THE
S E E M I N G LY
U N LOVA B L E .

them, for they do not know what they are

doing. Jesus was praying to his father on behalf of the people who, literally
and figuratively, put him on the cross.

him, they could dine with him and serve

What better example than that of Jesus to pray for those who persecute

believe.

upon his death. We can look beyond their negative behaviors, and lift up

alongside of him, but still, many didnt

What does that mean for us, now that
Jesus no longer walks the earth? It

means that we should show God to others by loving them. We can be the
instruments that Jesus uses to play love into the world. When we set

out to love others the way Jesus did, we reveal him to those
around us. We may not be able to see the Lord, but he
lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Loving others points a spotlight right at Jesus.

For Today: Yesterday you considered who in

your life you could show more love. Today,

think of one or two ways to show that love.

us? As we celebrate the Saviors birth, we can take cues from his actions

in prayer those who have been unkind to us, lied about us, and treated us
unfairly.

Over time, as we continually pray for those who persecute us, as we love our

enemies, our hearts will soften. We will begin to love the seemingly unlovable.
For Today: The holidays are often difficult because of past hurts, maybe

even pain weve experienced during past Christmas seasons. Or perhaps

youre hurting over something that happened recently. If you pray for the

person who hurt you, it will lessen the pain. Who do you need to forgive
for hurting you? Who do you need to pray for today?

DAY 12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

DAY 13 | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Love Through the Wilderness

A Love That Opens Doors

He led his people through the desert, His love endures forever. Psalm 136:16 niv
We can relate to this scripture, not only because we live in a desert. Desert
in this passage can also be translated, wilderness, and at some point in

our Christian lives, weve all probably felt like we were wandering in
the wilderness. Through Moses, God led the Jewish people on a 40-year

trek through the desert. While its possible to experience a decades-long

wilderness, the Jews were experiencing the result of blatant disobedience.

As Jesus-followers we can experience periods of wilderness-wandering

for many different reasons; its how we respond that matters. Jesus spent

IF WE LET HIM,
HE WILL LEAD US,
FOREVER, BECAUSE
T H AT S H OW M U C H
HE LOVES US.

forty days in the desert, and the devil

repeatedly tried to tempt him. He was

As I have loved you, so you must love one

another. By this all men will know that you

are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:34-35 niv

To be a disciple is to be in a unique position.

A disciple is, by definition of the Greek

word used in John 13:35, a pupil. However, disciples have also been tasked

with the job of sharing the Good News, much like a teacher. We should be
students of scripture all the days of our lives, but we also need to share that
knowledge. Those are important characteristics of a true disciple.

unsuccessful because Jesus used truths

We often wonder when the appropriate time is to share the Gospel

through the devils lies.

its not what we say, but how we show love, that flings the door wide open.

found in scripture as a sword to cut

Thats how we know Jesus leads us

through the desert-times. Hes given us

the Holy Spirit, and scripture. His presence in our lives and our
reliance on him marks the difference between wandering
and being led. If we let him, he will lead us, forever,
because thats how much he loves us.

For Today: Do you feel like youre in a

season of wandering right now, or a season
of being led? Why?

SOMETIMES, ITS
N OT W H AT W E
S AY, B U T H O W
WE SHOW LOVE.

A new command I give you: Love one another.

message. What can we say to open that door of opportunity? Sometimes,

Jesus said that when we show love to others, everyone will know we are his
disciples. During this celebratory season, may our love for others act as a
starting point for sharing the Good News of the Saviors birth.

For Today: How have you shown love to others that has
opened a door for your relationship to deepen, and
reflected Jesus living in you?

DAY 14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Love Inseparable
THERE ISNT
ANYTHING
T H AT W E C A N
D O T H AT W I L L
MAKE GOD STOP
LOVING US.

For I am convinced that neither death nor

life, neither angels nor demons, neither the

present nor the future, nor any powers, neither

height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the

love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 niv

Nothing. Not one thing. There isnt anything

that we can do that will make God stop loving

us. There isnt anything in our past done by us, or to us that will diminish
Gods love. We simply cant be separated from the love of God.

