Advent and Christmas Activities

Transcription

1 Advent and Christmas Activities Family Advent and Potluck Evening Sunday, November 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm Crafts and activities will be available for all ages. Yearning for the Messiah: Advent Devotions Wednesdays at 7:00 am and Noon November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 Join pastor Greg for a time of prayer and reflection, focusing on various hymns and scriptures that highlight key themes of the Advent season. Messiah Concert Sunday, December 4, at 11:00 am Come and enjoy this worshipful, musical presentation by the Village Church music department as they proclaim the Christmas story set to music by George Frederic Handel in his oratorio, The Messiah. Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 11, at 11:00 am Come and be inspired and touched as the children participate in the Village Church s annual Christmas pageant. Cross-Cultural Advent Dinner Saturday, December 10, 6:00 pm Join our Mission Council as they host the 9 th annual Advent Dinner with Muslims from the Chicago area. This is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the Advent themes of peace, love, joy, and hope, and share the Good News of Christmas with many who haven t heard it before. All ages are welcome and encouraged. Caroling Party Sunday, December 18, 6:00-8:00 pm All ages and voices are welcome to join the fun and caravan to various locations in Northbrook to spread some Christmas cheer! All will return to the church for hot cocoa and treats. Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24 Family Service at 4:00 pm Candlelight Services at 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 pm

2 A Suggested Format for Your Devotion Time "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (Jer. 29:13 NLT) Simply reading through the assigned passages each day can be a meaningful experience in and of itself. However, the following format is my suggestion for an enriching quiet time that is led by the Holy Spirit and can open up your heart and your life to a deeper walk with Jesus Christ. 1. Centering Prayer - Begin by taking a moment to quiet your heart and mind. Lift up to God those joys and concerns that are on your mind as you come before the Lord in prayer. Close by asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart to God's Word for you today. 2. Scripture Reading - There are three readings for each day: usually a Psalm, an Old Testament reading and a New Testament reading. Slowly read each passage through at least once, asking God to speak to you personally through the reading, remembering 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God -breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." WEEK FOUR Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah SATURDAY P.M., DECEMBER 24 - The Birth of the Messiah Read: Psalm 146:5-10 Luke 2a: The Birth of Jesus Titus 3:4-7 - The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. 1. Who are the different individuals or groups of people mentioned in the Christmas story? How does each respond to the birth of Jesus? 2. According to Titus 3, why did God save us? How did he do it? And for what purpose? Suggestion for Prayer: Give God honor and praise for sending a Savior into the world for you. 3. Reflection - Write down in a journal those words or phrases which spoke to you or stood out to you the most. Ask yourself, "What does this tell me about God, about myself, and why is this particular verse speaking to me right now?" There are additional questions for each day in this devotional guide to lead you through this time of reflection as well. 4. Closing Prayer - Each day concludes with a prayer focus connected to that particular day's readings. In addition, you may also read a brief reflection for each day's readings on my Advent Devotions blog: May you grow closer to the Messiah this Advent Season, as you wait upon the Lord and look to His coming once more. In Christ, Rev. Greg Buell SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 - The Word Became Flesh Read: Psalm 148 John 1: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Colossians 3: Let the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. 1. How is the Messiah described in these opening verses of the Gospel of John? What image touches you the most? Why? 2. According to Colossians 3:12-17, how are we to respond to the Good News that we are forgiven through Christ and chosen by God? Suggestion for Prayer: Give thanks to God for Jesus Christ in your life, and pray that your life would become a greater reflection of Christ to the world each and every day.

3 WEEK FOUR Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 - The Coming of Glory Read: Psalm 27 Isaiah 9:2-5 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Colossians 1:15-20 The image of the invisible God. 1. In what ways is Jesus a light shining in the darkness? 2. How is the Son of God described in Colossians 1:15-20? How does this shape your view of Jesus? Prayer: Pray that the Holy Spirit would shine in your hearts and minds and expand your perspective of Jesus really is in the world. WEEK ONE Waiting for the Messiah Introduction for the 1st Week of Advent Advent is a deeply rich and meaningful time of the year as we reflect together on the Coming of Christ into the world. There are many layers of meaning associated with the Season of Advent. Each week generally centers around a different, though overlapping layer. The first week of Advent looks at Christ s coming from the broadest perspective, highlighting Old Testament prophecies which foretell of the Messiah s coming, and highlighting the qualities of his reign. The Lord s Kingdom is one characterized by peace, justice, righteousness, joy and blessing. Jesus Christ is lifted up as the fulfillment of these promises. He is the Savior who came as the child of Bethlehem, who still comes to us today through the Holy Spirit, and who will come again to establish his eternal rule. Remember to log-on to for a daily reflection based on the day s readings. SATURDAY A.M., DECEMBER 24 - The Coming of the Prince of Peace Read: Psalm 98 Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Birth of Jesus I Corinthians 1:3-9 - Eagerly waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ 1. What are the different descriptions of the Messiah in Isaiah 9? Which image speaks to you the most? Why? 2. What comfort do you find in knowing that in the Kingdom of God, the government rests on the shoulders of Jesus Christ? Suggestion for Prayer: Lift up areas of corruption and oppression in the world and pray for justice and righteousness to increase. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - Christ Comes in Righteousness Read: Psalm 96 Jeremiah 33: A righteous branch will spring up. Hebrews 1:1-9 - The Son is the radiance of God s glory. 1. What does Christ coming into your life mean to you? 2. In what ways do we need to see justice and righteousness executed in our world today? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for more of God s righteousness to reign in your own life and in the world around you.

