The Promise & The Song

The Promise & The Song 2 016 A DV E N T D E VOT I O N A L MORAGA VALLEY PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH

Table of Contents Advent and The Advent Wreath...2 Week 1 The Promise of Joy...4 NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3 Week 2 The Promise of a King... 6 DECEMBER 4-10 Week 3 The Song of Glory...8 DECEMBER 11-17 Week 4 The Song of Salvation...10 DECEMBER 18-24 Merry Christmas! The Promise Fulfilled...12 DECEMBER 25 God comes like the sun in the morning-when it is time. We must assume an attitude of waiting, accepting the fact that we are creatures and not creator... We are able to initiate nothing; we are only able to accept. Carlo Carretto, The God Who Comes Author: Siv M. Ricketts Graphic Design: Nancy Ingersoll 2016 MORAGA VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, California 94556 925-376-4800, www.mvpctoday.org

Why Celebrate Advent? During the Christmas season we prepare our homes. During Advent we prepare our hearts. Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, Advent is the season in the Church calendar during which we look forward to God s coming. In fact, advent is Latin for coming. The early Church used the equivalent word in Greek, parousia, to refer to the second coming, when Christ will return in all His glory to gather His people to Himself at the end of time. During Advent we look forward to the coming of the Christ child, and we also look forward to Christ s triumphal return when He will usher us into eternity. We celebrate God s coming to dwell among us in Jesus. We open our hearts to how God wants to come into our lives now. And we look forward in hopeful anticipation of everlasting life with God. Filled as it is with gatherings of family and friends, candlelight, holiday food, gift-giving and receiving, Christmastime may be the busiest time of year. Celebrating Advent helps us to be intentional about Christ in Christmas. It focuses and refocuses our attention on the truly important above the urgent. It gives us an opportunity to read and discuss Scripture with loved ones and, for those with children at home, it gives us an opportunity to train up our children in life and faith. It is our prayer that God will bless you as you take time out from the busyness to slow down and, in quietness and prayer, with family and friends, contemplate the coming of Christ. This Advent season, may you be open to God at work in new and life-giving ways. The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath candle lighting tradition is one way in which we celebrate God s coming and open our lives anew to Jesus. Each element of the tradition is symbolic and can add deeper meaning to our Christmas celebrations. The Advent Wreath (a circle) signifies eternity God is, was and always will be. There are four candles on the perimeter of the wreath. Three purple candles represent royalty and repentance; one pink candle (for week three) represents joy. The white center candle represents the divine nature of the baby Jesus. Evergreens represent everlasting life in Jesus and His everlasting love for us. The candlelight itself symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World. 2 The Promise & The Song

During the first week, light only one candle. The second week light two candles, the third week three candles and the fourth week four candles. Light the center candle on Christmas to signify that the light of Jesus Christ has come into the world. You may find it helpful to set aside a special time each day and to establish either a routine or a rotation for who will light the candles, read Scripture and pray. In this Devotion Candle lightings: Every evening during Advent you will say the words of John 8:12 as you light the candles Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life and end with a short prayer. Sunday candle lightings include Scripture reading and a meditation; for Monday through Saturday, a Scripture and discussion question replace the Scripture and meditation. Activities: Each week there are activities to choose from and enjoy individually or with family and friends. Songs and Quotes: Each week you will find song lyrics and quotes from God s people. The songs can all be found on YouTube so you can sing along. A note for families with young children: Advent provides a seasonal opportunity to teach your children about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. Depending on the ages of your children, you may use flameless candles for safety and you can shorten the readings or read from a children s Bible. MVPC also has available a separate devotional for families with preschoolers, Let s Go See the Savior. God blesses the reading of His Word, and we pray you will be blessed by including this tradition among your Christmas celebrations. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 3

WEEK 1 The Promise of Joy NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3 Read and light the first candle (middle purple candle): The first candle represents the promise of joy. Say aloud together: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read Scripture: Luke 1:5-25 Read: Zechariah and Elizabeth grew old in righteousness but childlessness had stolen their joy. When they least expected it, the angel Gabriel delivered God s promise of joy: Elizabeth would bear a son! Their long-prayed prayers would be answered at last. John would be a joy and delight to his parents and cause many to rejoice as he prepared people for the Lord. Pray: Dear God, we eagerly anticipate your joy as you prepare our hearts for your Son. In the name of Jesus we wait and pray, Amen. Monday Joshua 23:14 What promises has God fulfilled for you? Tuesday 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 What wonderful acts has God done? Rejoice! Wednesday Psalm 40:1-3 How do you actively wait for the Lord? Thursday Isaiah 12:2-4 What difference does trusting God make in your daily life? Friday 2 Peter 3:9 When has it felt like the Lord was slow in keeping His promise? What hope does this verse offer? Saturday Jude 24-25 When has God kept you from stumbling? 4 The Promise & The Song

