Advent at Connection Christian Church Worship Sundays @ 11am Blanton Elementary (4101 Lynbrook) Sunday, December 16 10am All Church Christmas Party 11am Pop-Up Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 23 11am Christmas Music Celebration Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service 7pm Christmas Eve Service Connection Christian Church 4241 Tanglewood Ln. 432-332-2954 www.odessaconnection.church
" became flesh and made a dwelling among us." So says John 1:14. One translator says it this way: " became one of us and moved into the neighborhood." This is the scandal of Christmas, that the One Holy God would become a human being. God chose to be constricted into a particular person, a specific time, and a certain place, so that we would have a very clear picture of who God is. And, of course, of who God wants us to be. Our study this Advent is this mystery, " Became." We will ponder together how divine words like Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love can become flesh (become real) in our lives. Please use this devotional guide as a help for this journey. It uses an adaptation of an ancient form of Scripture reading, called "lectio divina." In this spiritual exercise, first read the text, or "The Word". Then, give a chance to be "" into your life. Read the text again, this time reflecting on it with the "Reflect" question given you. Take time to sit with the text and your reflections, responding in the space given you. Then, read the text a third time, and respond with the prayer given or one of your own. Finally, watch become "" in your life. Read the text a fourth and final time, and respond with an action. Suggestions are in the "Respond" section. Doing this each day will be like doing Lamaze/labor classes as you prepare to receive a new baby. Sometimes it will be fun and other days it will be a chore. Regardless, Jesus Christ is on the way anew into our lives. We best get ready! God is coming again to dwell among us. Happy Advent, Pastors Dawn & Joe
First Sunday in Advent: Hope Monday, December 3 Job 17:11-16 Read: My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart. If the only home I hope for is the grave, if I spread out my bed in darkness, if I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother' or 'My sister,' where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? Reflect: Who can see any hope for me? In the face of multiple tragedies, Job realistically asks if he has any positive future ahead. Have you ever been hopeless like that? Who do you know who is living without hope? Name them here. Pray: God, you overcame the grave in Jesus Christ. Bring hope to the hopeless, even me. Reach out: Write a note of encouragement to someone who needs it, telling about the hope that you have for them.
Tuesday, December 4 Psalm 25:1-10 Read: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Reflect: What are you waiting for? What in your life and in the world can only God fix? Write it down here. This is the yearning of Advent. Pray: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. I am waiting. The world is waiting. We are desperate for you. Amen. Reach out: Call someone who is waiting to hear about a test result or job interview.
Wednesday, December 5 Psalm 39:6-8 Read: Humans are mere phantoms as they go to and fro. They bustle about, but only in vain; they heap up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. Reflect: Our commercial culture urges us to put our hope in the latest product to erase our wrinkles, relax our anxieties, or make our lives easier. We are tempted to think that if we have enough money or status we will be secure. What are some false things you have put your hope into? Write them down here. Pray: Eternal God, you are the only hope that holds. Forgive me for turning to false hopes. Help me trust in you alone. Reach out: Pray for someone recovering from an addiction.
Thursday, December 6 Luke 21:25-36 Read: Jesus said, There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Reflect: Think of the most difficult circumstance in your life right now. How would you handle things differently if you believed that your redemption is drawing near? Write down your ideas here. Pray: Redeemer, when I am tempted to faint, help me to stand and lift my head in anticipation of you. Amen. Reach out: Go to the Week of Compassion web page (www.weekofcompassion.org) to see how the Church stands with those who cannot stand on their own.
Friday, December 7 Isaiah 40:31 Read: Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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. Reflect: Some days we soar, some days we run, some days we only walk. But always we hope. Are you soaring, running, or walking in this season of your life? Draw a picture of your spiritual or physical posture here. Pray: Faithful Friend, what does hope look like in this season of my life? How do you want to renew me? Reach out: Spend some time with someone with physical limitations. Notice where they have strengths different than yours.
Saturday, December 8 Luke 1:68-79 Read: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Reflect: Hope is trusting that God will keep the divine promises. Hope is knowing that God will not forget us. When have you been sure God was remembering you? Write down a time that God came through for you. Pray: Merciful Father, your faithfulness is what saves us. I will hope in you. Amen. Reach out: Go out of your way to keep a promise.
Second Sunday in Advent: Peace Monday, December 10 Isaiah 9:2-7 Read: Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Reflect: Think about a place where war is occurring in our world. Imagine the passion on both sides of the battle. Now, consider God's "zeal." What is God's passion for? Write down what comes to mind here. Pray: Ruler, bring down those who do not seek your ways. Raise up leaders who will accomplish your purposes. Amen. Reach out: Pray specifically for someone serving in the military or a veteran you know.
Tuesday, December 11 Luke 3:1-6 Read: In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Reflect: What is a way you are up high while others may be down low? Is there anything you can do to help prepare an even road for the Lord? Pray: Great Judge, help me to be on your side of justice, making way for your righteous presence. Amen. Reach out: Give any extra warm clothing you have to Door of Hope Thrift Store on 8 th street, our partners in caring for homeless people in our community.