4 WEEK ONE Waiting for the Messiah MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28 - Christ Comes to Redeem Read: Psalm 24 62: See, your Savior comes. Titus 2: We wait for the blessed hope. 1. In both the Isaiah and Titus passages, from what does the Messiah redeem his people? 2. What in your life needs redeeming? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for an end to wickedness of all kinds, including culturally and globally, but also personally. WEEK FOUR Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 - The Coming of the Savior Read: Psalm 130 Matthew 1: The Angel appears to Joseph Philippians 2: Have the same mindset as Christ. 1. According to these passages, in what way is Jesus our Savior? How did he accomplish this? 2. Looking at Philippians 2:5-11, how are we to have the same mindset of Jesus? Who is God calling you to serve in your life right now? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for humility that you might truly give of yourself sacrificially and serve others in your family, your community and the world. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 - Christ Comes to Reign Read: Psalm 72:1-7, Isaiah 11: the Root of Jesse Hebrews 10: Let us hold to the hope we profess. 1. What are the characteristics of the Messiah s rule as described in Isaiah 11? What are the marks of his Kingdom? 2. What is our responsibility within the Kingdom of God? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray about those ways in which you need encouragement in your spiritual journey, as well as for those in your life who need encouragement. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 - The Coming of the Good Shepherd Read: Psalm 24 Luke 2:1-5 - Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem Micah 5:2-5a - But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah. 1. How did God use the inconvenience of Caesar s decree for his own purposes? 2. What is the significance of the Messiah coming from among the smallest of clans in Judah? Suggestion for Prayer: Lift up those aspects of your life which you consider to be limitations, asking the Lord to use them for His purposes and His glory.

5 WEEK FOUR Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 - The Coming of Redemption Read: Psalm 72:1-7, Luke 2: Anna prays over Jesus Psalm 25: In you, O Lord, I put my trust. 1. Why did Anna fast and pray in the temple for decades? What was she waiting for? How was Jesus the answer to her hopes? 2. For 84 years Anna faithfully put her trust in the coming of the Messiah. Where do you have difficulty trusting God? WEEK ONE Waiting for the Messiah WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - Christ Comes with Peace and Hope Read: Psalm 146:5-10 Isaiah 2:1-5 - Nation will not take up sword against nation. Romans 15: The God who gives endurance and encouragement. 1. What aspects of Christ s rule described in these readings do you most yearn for? 2. In what ways do these passages highlight that Christ comes for all people from every nation, tribe and tongue? Suggestion for Prayer: Entrust to God those greatest concerns about your life, as well as the deepest yearnings of your heart. Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for Christ to come into that part your life where you need hope the most. (See Rom. 15:13) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 - The Coming of David s Heir Read: Psalm 80: 1-7, Matthew 1:1-7 - The Genealogy of Jesus Romans 1:1-7 - Jesus, a descendant of King David 1. Why do you think Matthew included the genealogy of Jesus in the opening chapters of his gospel? What does this tell us about Jesus? 2. What are the two aspects of Christ s nature lifted up by Paul in Romans 1? How is each one important to our Salvation? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that the Son of David would be the Lord over your life in every way, confessing those ways in which he is not, and committing yourself to him once more. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 - Christ Comes with Compassion Read: Psalm 24 Isaiah 63:7-9 - The Kindness of the Lord James 5:7-10 Be patient as you wait for the Lord s return. 1. In Isaiah 63, how did God have compassion on his people? 2. Do you ever grow impatient with God s timing in your life? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for patience in those areas of your life where you need God s redeeming work, and for endurance for those who experience suffering in their lives.

