Day 13 | Nora Laughinghouse
Luke 2: 8-12
The Listening Shepherds
Why would the Lord send his holy angel to the shepherds?
The shepherds were nothing to worry about because they
had what people thought of as the “lowest and dirtiest
jobs”. Yet, God sent the most important news to them first.
One reason I would think God chose them to hear first is
because not only were they not distracted, but their ears
were open and listening. Sometimes we miss things because
we are so busy, but the shepherds had time to focus and
spend time with the Lord and listen. This might be part of the
reason they were blessed with seeing the newborn king
Jesus! Even though it was frightening, they were soon to be
filled with awe at the good news, and that joy filled their
hearts.
Let God fill you with great joy as he speaks to you this
Christmas, and don’t let your ears be closed to what he has
to say!
Day 12 | John & Julia Bouldin
Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the
first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of
Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own
town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the
town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is
called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and
lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his
betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were
there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave
birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling
cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no
place for them in the inn.[c]
Over the years as we have read this passage, various parts
of the picture stand out or certain words are highlighted to
us. This year, it’s the second half of verse 7 “because there
was no place for them in the inn.” May this advent season
lead us to renew our commitment to have room in our
hearts for Jesus and lead lives that draw others to him. We
came upon a new hymn (an old hymn that is new to us)
that starts with ‘no room for thy holy nativity’ and leads
through Jesus’ life on earth, death on the cross, and his
second coming to call us home to his side where ‘there is
room for thee’.
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
- Emily E. Elliott
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
*O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang,
Proclaiming Thy royal degree;
But in lowly birth Thou didst come to earth,
And in great humility.
*
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
*
When the heav’ns shall ring, and the angels sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for thee.”
My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me.
Day 11 | Matt, Kacey & Sadie Bowman
Luke 1: 34-38
No Turning Back
In this passage, the angel of the Lord shares with Mary
God’s plan for bringing the Messiah to earth. God’s power is
displayed through Elizabeth conceiving, as well as Mary
conceiving but immaculately. Mary responds to God’s plan
by simply saying that she is a servant of the Lord. Mary was
young and unmarried, but she had no concern about the
social and cultural implications of becoming pregnant. She
was willing to give up everything about her current life
(reputation and relationships) to do what God was asking
of her. Jesus has the same expectation of us, that we would
be willing to give up everything to follow Him.
(Additional reading: Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 16:24-26).
Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to
you an area in your life that you need to turn over to the
Lord.
Day 9 | Liz Hogan
Isaiah 9:6-7
“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given.”
These prophetic words are inscribed on Christmas cards, preached and sung during the Christmas season. They
embody the joy felt by Christ’s followers during this season, and they often imbue hope in those who still need to meet
Him. They represent the anticipation of the joy of a relationship with the one true God and His promises to us.
Isaiah’s verses depict the magnificence of the God and Savior this child will become. How blessed we are to have a
God that is phenomenal, who desires to be our defender, who is mighty, who will be our father forever, and who is a
sovereign that brings peace to His people. The “zeal” of our God will establish a kingdom that is governed by His justice
and dominated by His peace. Those who love Him will live in that eternal kingdom.
Wow! Why do I waste time in this joyful season worrying about what dessert to bring to an open house or what
color sweater I should give my sister? I need to allow my mind to dwell on these beautiful truths of the most High
God, and the love he has for mankind. In total humility, I need to bask in the fact that His love extends to me.
How precious is this Lord who cherishes us and loves us. He is my God and yours because:
“Unto us a child is born; unto to us a son is given.”
Day 7 | The Ross Family
John 7:1-5
Lampstand and the Living Water
As we begin this wonderful holiday season, it is
imperative that we take some time to realize the
significance of the Festival of Tabernacles. This was a time
of great joy and served as a reminder of God’s
deliverance, protection, provision, and faithfulness. During
this time, offerings were presented to the Lord. Four giant
lampstands (imagine a 70-foot lamp!) were lit and are
believed to have been so bright that each courtyard in
Jerusalem was lit up by them. Water was drawn each
morning, carried to the temple, and poured on the altar in
a great offering. Yeshua declared that He would pour out
the Holy Spirit on those that believed in Him. The water
came from The Pool of Siloam, which was known as the
“living water.” Jesus, being fully God and man, knew the
significance of this ceremony and knew that He is the light
that penetrates the darkness, the final, great sacrifice, and
the only living water. Hallelujah! Through all the busyness
that the season brings, let’s take a moment to reflect on the
deliverance, protection, provision, and faithfulness of our
Lord, Jesus Christ. Think of one way you or your family can
show Jesus and be the light to others.
