December 17-21

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December 17-21

DAILY READINGS -Monday: Matthew 1:18-25 When Joseph first found out Mary was pregnant, he was very worried and not sure what to do. When he saw this angel in his dream, it brought him great peace. Think of a time when you were very worried and suddenly became peaceful with the “peace that passes understanding.” What happened? -Tuesday: John 10:9-10 It’s important to understand why Jesus came. He came to die for our sins, but that is still not the primary reason. It was necessary to achieve what Jesus talks about in this verse. -Wednesday: John 11:25 This is considered the greatest news of all time. Think of any relatives who have died. How nice will it be to see them again, this time for eternity, thanks to God’s love for you? -Thursday: Matthew 28:2-7 Angels are often used to spread the good news of the Lord. The women were so sad when they believed Jesus was dead. Can you imagine how they felt when they saw an angel, and the angel told them Jesus is alive? What does this tell you about your life? -Friday: Isaiah 55:12 Talks about the end of times and how much joy there will be for those who are part of God’s kingdom. Some people who have had near-death experiences have talked about trees parting and moving aside for them when they entered what they knew to be heaven.

BI-WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS Discussion #1: The angels are God’s helpers. There a lot of stories about them giving messages and helping God’s people. One of the most important things they do is protect us. Did you know that Psalm 91:11 says that God has “set his angels about you?” Talk about some times when you felt afraid. How can all you are coming to understand in Advent help set you free from some of those fears? Discussion #2: The manger story is only the beginning. Jesus grew up and taught and healed and prophesied and died and came back and ascended into heaven. Based on all you have learned in Advent, what is the point of life? What should we all be striving to do? If you were to look back on your life at the age of, say, 86, what would you want to be able to say about yourself? How can you use the Advent and Christmas seasons to move forward in that vision?

December 23

Light the first Advent Candle, saying, “In honor of Jesus’ flesh-and-blood forefathers.” Light the second Advent Candle, saying “In honor of the prophets.” Light the third Advent Candle (the one of a different color if you have it) saying, “In honor of those who were in Bethlehem.”

Light the fourth Advent Candle, saying, “In honor of those who live and believe today.” PARENT READING Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. - Matthew 28:16-20 CHILD READING Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. – Revelation 3:20-22 FAMILY: Lord Jesus Christ, you are the alpha, the omega, the beginning, the end, the first, the last, the all-loving and all-knowing God the Son, a full share in the Trinity. Help us this year to remember your birth, death, resurrection, and ascension each and every day. Help us to follow you daily. Amen!