6 WEEK ONE Waiting for the Messiah FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 - Christ Comes to Judge Read: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Isaiah 64:1-9 - You come to help those who gladly do right. 2 Peter 3:8-15a - Live holy and Godly lives. 1. Where is the one place in the world where you wish God would set things right? Why? 2. What in your life do you need to set right before the Lord comes? What is hindering you from doing this? Suggestion for Prayer: Be thankful for your salvation in Christ, and ask for strength to live holy and Godly lives till he returns. WEEK FOUR Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah Introduction for the 4th Week of Advent In this final week of Advent, we celebrate the difference Christ s birth made in the world. The Gospel readings for the first two days of the week focus on two stories that are included in Luke account of the Christmas story which are often overlooked: when Jesus is brought into the temple after his birth and becomes the focus of praise for both Simeon and Anna. Then as we get closer to Christmas, we look to the actual events that surround the nativity, from the angel s appearance to Joseph, to Mary and Joseph s travels to Bethlehem, to Christ s birth and the visitation of the Angels and the Shepherds. In each scenario, the Messiah is no longer a distant hope, but rather a tangible reality found in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became human and lived among us. For Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the Angels and the Shepherds, when they looked at Jesus they saw the fulfilment of everything they had ever hoped for. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 - Christ Comes Unexpectedly Read: Psalm 80:1-7, Malachi 3:1-4 - I will send my messenger. Mark 13: No one knows the day or hour. 1. Why will it be hard to endure the day of the Lord s coming? 2. What does it mean to be ready for the Lord s return? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for the Holy Spirit to purify your heart, and keep you on the straight path. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 - The Coming of Salvation Read: Psalm 96 Luke 2: Simeon received Jesus in the Temple Psalm When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion 1. Simeon had been waiting his entire life for the Messiah s coming. What is his response to seeing Jesus before him? 2. How does Jesus cause the falling and rising of many? What did he mean when he told Mary, A sword will pierce your own soul too? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for those areas in the world and in your life that still need restoration and the transforming power of Christ.

7 WEEK THREE The Joy of Christ s Coming FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 - The Promise of Victory Read: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Genesis 3: I will put enmity between your offspring. Luke 1: The Song of Mary 1. What is the significance of Genesis 3:15 with regard to the coming Messiah? How did Jesus crush Satan? 2. In Mary s Song (Luke 1:46-55) for whom does the Mighty One do great things? Suggestion for Prayer: Give thanks for the ways that the Messiah has conquered evil in the world, and pray for the hastening of the Day when WEEK TWO Preparing the Way of the Lord Introduction for the 2nd Week of Advent Whereas the primary focus of the 1st Week of Advent was on prophecies and promises surrounding the coming Messiah and the nature of his Kingdom, readings for the 2nd week shift direction. This week s readings center around John the Baptist and his message about the coming Messiah, as well as Jesus own teachings about the second coming. Instead of looking outward to the One who is to come, this week we are encouraged, and even exhorted to look inwardly, harkening the command to Prepare the way of the Lord. By examining our hearts and lives we answer such fundamental questions of the spiritual life as, Am I ready to receive him when he comes? or Is my life in alignment with the Kingdom that Christ is establishing. The reason purple is the liturgical color for Advent is because, like Lent, this is meant to be a season of repentance; of humbling ourselves before God, seeking forgiveness, and committing ourselves to the Lord. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 - The Promise of God s Presence Read: Psalm 146:5-10 Isaiah 12:2-6 - Surely God is my salvation. Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! 1. How does the message The Holy One is among you, bring you comfort and hope? (see Isaiah 12:6) 2. How is anxiety the opposite of joy? How are we encouraged to handle our anxieties? Suggestion for Prayer: Take some time lifting up to the Lord those things which are sources of anxiety in your life, trusting that your God is more than able to handle your deepest concerns. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 - Keeping Watch Read: Psalm 96 Matthew 25: The Parable of the Bridesmaids Romans 13: Wake up! 1. Do you think most Christians expect the Lord to come soon? Why or why not? What about you? 2. If you knew that the Lord was returning in the near future, what would you change about your life? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for the wisdom, strength and desire to guide your steps in such a way that you might welcome Christ whenever he