He proved it on a census night more than 2,000 years ago when Jesus was

born. An astounding, breathtaking, humbling, and awe-inspiring birth.

The Savior of the world, tiny enough to be swaddled and rocked to sleep,
was filled with enough love to cover all of humanity throughout all of
history.

Were covered by that same love now. Its with us if our hands are raised

in worship or if we cry out to God in our heartache. When were rejoicing,

and when were suffering. Vows spoken by Christ over his bride, the
Church; our Savior will love us in good times and in bad, forever.

For Today: This season, ask God in prayer to help you recognize all the
ways big and small that he shows his love to you. Thank him for
sending Jesus, the greatest example of his love.

JOY

DAY 15 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

An Inexpressible and Glorious Joy

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. 1 Peter 1:8 niv

G O D G AV E U S
JESUS, THEN
J E S U S G AV E
US HIS LIFE.

None of us were present the

night Jesus was born. We

werent there, blinded by the Light that flooded every

corner of the dark world. We didnt hear heavenly hosts

proclaim his holy name. But were here now, celebrating

the Saviors birth. Its because we know he came to save

us. We can look at our lives and recognize his protection

and provision. The light that covered the world like a blanket

warms the coldest places in our hearts.

We werent there when Christ was born, but through Christ,

weve been reborn.

God gave us Jesus, then Jesus gave us his life. That kind of glory fills our souls

to the brim. We flow over with joy that is nearly impossible to express. It
transcends heartache and trials and rests squarely on the shoulders of an
infant-Jesus. Its a joy found in knowing that we are loved personally and
individually by the God who created the universe.

For Today: How can knowing you are loved by God cause you to experience
joy as you approach Christmas?

DAY 16 | MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Jesus Brings Joy

When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41 niv

Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist,
were cousins. They were also pregnant with their sons at the same time. The

two women were visiting each other when John leapt for joy in Elizabeths

womb because he heard Marys voice, and recognized the presence of Jesus.
Before he was even born, John was moved by the Holy Spirit, and Christs

human existence. Merely being in the Saviors vicinity gave John great
joy. John spent his life proclaiming Jesus as the Savior. In fact, the Bible
says that he paved the way for the Lord. Eventually, John would be the

one to baptize Jesus. He served the Lord until he was martyred, when,
undoubtedly, he was ushered into Gods presence.
John was on the fringe of society. He was

wild. He was outspoken. With John, there

was no gray area you either repented

and believed in Christ, or you didnt. The
message hasnt changed. You cant live

with one foot in the baptismal, and one

foot in the world.

The start of Johns life was marked with

IT ALL BEGAN
FROM HIS
MOTHERS WOMB
WHEN HE
RECOGNIZED
T H E SAV I O R .

great joy, his life ended in joy-filled service,

and it all began from his mothers womb when he recognized the Savior.
For Today: Does your relationship with Jesus fill you with joy? If not, what
is preventing you from feeling joy-filled? Ask God in prayer to help you
experience joy this Christmas season.

DAY 17 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

DAY 18 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Songs of Joy

Salvations Joy

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before

THE LORD HEARS

THE WHISPERED
MUSIC OF
A SINGLE PERSON.

him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 niv

Worshiping Christ through music is a

recurring theme in scripture. We do this

every time we attend a church service

and raise our voices in joyful song.

Coming before the Lord with praise-

filled songs is an act of worship. Its the opportunity to set music to the cry
of our hearts, a way for a congregation to sing joyfully the same worshipful
prayer, at the same time. In unison our voices can rise to the heavens.
Just as powerfully, the Lord hears the whispered music of a single person.
It has nothing to do with ability, and everything to do with worshiping

Christ with gladness and joy. We can easily do this at Christmastime when
we sing songs that paint pictures of the Christ Childs birth. O Holy
Night says that when Christ appeared, the soul felt its worth. Waxing
poetic, the third verse of Hark the Herald Angels Sing declares that Jesus
was born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Silent Night describes Christs birth this way: Silent night, holy

night; Son of God, loves pure light; radiant beams from thy

holy face; with the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord

at thy birth.

