2014 DAILY DEVOTIONS

2014 DAILY DEVOTIONS

2014 DAILY DEVOTIONS Ever feel rushed during the holidays? Like you re trying to squeeze in some spiritual moments in the midst of all the holiday busyness? This Christmas morning, you can have a sense that you have been prepared. Ready. For the gift of Jesus. Every day in December leading up to Christmas, spend just 10 minutes in Bible reading and prayer. It s part of the ancient Christmas tradition called Advent. And it may just add up to the most meaningful Christmas you ve ever experienced. What is Advent? Advent simply means the arrival of an important person or era, as in the advent of the internet. When used in relationship to Christmas, Advent is a very ancient Christian tradition: For the four weeks leading up to Christmas, Christians read Bible verses about the advent, or arrival, of the Messiah, Jesus Christ! These verses are not only part of weekly Advent church services, but also part of daily candle lighting and Bible reading times at home. Advent Prophecies Advent is designed for us to develop the same sense of anticipation people in Bible times must have felt as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah! That s why many of the Advent readings are traditionally from the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament): prophecies about the coming Messiah. They may not be the verses you normally associate with Christmas. But they are all about Jesus! You may recognize them: They are the verses that Handel used as the text for his famous work, The Messiah. Two Advents During this season we actually think of two advents: The first advent of Christ, at Christmas The future second advent of Christ, when He returns to renew the earth and establish His kingdom! In fact, if you listen to the lyrics of well-known Christmas carols, you ll notice that many also have this dual emphasis they not only look back to Christ s birth, but also look forward to his second coming ( Joy To The World, for example)! 1

The Waiting Advent is designed to help us wait. During Advent we remember: Israel s long wait for God s Messiah to save them. Our own wait for the second coming of Jesus. We also remember that there is hope, even if it seems the wait is long! And we remember that, while Jesus saves us from our sins now, there is also a sense in which we too must wait for complete salvation for the complete removal of sin and death from our world. The point of Advent is to help us prepare our hearts for Christ s coming. The sense of anticipation that children feel as Christmas approaches is a great metaphor for how all creation waits for the ultimate advent of Christ! Advent Candles There is also a tradition of candle-lighting associated with Advent: Every week, one more candle is lit in the Advent wreath. The candles each have a meaning related to that week s emphasis. Here s the order in which the candles are usually lit: Week 1: The Prophecy Candle (the week s theme is hope) Week 2: The Bethlehem Candle (the week s theme is love) Week 3: The Shepherd s Candle (the week s theme is joy) Week 4: The Angel s Candle (the week s theme is peace) Christmas Eve: The Christ Candle (the theme is salvation) Bible Reading Before you begin the reading, have one member of the family light that week s advent candle. After the candle is lit, families read a brief passage of Scripture. We encourage you to read the daily verses in this devotional book. Then when you ve finished reading and praying, blow out the candle! Each week you will add another candle, until, on Christmas Eve, you will light all five candles before your Scripture reading! Feel Free to be Creative You can do this with whatever candles you have handy, or with a real Advent wreath. You can use this guide on your own, or with your family, which might certainly include close friends. All families are different, and we encourage you to adapt or to change what we suggest here or do something completely original. Parents will want to make changes to fit the developmental stages of their children. Enjoy your celebration of Advent! Millions of Christians around the world are reading these verses and lighting candles with you! In the back of this booklet you ll find more free resources for Advent! 2