Activities Invite someone to attend MVPC s Live Nativity with you. Consider hosting a pre- Nativity party. Share Christmas joy with a child served by one of MVPC s local mission partners. Choose an angel from the Giving Tree and purchase gifts. Gifts must be returned to the MVPC office by December 6 th. Do something every day that brings you joy or helps you share joy with others. Read an article on how to pray with joy and spend time each day in joyful prayer: https://www.thebridge.community/how-to-pray-with-joy/ We cannot make ourselves joyful. Joy cannot be commanded, purchased, or arranged. But there is something we can do. We can decide to live in response to the abundance of God and not under the dictatorship of our own poor needs. Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience Standing on the Promises Russell K. Carter, published 1886 Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring, Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit s sword, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises I cannot fall, List ning every moment to the Spirit s call, Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 5

WEEK 2 The Promise of a King DECEMBER 4-10 Read and light two candles (purple): The first candle represents the promise of joy. The second candle represents the promise of a King. Say aloud together: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 Read: In old age Elizabeth miraculously conceived her promised joy, her son John. The angel Gabriel delivered a similar promise to her young cousin Mary: she, too, will miraculously conceive a baby. But whereas John will prepare the way, Mary s baby Jesus will be the everlasting King, the Son of God. With Mary, we trust the promise because no word from God will ever fail. Pray: We are the Lord s servants. May your word to us be fulfilled. We wait and pray in the name of Jesus our coming King, Amen. Monday Deuteronomy 31:8 How can God s presence comfort you in discouragement? Tuesday Psalm 5:1-3 What difference does it make that your King hears your cries and requests? Wednesday Matthew 6:9-10 What might God s kingdom look like on earth today? Thursday Hebrews 1:1-3 How do you learn to hear the Son s voice? Friday 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What has God said to you through His Word recently? Saturday 1 John 5:20 What does it mean to you to have eternal life with the Son of God? 6 The Promise & The Song

Activities Invite someone to attend the MVPC Christmas on the Hill Concert with you this weekend: Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 4pm. Subscribe to www.365promises.com or make it your home page to receive a daily promise from God s Word. Make a construction paper crown for King Jesus. On the inside, write a prayer telling Him what it means to you that He is King of your life. God s Promises The Lord brought you into relationship with Him (Romans 5:6-11). God forgives our sins (1 John 1:9). God s presence is continually with you (Hebrews 13:5). The Holy Spirit will help you (John 14:16). God will strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10). God will supply all your needs (Matthew 6:31-32). He answers your prayers (1 John 5:14-15). God always gives you His best (Psalm 84:11). He bears your burdens (Psalm 68:19). God comforts you in times of trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Which promise do you need most today? Thank God that He will always be faithful to His Word. Waiting, for the believer, is not the futile and desperate act of those who have no other options, but rather a confident trust that eventually God will set things right. Gary L. Thomas, Authentic Faith God is with us. Prophets weren t enough. Apostles wouldn t do. Angels won t suffice. God sent more than miracles and messages. He sent himself; He sent his Son. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life O Come, Divine Messiah! Abbé Simon J. Pellegrin, 16 th century French carol O come, divine Messiah! The world in silence waits the day When hope shall sing its triumph, And sadness flee away. Dear Savior haste; Come, come to earth, Dispel the night and show your face, And bid us hail the dawn of grace. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 7

WEEK 3 The Song of Glory DECEMBER 11-17 Read and light three candles (two purple, one pink): The first candle represents the promise of joy. The second candle represents the promise of a King. The third candle represents the song of glory. Say aloud together: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read Scripture: Luke 1:39-56 Read: Unborn John leaped for joy in the presence of unborn Jesus and Elizabeth newly saw her cousin as the mother of her Lord. Blessed because she believed the Lord would fulfill His promises, Mary sings glory to God her Savior, the Mighty One who mercifully lifts up the humble and fills the hungry with good things. God promised our ancestors mercy and still He works to fulfill His promises. Pray: Lord, our souls glorify you and our spirits rejoice in you, our Savior. May we always be hungry for the good things you provide. In the name of Jesus we pray and sing, Amen. Monday 1 Kings 8:28 Where do you need God s mercy in your life? Tuesday 2 Chronicles 7:14 How do you humble yourself before God? Wednesday Psalm 63:1-5 Glorify God by sharing some ways you experience His love in your life. Thursday Isaiah 43:10-12 What did God tell Isaiah about who He is and who we are? Friday Philippians 4:4-5 When do you sense God s presence, and how do you express your joy? Saturday 2 Corinthians 1:10 How has God delivered you? 8 The Promise & The Song