Sing. Sing of the most joyous of occasions, with joyfilled abandon and reverence.

For Today: What is your favorite Christmas song?

Why? If it evokes memories, what are those?

Why were those times special for you?

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were
shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybodys chains came loose. The
jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. The jailer
brought them into his house and set a meal before them, he was filled with joy because he
had come to believe in God he and his whole family. Acts 16: 26, 29, 34 niv

After Paul commanded an evil spirit leave the body of a slave girl, her

master became angry and presented Paul and Silas to the authorities,
claiming they were throwing the city into an
uproar. The men were stripped, beaten, and
ordered to prison.

Scripture doesnt detail how the jailer treated

THE LORD CAN

WORK IN ANY
S I T UAT I O N .

the men, but customs of the time tell us he was

probably brutal. His sole job was to keep the two in prison, so when an
earthquake caused the prison doors to fly open, he was prepared to die.

Paul implored the jailer to spare his own life, and in a change of heart that
can only come through conversion, the jailer took Paul and Silas to his

home. He and every member of his family believed in Jesus as their Savior,
and they were filled with joy.

The Lord can work in any situation, no matter how dire, to reach the lost.
He will use the prayers and songs of his children like he did with Paul

and Silas to touch the hardest of hearts. After witnessing the Lords
presence in Paul and Silas lives, the jailer and his entire family were forever

changed. They were filled with the light of Christ, and filled with joy. That
same joy fills our hearts today. Its the evidence of Jesus in our lives, and its
as unmistakable now as it was 2,000 years ago in that prison.

For Today: Did you or someone you know become a Jesus-follower in the
midst of a dire situation? If so, how was Gods work during that difficult
time an encouragement to you?

DAY 19 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

DAY 20 | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

From Sorrow to Joy

The Living Water Gives Joy

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5 niv
The holidays can be difficult for those who have suffered any

form of loss. Its a time thats traditionally spent with the ones we
love, but what do we do if the ones we love arent here? What if

HIS LIFE
ALLOWS US
TO REAP A
HARVEST OF
JOY FROM THE
TEARS SOWN
I N PA I N .

childhood hurts, addiction, anger, pride,

divorce, or death have separated us from

our people? How do we reconcile the

pain were experiencing with celebrating

the birth of the Messiah?

Psalm 56:8 says that God has recorded

THE TREASURE OF
PURE JOY IS THE
N AT U RA L
OUTCOME OF
KNOWING JESUS.

With joy you will draw waters from the

wells of salvation.Isaiah 12:3 niv

The book of Isaiah, written about 700

years before the Messiahs birth, is replete

with prophecy of Jesus arrival. Chapter

12 is only six verses long, but those verses

paint a picture of what the life of a Jesus-

follower looks like. Theyre packed with

praise over Jesus eventual coming, and encourage the believer to find joy
in drawing from the well of salvation.

all of our tears on his scroll. Some

If salvation is a well, the reward of salvation eternity,

in his bottle. A God who keeps record

is the water. The blessings that come from

translations say he has collected our tears

of every one of our tears is a God who

knows every detail of our lives.

God knows better than anyone that were hurting. Pain is the

inevitable outcome of living in a fallen world. Thats why he sent

Jesus to earth. Not to shine a light on our pain, but so the light of

Christ would overcome the pain-filled darkness. All the tears born

from all the hurt have been overcome by the birth of Christ. His life
allows us to reap a harvest of joy from the tears sown in pain.

For Today: Is there a sorrow that is keeping you from experiencing

the joy of Christmas? Take some time right now to pour out to God
all of your pain so that he can help you walk through the next few
days, and give you moments of joy in the midst of your sorrow.

fellowship with God, grace, forgiveness, peace, life

salvation are life-giving. One author offered
this insight on Isaiah 12, It is our duty by
faith to draw water out of these wells, to
take to ourselves the benefit and comfort
that are treasured up for us in them. The
treasure of pure joy is the natural outcome of

knowing Jesus as our life-sustaining Living

Water.