8 WEEK TWO Preparing the Way of the Lord MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 - Living Faithfully Read: Psalm 72:1-7, Matthew 25: The Parable of the Talents Philippians 1: May your love abound more and more. WEEK THREE The Joy of Christ s Coming WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 - The Promise of Belonging Read: Psalm 130 Luke 1:38 - I am the Lord s Servant. Galatians 4:4-7 - God sent his Son, born of a woman. 1. Why were the first two servants praised, and the last one chastised by their master? 2. How would you rate your own stewardship of the blessings and talents God has given you? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray the prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 for your own spiritual journey. 1. What is the significance of being the Lord s servant over and above all other types of servants in the world? 2. According to Galatians 4, how do we become God s children? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that you might discern more clearly how God wants you to be his servant and live as his child in the world. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 - Showing Compassion Read: Psalm 80:1-7, Matthew 25: The Parable of the Sheep and Goats Micah 6:6-8 - What the Lord requires THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 - The Promise of the Spirit Read: Psalm 24 Luke 1: Mary visits Elizabeth 1 Thessalonians 5: Rejoice always! 1. When Son of Man returns by what criteria will he judge our lives? 2. In Micah, which offerings please God the most? Why? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that your life would be a reflection of God s love, compassion, and justice in the world. 1. Why is Mary to be blessed above all women? 2. What is God s will according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18? Why is this challenging at times? Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for more joy and gratitude in you life.

9 WEEK THREE The Joy of Christ s Coming MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 - The Promise of God s Favor Read: Psalm 72:1-7, Zephaniah 3: Rejoice, O Daughter of Zion! Luke 1: The Angel Appears to Mary 1. Zephaniah portrays the Messiah as a Mighty Warrior who saves and delights in you. What specifically does the Messiah do to show his favor? 2. What do think is the reason that Mary was troubled when she heard from the angel that she was highly favored? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that you might fully rest in the message that God delights over you, and receive the joy this brings. WEEK TWO Preparing the Way of the Lord WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 - Overcoming Doubts Read: Psalm 130 Luke 1: Angel appears to Zechariah Luke 1: The Birth of John the Baptist 1. What aspects of Zechariah s circumstances caused him to doubt Gabriel s message? 2. Why did Zechariah s voice come back? What did he do in response to this happening? Why? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that you d be open to God s promises in the scriptures for you. (See Jeremiah 29:11) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 - The Promise of the Son of God Read: Psalm 80:1-7, Isaiah 7: The Sign of the Immanuel Luke 1: The Prophecy of the Messiah s Birth 1. The word Immanuel means God with us. Why is this such an important description of the Messiah? How does this bring joy? 2. List the various ways that Jesus is described in Luke 1: What does this tell us about the coming Messiah? THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 - Getting Ready Read: Psalm 24 Isaiah 40: Comfort, comfort, my people. Luke 1:67-79 Song of Zechariah 1. How is the Messiah portrayed in both passages? What is your reaction to these descriptions? Why? 2. Both passages speak of preparing the way for the Lord s coming, why is this important? What does it look like? Suggestion for Prayer: Remember the story of Mary, and pray that God would do something with the impossible situations in your life. Suggestion for Prayer: Praise God for not leaving us alone in our circumstances, but instead sending us Savior who will redeem all things.

10 WEEK TWO Preparing the Way of the Lord FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 - Turning from Sin Read: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Mark 1:1-8 - Prepare the way of the Lord Luke 3:7-18- Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 1. in Mark 1, what did preparing the way look like for John? What was his primary message? 2. What is the difference between confessing sins and producing fruit in keeping with repentance? WEEK THREE The Joy of Christ s Coming Introduction for the 3rd Week of Advent This week we transition from John the Baptist and to Mary; from repentance, to joy. The focus is no longer on John the Baptist teaching his disciples on how to prepare for Jesus, nor of Jesus teaching his disciples on the second coming at the end of time. Instead we begin to look at the events that led to Jesus first coming as the baby born in Bethlehem. Here we focus is on promises of God which are being fulfilled through the Messiah, beginning with the virgin birth. This is how God choose to break into the world and begin his great rescue mission of humanity. Pay close attention to the many contrasts highlighted in this week s readings - a desert bursting into to bloom; a servant girl becomes highly favored; orphans become children of God; the poor are lifted up and the mighty are brought low. For in every case, Jesus is the source of joy. Suggestion for Prayer: Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas, attitudes and practices in your life which require repentance. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 - Proclaiming the Kingdom Read: Psalm 146:5-10 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 The Spirt of the Lord is upon me Matthew 11:22-11 The blind receive sight, the lame walk. 1. Who are the recipients of the Messiah s ministry as outlined in these passages? Why is this good news? 2. List the various actions in Isaiah 61 associated with the Messiah. How would you summarize the work of the Messiah? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that the Lord might show you ways in which you can take part in the Kingdom work of restoration. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 - The Promise of Joy Read: Psalm 96 Isaiah 35: The wilderness and desert will be glad. Psalm 30 - You turned my wailing into dancing. 1. In Isaiah 35 what surprising things happen in the desert? How are these symbols of joy? What is the source of this joy? 2. In both passages, what brings an end to sorrow and sadness? Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that Christ would break into the sorrowful and challenging parts of your life and surprise you with the joy only he can bring.