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, NOVEMBER 30 THE PROPHECY CANDLE THIS WEEK S THEME: HOPE The Scripture readings during the first week of advent are mostly prophecies about the coming of the Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures (The Old Testament). This week we will focus on prophecies from Isaiah. READ: Isaiah 9:1,2 (And for context, first read Isaiah 8:21,22) RESPOND: Where in your life are things dark now? How can God s light the hope offered in both advents of Christ give you comfort and confidence to go on? REST: Thank God today that He did not leave us in darkness, but sent His light to dawn in our hearts! Pray that TLC will be a light to the community during this season! Please pray particularly for the Lincoln Brewster concert tonight that kicks off our Christmas season! Also, this is the final day for our TLC Food Drive. Please pray about how you can contribute! Thank you. MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 READ: Isaiah 9:6 RESPOND: What words stand out to you in this passage? In which of the four roles of Jesus do you particularly find comfort today? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 READ: Isaiah 7:14 RESPOND: The name Immanuel is translated God with us. Remind yourself: God is right here, right now. God is not only with me; God is for me. How will you focus on this truth today? your prayer time remembering God is with you even in the small things. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 READ: Isaiah 40:1 5 RESPOND: Isaiah 40:1-5 speaks of preparing the way for the Messiah. What stands out to you from this passage? How can you prepare your heart for this season? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 READ: Isaiah 52:7 10 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does it encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? WEEKEND PREVIEW We start our season at the Lord s Table, with communion. Trent Smith, with his children Elijah & Tiana, play a Christmas violin trio. Ryan and Lily Jones present a Colorfair Christmas in our Venue service. Women s Christmas Teas this Friday & Saturday! More info at tlc.org/women Giving Tree Grove in the lobby. You can choose an angel ornament that has a gift request from the Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship, or Bridge of Hope. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 READ: Revelation 21:1 6 RESPOND: These are verses about the second advent of Jesus! One day He will return to earth and restore and renew it to divine perfection. He will wipe away every tear! The famous Christmas carol Joy to the World is actually about this future advent. Meditate for a while on the contrasting imagery from the first advent of Christ (humble, born in a barn) and the second advent (powerful, glorious). How can it give you courage today to think of Jesus second coming? REST: Like the heavenly beings in Revelation, sing a song of worship to Jesus, or simply pray in adoration, thanking Him for what He has done for you! And please pray that God works in great ways through our Christmas Teas, both today and tomorrow! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 READ: Revelation 22:1 5 RESPOND: This is another passage about the second advent of Christ. What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? Plan to bring family and friends tonight or tomorrow for communion and a very special violin trio song from Trent Smith and his two kids, Elijah and Tiana! 4

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 7 THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE THIS WEEK S THEME: LOVE During the second week of advent, we focus on the amazing motivation that God had for coming to earth: His infinite love for us! READ: John 3:16 17 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this familiar passage? How does it encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? Please pray that God works through communion and Trent Smith s song with his young children Elijah and Tiana this weekend. Pray that God s love is made clear to all! This weekend our Giving Tree Grove will be set up in the lobby. You can choose an angel ornament that has a gift request from the Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship, or Bridge of Hope and return gifts by December 15th. Thank you for your generosity! And if you are interested, pick up tickets for the TLC Christmas Train (it happens this next Wednesday). It s a great time of fun and fellowship! MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 READ Micah 5:2 4 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? Have you ever felt abandoned? How does knowing you are part of Jesus flock encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 READ Psalm 89:1 4 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How would you describe God s love? How does this passage encourage you? 5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 READ John 1:1-5 RESPOND: What does this passage tell you about Jesus ( the Word )? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? Tonight is the TLC Christmas Train! Pray for a great time of fellowship! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 READ John 1:6 9 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you be a witness of the Light to your friends and neighbors? Please pray for The Hub (that s our college and young adult group). They re having their Christmas Party tonight! Pray that it s a fun and meaningful part of their Christmas season, and that people will be drawn closer to His light tonight! Also, please pray about inviting friends and family to church this weekend. There will be some amazing special Christmas songs! WEEKEND PREVIEW An amazing a cappela song from a group of great TLC singers. A TLC version of the internet sensation The Piano Guys. Cookie decorating & hot cider this weekend in Venue. Kruz Kidz Christmas Camp is this weekend! Two days of Kruz Kids fun for only $25. Includes Saturday 9am 4pm & Sunday 1pm 5pm. A great way for parents to find time for Christmas shopping or a Christmas date! Sign up at our weekend services or in the office during the week. Bring your friends they will love the beautiful music and decorations. Pray that, through all these seasonal activities, people will be drawn closer to the Christ of Christmas! 6

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 READ John 1:10 4 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 READ Philippians 2:5 11 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How can you better reflect Christ through the holidays? for Please pray for the many Christmas features this weekend, including special music in all our services, plus a Kruz Kidz mini-camp! 7