For Today: What is one responsibility you

have that is mundane or difficult? How can

you change your perspective today to find joy

in even the most routine tasks?

DAY 21 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Choose Joy
Be joyful always. I Thessalonians 5:16 niv
Have you ever noticed how joyful children are? They get cranky when
theyre tired or hungry or grounded, but for the most part, they rebound

quickly. Its because they dont have the same worries and concerns that

adults do. Theyre inherently optimistic and arent bogged down by adult
responsibilities.

W E H AV E ACC E SS
TO A J OY T H AT S
NOT SHAKEN BY
C I R C U M STA N C E S .

Children are wonderful examples of

1 Thessalonians 5:16, and we would do

well to emulate their joy.

As Jesus-followers, we have access to a joy

thats not shaken by circumstances. Its a

remnant of what Jesus has done in our

lives, and its constant. It isnt changed by the world. But like all aspects of
our salvation, weve been given the choice to be joyful. The suggestion is

that we can gain perspective by flipping this scripture around. Instead of

following scripture and saying, Be joyful always, we could choose to say,

Groan always. We have the choice. We can groan if we want to over lifes
difficulties, but scripture says to be joyful always, and nothing is a better
directive than the word of God.

For Today: Christmas is less than a week away. Do you feel like you
have too much to do, and not enough time? The good news is that
there is still time for you to choose joy this Christmas. What do you
need to decide to be joyful about today?

PEACE

DAY 22 | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

DAY 23 | MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

The Gift of Peace

The Gift of Peacemakers

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.
John 14:27 niv

The holiday season can evoke anxiety, and even fear. The world tells us we

need to exceed expectations throw the best dinner parties, have the most
elegantly decorated homes, give the best gifts and it causes stress. Rarely

STILLNESS AND
REST DRAW US
CLOSER TO JESUS,
AND FROM HIM
WE RECEIVE THE
GIFT OF PEACE.

JESUS WAS
THE PERFECT
EXAMPLE OF A
PEACEMAKER.

Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9a niv

Being a peacemaker is not an easy
assignment. Its a complete
absence of pride. It means
we have to apologize,
smooth things over,

if ever during Christmastime does society

and make amends even if the other person or

Stillness and rest draw us closer to Jesus, and

Jesus was the perfect example of a peacemaker.

peace brought on by fleeting things, rather

her sister Mary. He defused a volatile scene

encourage us to stop and be still.

from him we receive the gift of peace. It isnt

its a peace that comes from knowing

were preparing our hearts to celebrate

Jesus birth. Its a peace in knowing that

nothing compares to the Utmost Gift

given so many centuries ago. No gathering of people, in a home filled with

gifts and wrapped in twinkling lights, can compare to the heavenly hosts
that stood beneath the brightest of stars to raise their voices and proclaim
the Saviors birth.

Weve been given the gift of peace; it doesnt go on sale and cant be
wrapped. It was delivered to us by the Father in the form of his Son.

For Today: Think of someone you know who might need encouragement

today. Write them a note, send them an email, or give them a call. Above

all, pray today and ask God to bless them with some time to stop and rest.

people involved in a conflict are unapologetic.

He calmed Martha when she was angry at

when a woman accused of adultery was going

to be stoned. Countless times Jesus acted as

peacemaker when he or his apostles angered the

Sadducees and Pharisees.

Being a peacemaker isnt always about being the first

to apologize when were part of a conflict. Sometimes a

peacemaker isnt part of a conflict at all; theyre just able to

speak peace into a complicated situation.

Like all characteristics of a life lived for Christ, peace comes as a result

of Christs birth and existence. Experiencing the gift of peace, and sharing

that gift with others by being a peacemaker, is a direct reflection of the

salvation Jesus came to bring.

