Immanuel
A Little Child Shall Guide Them
Watch for the light. (Daily Scripture Readings)
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep…Then God said, ‘Let there be light.’” (Gen. 1: 1-3). When God enters our lives, there is light. When God enters into our world to camp with us, God comes as light. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1: 1-5)
As we begin this Advent season together, may we again see the wonder of the light and life of God entering and making our lives new. With the distractions of consumerism, may we pause with anticipation and be guided by the brightest star. May we together, help nurture and strengthen one another.
December 1 is the beginning of a New Year in our Christian calendar. I would like us to try something new this blessed New Year. As the Word that was in the beginning is Jesus Christ, and the Word is our living Scripture, I would like us to enter into the Word together every day of this month in the anticipation of seeing Christmas again through the eyes of our children. In our busy lives, this pause will help ground us with the fullness of why we celebrate Christmas.
Parents, I have been intentional in selecting Bible verses that help build from the prophecy to the birth of Jesus. One of the greatest gifts we can share with our children is a love of reading our Scripture. Pick the time that works best for your family. We will choose to do this each night at bedtime. If you think of a Christmas Carol that goes well with the song, or a story, may we share the true gift of Christmas of a great light. Also, we will be regularly blogging and sharing thoughts on these readings on our website throughout Advent. Please join in and share in the conversation at www.spiritoflifeav.org.
Daily Readings:
|
1-Dec |
Isaiah 2: 1-5 |
Nurture |
|
2-Dec |
Isaiah 7: 13-14 |
Sign of Emmanuel |
|
3-Dec |
Isaiah 9: 1-7 |
A coming king. |
|
4-Dec |
Isaiah 11: 1-3, 6-9 |
A peaceful kingdom. |
|
5-Dec |
Isaiah 25: 6-9 |
Passionate waiting. |
|
6-Dec |
Isaiah 35: 1-10 |
Prepare for God’s reign. |
|
7-Dec |
Isaiah 49: 1-2 |
You are God’s beloved child. |
|
8-Dec |
Jeremiah 1: 4-5 |
“Before I formed you—I knew you.” |
|
9-Dec |
Psalm 139 |
You are beautiful. |
|
10-Dec |
Isaiah 60: 1-5 |
Your light has come. |
|
11-Dec |
Luke 1: 5-25 |
Song of Zechariah |
|
12-Dec |
Luke 1: 26-38 |
Angel comes to Mary |
|
13-Dec |
Luke 1: 39-56 |
Mary shares good news |
|
14-Dec |
Luke 1: 57-66 |
Prepare the way of the Lord. |
|
15-Dec |
Isaiah 40: 1-5 |
(Prepare the way) |
|
16-Dec |
Luke 1: 67-80 |
Song of Zechariah |
|
17-Dec |
Matthew 1: 18-24 |
Angel tells Joseph |
|
18-Dec |
Luke 2: 1-5 |
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem |
|
19-Dec |
John 1: 1-9 |
Light shines in the darkness |
|
20-Dec |
John 8: 12 |
Light of the world |
|
21-Dec |
Isaiah 42: 1-9 |
A light to the nations. |
|
22-Dec |
Micah 5: 2-5a |
Prophecy of one of peace |
|
23-Dec |
Zechariah 9: 9-17 |
The coming ruler. |
|
24-Dec |
Luke 2: 6-20 |
Jesus is Born |
|
25-Dec |
Luke 2: 21-38 and Luke 1: 31-32 |
Emmanuel |
|
26-Dec |
Matthew 2: 1-12 |
Wise men follow a star. |
|
27-Dec |
Matthew 2: 13-23 and Luke 2: 39-40 |
Herod becomes angry |
|
28-Dec |
1 John 3: 1-3 |
Children of God |
|
29-Dec |
1 John 4: 9 and John 3: 17 |
Why did Jesus come? |
|
30-Dec |
1 Peter 2: 2-3 |
Spiritual Milk |
|
31-Dec |
Colossians 3: 16-17 |
New Life. |
Merry Christmas, Pastor Rob