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 14 THE SHEPHERD S CANDLE THIS WEEK S THEME: JOY During the third week of advent, we focus on the joy that Christ brings! Bring a friend to church to hear the amazing a capella choir and the TLC Piano Guys! Your friends won t believe their ears or eyes! Bring your Giving Tree Grove gift this weekend. The presents benefit the Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship, and Bridge of Hope. Thanks! READ: Psalm 98 RESPOND: This is a passage about the second advent of the Messiah, the second coming of Christ. What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 READ: Isaiah 11:1 10 RESPOND: This is another passage about the second advent of Christ. What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 READ: Isaiah 12 RESPOND: What line from this song of praise resonates with you today? How do the different aspects of God mentioned in these verses encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 READ: Luke 1:26 33 RESPOND: In this passage, what stands out to you? What encourages you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for 8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 READ: Luke 1:34 38 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How do Gabriel s words in verse 37 encourage you? How do Mary s words in verse 38 inspire you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for WEEKEND PREVIEW James Durbin, from American Idol, performs a mini Christmas concert. TLC Worship Choir GraceNotes (Girls Choir) TLC Orchestra A special Christmas Fellowship & Craft time in Venue. Make a craft specifically to distribute to those who may be discouraged during the holidays Bring your friends they will love the beautiful music and decorations! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 READ: Matthew 1:18 23 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 READ: Revelation 22:12 13 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus promises he is coming again? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for Please pray that this weekend s mini-concert with choirs, orchestra, and James Durbin will be a wonderful outreach to our invited guests! 9

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 21 THE ANGEL S CANDLE THIS WEEK S THEME: PEACE During the final week of advent, we emphasize the peace on earth that Jesus brings! His first advent brought peace to our hearts, as our relationship with God was reconciled. His second advent will bring peace to every corner of the world, as He renews the planet! Bring a friend for the beautiful mini-concert this morning in all our services, including our orchestra, choirs, and special guest James Durbin. Please pray that God works through us in amazing ways! READ: Colossians 1:15 20 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PREVIEW Tuesday 12/23 at 5:30 & 7:00pm; Wednesday 12/24 at 3:00, 4:30, & 6:00pm You don t want to miss these special services that include: Elizabeth Hunnicutt debuting her new Christmas album The Arrival. Sand artist Mike Conly creates a unique art piece that you won t forget! Beautiful candle-lighting and an inspiring message To hear Elizabeth s music and see the piece Mike did here previously, go to tlc.org and click on the Advent Banner. MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 READ: Luke 2:1 7 RESPOND: Reflect on what stands out to you from this passage. How might Mary s expectations for the birth of her son have been different from what actually happened? Has God s plan for your life differed from your expectations? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for 10

TUESDAY. DECEMBER 23 READ: Luke 2:8 14 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does the angels message get lost in our world? How about in your life? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for Please pray that God uses our candlelight services tonight and tomorrow to bring His light into many hearts! Special Service Times: Tuesday 12/23 at 5:30 & 7:00pm 11

CHRISTMAS EVE, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24 THE CHRIST CANDLE THEME: SALVATION READ: Luke 2:15 20 RESPOND: What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage encourage you? How can you encourage someone else with the truth of this passage? for Please pray that God uses our candlelight services to bring His light into many hearts! Special Service Times: Wednesday 12/24 3:00, 4:30, & 6:00pm CHRISTMAS DAY, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 READ: Matthew 2:1 12 RESPOND: This is it! After four weeks of Advent, it s time for the longanticipated celebration of the birth of Christ! The magi brought gifts to Jesus and worshiped him. We exchange gifts today in memory of those first gifts! What gifts can you give Christ today? How will you worship him today? for MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR CELEBRATING ADVENT Go to tlc.org and click on the advent banner for links to some great resources! Free advent calendar and activities: thrivingfamily.com/advent Free daily advent devotional from Margaret Feinberg: margaretfeinberg.com/ free-advent-study/ Jesse Tree Advent Devotions: rca.org/resources/advent-discipleship-children/ jesse-tree-advent-devotions 12