For Today: Is there someone you should make peace with? If so, think of
ways you can do that and commit to being a peacemaker.

DAY 24 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

DAY 25 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23

The Gift of Strength

The Gift of Favor

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:10-11 niv

The flood referenced in verse ten is most likely the great flood that Noah

and his family survived. The Lord had complete control over that earth-

changing, humanity-altering event. The Lord who sat enthroned over that
flood is also the Lord who sits enthroned over our lives. Hes the same

WE CAN EXPERIENCE
P E AC E A S A R E S U LT
OF THE STRENGTH
GIVEN TO US BY
THE LORD.

Lord who came to earth as an infant.

Consider that for a moment.

The Lord, powerful enough to create

the universe and everything in it,

A great company of heavenly hosts

sang these praise-filled words to the

shepherds keeping watch over their

flocks. The angels were making the

first announcement of Christs birth;

God chose common shepherds with which to announce the birth of the
Shepherd. Its proof positive that the Good News is meant for every person
on earth.

Messiah is the greatest assurance that we are recipients of that favor. Jesus

flood, was contained in the body of a newborn.

In the midst of our own floods, we can
experience peace as a result of the strength

peace only he can provide.

Luke 2:14 niv

can be reborn. The King enthroned

earth in the form of a baby so that we

power that orchestrated and controlled a cataclysmic

today to flood your heart with the

peace to men on whom his favor rests.

The angels also proclaimed the peace that comes only from God. Its a

linen, in the young arms of Mary. The same awe-inspiring

For Today: Ask the Lord in prayer

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth

then flood the entire planet, came to

forever laid, swaddled in plain

given to us by the Lord.

THROUGH THE
MESSIAH, WE CAN
B E S U R E W E H AV E
P E AC E A N D FAVO R
FROM GOD.

soul-deep peace that flows as a result of Gods favor, and the birth of the

himself acts as the connection between his children on earth and his

Father in heaven. Through the Messiah, we can be sure we have

peace and favor from God.

For Today: In what ways has God shown

you favor?

DAY 26 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

DAY 27 | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25

The Gift as Promised

The Gift of Jesus

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his

shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting

Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 niv

Gifts are set out. Children are giddy with excitement. People are preparing
to travel. Families gather. Soon the sun will set, and an expectant hush

will fall across the earth. The stars will shine against an inky black sky
like they did that night so many years ago. The waiting is coming to an

end. Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day that marks the birth of the Messiah.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 niv

HE WAS
BORN, SO
T H AT YO U
M AY L I V E .

The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

THE WONDERFUL
COUNSELOR,
MIGHTY GOD,
E V E R L A ST I N G FAT H E R ,
PRINCE OF PEACE.

The Savior of the world, born.

The planning, the praying, the

seeking after God leaning in

to hope, love, joy, and peace

recognizing Advent, it all comes to

His

human

life

A heavenly orchestra sounds the most glorious

symphony. A multitude of angels lift their voices in
a celestial lullaby. Rejoice, for the Savior has come!

The deepest desire of countless generations, the

fulfillment of prophecy, fully God and fully man,

Jesus on earth.
guaranteed

eternal

life

to

peace-provider. He was, and he still is.

He came for you. He was born, so that you may live.

Take a moment, find a quiet place.

Hallelujah! THIS IS CHRISTMAS!

For Today: How have you grown closer to God during this period of
Advent? How has he shown you hope, love, joy and peace?

believe.

He was hope personified, love perfected, a joy-protector, and a

The Messiah-King reigns in heaven, and in our hearts.

tomorrow, we celebrate.

who

Jesus, the Greatest Gift, bestowing upon us the gift of eternity.

this. The eve of the Messiahs birth.

Breathe in the peace he provides, and exhale the stress of the season. For

all

For Today: Consider all of the gifts God has given you
especially his Son and think about ways you
can be a gift to him. How can you share him with
those around you? How can you be a reflection of
Jesus to the people in your home, your workplace,
your community? Will you let God use you to
love others?