Wednesday, December 12 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Read: The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD. Reflect: What is a disaster you fear? Have you talked with God about that? Write your prayer to God here. Pray: Mighty warrior, I am afraid sometimes. Help me remember that you are in my midst. Amen. Reach out: Bring a new stuffed animal to the West Texas Crisis Center offices to soothe a child who has witnessed domestic violence.
Thursday, December 13, 2006 Titus 2:11-14 Read: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all sin and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Reflect: Peace sometimes comes only by waiting on the LORD resting in the assurance that beyond our expectations God will provide. We seek to find our own solutions, but at times we must wait upon God s resolution. What are three things that make you impatient? Pray: O God, take my insecurities and frustrations and passions and receive them that I might be filled with self-control and trust. Your will be done, in your time. Amen. Reach out: Share your list with a friend, letting them know some of your struggles so they can help you in your trust in God.
Friday, December 14 Philippians 4:4-7 Read: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Reflect: What are you struggling with that doesn t make any sense? Have you asked for God s peace to comfort you? Use a crayon or marker to color in this space, imagining peace covering you as you color. Pray: Prince of peace, I don t understand. But I ask for your peace to help me continue walking with you in faith. Amen. Reach out: Send a note or make a phone call to someone spending a first Christmas since the death of a loved one.
Saturday, December 15 Micah 5:2-5 Read: But you, O Bethlehem, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Reflect: Who or what is something in your life you re not expecting much out of? Could you have been wrong? Write your thoughts here. Pray: Holy Surprise, if you can bring salvation out of Bethlehem, then maybe...? Reach out: Look for the most peaceful person you encounter today. See if you notice God in them.
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Monday, December 17 Luke 4:18-19 Read: Jesus said, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Reflect: When is the last time you celebrated because of someone else s good news? Have you ever been the one to give someone else good news? Write down your memories here. Pray: Deliverer, please set me free from all that keeps me from joy in you. Reach out: Send a Christmas card to a home-centered person. Get a name and address from the church office (432-332-2954).
Tuesday, December 18 Luke 1:46-55 Read: Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. Reflect: My spirit rejoices! Mary was joyful because she was honored to play a part in God s plan to set the world right. What is your part to play? Write your ideas here. Pray: Jesus, let me be a part. Come dwell anew in me. Amen. Reach out: Invite someone to enjoy Christmas Eve service with you.
Wednesday, December 19 Isaiah 12:2-6 Read: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Reflect: How do you draw water from the wells of salvation? Are you taking advantage of the resources for joy God offers you? Write down what renews your spirit. Pray: Marvelous Savior, restore to me the joy of my salvation. Amen. Reach out: Go to www.churchworldservice.org to contribute to a clean water project in the name of Christ.
Thursday, December 20 Luke 2:8-11 Read: In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. Reflect: When does fear give way to joy? Write the word fear below, and them place the word joy over it. Pray: Glorious God, let me see your glory like the shepherds did. I will try not to be afraid. Reach out: Make a Shepherd s Pie (mashed potatoes for the crust, meat, and vegetables in a pie pan) for dinner and invite a neighbor to share it with you.
Friday, December 21 Matthew 1:18,19 Read: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Reflect: What do you "have in mind" to do about a particular problem in your life? Maybe that's just the thing to do. But are you sure you've taken time to talk it over with God? Do that here. Pray: O God, if I am to truly welcome the baby Jesus, I know I must be willing to do Your will. Help me, I pray. Amen. Reach out: Change your plans so you can serve someone else today.
Saturday, December 22 Luke 1:39-45 Read: In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. Reflect: Why has this happened to me? Usually we ask that when something bad happens. Have you considered asking it about the good things that are happening in your life? Reflect on what good things are happening here: Pray: Your blessings are abundant O God. Why me? Amen. Reach out: Give help to parents of an infant. Drop off diapers for the First 5 Program at UTPB (call 432-552-4025 to let them know you re coming).
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love Monday, December 24 1 John 4:10-12 Read: In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. Reflect: God not only created us before we were in existence, but also loved us from the beginning of our existence. One way we continue to experience God s preemptive love for us is through the people God places in our lives. Who are the people in your life that you experience as an expression of God s love? Pray: God of Love, You have shown us your love by giving your son into this world. Let our response to your great love be the determination to share that love with others. Amen. Reach out: There is someone in your life that could be blessed by knowing you love them. Find a way to tell or show them this week that you love them.
Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 Luke 2:1-20 Read: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Reflect: The good news first came to the most ordinary of people, shepherds. So there s no reason it can t come to you today. Pray: Eternal God, I welcome you into my life anew. Thank you for your amazing gift in sending Jesus to us, so that I would know that you love me and the whole world. Reach out: Bring some cheer to a neighbor who may need to hear you say, Merry Christmas!