Activities Leap with joy! For each jumping jack you do, tell God one thing that makes life joy-filled. Think of someone whose faith you admire, and then tell them how they inspire you to greater faithfulness. With your kids, make cookies (or another craft-gift) for their Sunday school teachers and other faith role models. What good things has God done for you? Give everyone a piece of blank paper and crayons or colored pencils. Draw or write about God s mighty acts, and post your creation to remember how much God loves you. Salutation Luci Shaw, Winter Song Framed in light, Mary sings through the doorway. Elizabeth s six month joy jumps, a palpable greeting, a hidden first encounter between son and Son. And my heart turns over when I meet Jesus in you. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing Robert Robinson, 1758 Come thou fount of every blessing Tune my heart to sing thy grace Streams of mercy never ceasing Call for songs of loudest praise O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to thee Prone to wander Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love Here's my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for thy courts above ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 9

WEEK 4 The Song of Salvation DECEMBER 18-24 Read and light four candles: The first candle represents the promise of joy. The second candle represents the promise of a King. The third candle represents the song of glory. The fourth candle represents the song of salvation. Say aloud together: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read Scripture: Luke 1:57-80 Read: Nine silent months gone, Zechariah bestowed upon his son the name spoken by the angel and immediately burst into song to the Lord. Filled with the Spirit, he praised the God of Israel who saves His people, just as He promised. Our God remembers His people. He shines on us the light of salvation through the forgiveness of sins so that we will no longer live in darkness but walk paths of peace. Pray: Praise be to the Lord who, in His mercy, saves us from our sins. We will serve you without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all our days. In the name of Jesus we sing, Amen. Monday Exodus 15:2 How has God given you strength? Tuesday Psalm 150 Loudly and with feeling, pray this psalm of praise three times. Wednesday Matthew 20:26-28 Who is Jesus asking you to serve? Thursday Luke 19:9-10 Pray for someone who needs to be found by Jesus. Friday Acts 4:11-13 How has Jesus become the cornerstone of your life? Saturday Colossians 1:13-14 Confess your sins to Jesus and thank Him for His redemption. 10 The Promise & The Song

Activities Invite someone to join you for one of MVPC s Christmas worship services: CHRISTMAS EVE 5pm Family Service, 9pm Carol Service, and 11pm Candlelight Service CHRISTMAS DAY one service at 10:30am Every day, take time to sing worship to God Most High. Go for a walk and silently pray for God s tender mercy to shine on every person, home or business you pass. Christmas is God s reminder that we are not alone. God revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus a reconciling love that rescues us from separation and loneliness. We are not alone; God has come down from Heaven to tell us He loves us! Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day In a changing world where vows are often broken, it s reassuring that believers serve a God who keeps His word. Think about the hope His promises provide, and praise Him for the way they reveal His character. Charles Stanley, www.intouch.org Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding Latin Hymn Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding! "Christ is near," we hear it say. "Cast away the works of darkness, All you children of the day!" Startled at the solemn warning, Let the earthbound soul arise; Christ, its sun, all sloth dispelling, Shines upon the morning skies. See, the Lamb, so long expected, Comes with pardon down from heav'n. Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all, to be forgiv'n. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL 11

CHRISTMAS The Promise Fulfilled DECEMBER 25 Read and light all candles: The first candle represents the promise of joy. The second candle represents the promise of a King. The third candle represents the song of glory. The fourth candle represents the song of salvation. The center candle represents Jesus, God s promise fulfilled. Say aloud together: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Read Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Read: Just as the angel promised, Mary had a baby boy. Unexpecting shepherds also received an angelic promise: in the town of David you will find a baby, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. When they found the Promise Fulfilled, shepherds joined the angel s song let all who hear it be amazed: A Savior has been born to us, our Messiah, the Lord! Glory to God in heaven, and on earth, peace. Pray: Dear God, thank you for fulfilling all your promises in Jesus. In His precious name we will sing your glory forever and ever, Amen. Almighty God: Grant us, with your marvelous promises, a trust equally as marvelous, both in you and in the goodness to come. Jesus: Grant us, with this marvelous trust, a delight equally as marvelous, a joy to uphold our whole existence until the day when it comes to pass, indeed, that you come in glory among us. Holy Spirit: Grant us with this marvelous delight, a service equally as marvelous, so that all we do bespeaks our joy, our trust, and our God s great faithfulness! Amen. Walter Wangerin Jr., Preparing for Jesus 12 The Promise & The Song

Celebrate Christmas at MVPC Worship: The Promise & the Song SUNDAYS 9 & 10:30am CHRISTMAS EVE Saturday, December 24th, 5, 9 & 11pm CHRISTMAS DAY Sunday, December 25th, one service at 10:30am NEW YEAR S DAY Sunday, January 1st, one service at 10:30am Live Nativity Saturday, December 3rd, drop by from 5:30-8pm See the Christmas story come to life as the MVPC courtyard is transformed into a Bethlehem manger. Christmas on the Hill Concert Saturday, December 10th, 7pm Sunday, December 11th, 4pm Experience a heart-warming presentation of new and traditional Christmas music. Sunday childcare available for 6mos to PreK/TK with reservation: kveitch@mvpctoday.org The Giving Tree On display Sundays, through December 4 th, so you can share the joy of Christmas with those in need. 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, California 94556 www.mvpctoday.org 925.376.4800