December 25, 2021

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Reflect on all you've read and considered during Advent.

How do you desire to respond in praise to God?

How might you, like the shepherds, share this Good News with others?

Pray - and rejoice!

December 24, 2021

Read and Reflect on: Luke 2:1-7 (Option: Also read Micah 5:2-5a and John 1:1-18)

What does the simple description of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:1-7 convey?

How might it be surprising? How is it fitting?

Pray, expressing your response to Jesus' humble birth and the beauty of the Incarnation. 

December 23, 2021

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

Imagine these events from Joseph's perspective: What emotionos or questions might he have wrestled with?

How was his faith challenged and changed?

Now consider your own perspective: How does this passage emphasize key truths of the gospel?

December 22, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Luke 1:39-56 (Option: Also read 2 Samuel 6.)

What insights do you draw from the comparison of Mary and the ark of the covenant?

How do Elizabeth's and Mary's reactions to these events speak to you?

Reflect on Mary's song, then express your own words of praise to God.

December 21, 2021

 Read and Ponder: Luke 1:26-28

Why is it significant that Mary was initially "greatly troubled" and voiced a question?

How does she exemplify spiritual formation here?

How do you feel challenged or inspired by Mary's response?

Pray, expressing your total surrender to God. 

December 20, 2021

Read: Luke 1:5-25,57-66 (Option: Also revisit vv. 67-69)

Zechariah was the first to learn God was doing something amazing - something God's people had been waiting for.

What do you imagine Zechariah thought or wondered during his months of silence?

What does his story highlight about God and salvation?

December 19, 2021

Read and Consider: Philippians 2:5-11 (Option: Also reflect on John 1:14)

How does the Incarnation point us toward deep truths about the love and nature of God?

How are these truths central to the gospel? How do they impact your daily life?

Pray, expressing your response to God. 

December 18, 2021

Read and Meditate on: Isaiah 9:6-7 (Option: Also reflect on John 1:14)

In what ways does this promise point toward core tenets of the gospel?

Which aspects of this prophecy most draw your attention? Why?

Pray, praising Christ for each aspect of his identity described in Isaiah 9:6-7.

December 17, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Isaiah 9:1-2 (Option: Also read Matthew 4:12-17 and John 1:1-5)

What darkness in this world or in your life is sometimes difficult to face?

How does Isaiah's promise enourage you?

How has Jesus - the Light - overcome darkness in your life?

December 16, 2021

Read Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11 (Option: Also read Luke 4:14-21)

Consider Isaiah's original audience:

What hope did this promise give?

What did it emphasize about God's character and plans? 

What stands out to you today as you read this promise in light of Jesus and the gospel?

December 15, 2021

Read and Ponder: Isaiah 42:1-7

What draws your attention in this description of the servant?

How does Jesus fulfill these promises and how will he?

In prayer, confess ways you've place hope in contemporary idols.  Ask God to help you place all of your hope in him.

December 14, 2021

Read and Reflect On: Isaiah 12:2-6; 52:7-10;Zephaniah 3:14-20

How do these prophecies expand your vision of salvation and what it means, and what Jesus came to offer?

How do you desire to bring this good news of home to others?

Pray, expressing your gratitude and worship to God.

December 13, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Isaiah 11:1-5 and Jeremiah 33:14-16

What hope do these passages offer?

What might he original recipients of these prophecies have thought or wondered?

Pray, reflecting on the sprouting shoot of hope and salvation God promised for his people.

December 12, 2021

Read and Meditate on: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

What draws your attention most?

How does this poetic prophecy deepen your engagement with gospel?

Pray, reflecting on how these dark descriptions of what the servant would suffer are crucial in our observance of Advent. 

December 11, 2021

Read: John 1:29-34 (Option: Also reflect on John 1:6-8;1 Cor 5:7;1 Pet1:18-19)

How do John's teachings about sin and repentance connect with his testimony about Jesus?

How do you desire to respond to Jesus as you contemplate his identity as the Lamb of God?

December 10, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Matthew 3:1-12

How does the idea that the kingdom "has come near" (v.2) or "is at hand" (ESV) add context to John's call to repent?

What does this statement reveal about Jesus? How does it enrich your understanding of the gospel? or cleansing grace?

December 9, 2021

Read and Reflect on: Luke 3:7-18

How is John's confrontational message "good news"?

What might you need to heed in John's words?

Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to work within you, producing fruit in your life that reflects repentance.

December 8, 2021

Read and Consider: Luke 3:1-6

How is John's emphasis on repentance essential in preparing the way for Jesus?

When have you experienced repentance as "a life-saving measure"?

Pray, inviting God to deepen your understanding and practice of repentance.

December 7, 2021

Read and Meditate on: Luke 1:67-69

What is God drawing your attention to in Zechariah's prophecy?

What does this song emphasize about God?

About humanity?

About John's purpose and God's Plan

December 6, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Isaiah 40:1-5

How does the context of tragedy and sorrow-in the Jewish scriptural reading cycle and in Isaiah's day-enrich your reading of this passage and the comfort it offers?

How might it deepen your understanding of John the Baptist's purpose?

December 5, 2021

Read:  Malachi 3:1-4

Consider its meaning in several possible layers: its original historical and cultural context, John the Baptist's and Jesus' coming, and Christ's return.

What does this prophecy reveal about God's character and love?

Pray, inviting God's refining work in your life. 

December 4, 2021

Read and Consider: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How does anticipation of Christ's return shape your daily life?

How do you desire as you live out the gospel life in person?

Pray, inviting God to strengthen your heart and deepen your love for others as you await Christ's return. 

December 3, 2021

Read and Reflect on: Revelation 22:12-20

What does it mean to pray, "come, Lord Jesus"?

How does this prayer challenge or change you?

Join Christians around the globe and through the centuries as you pray this ancient prayer today.

December 2, 2021

Read and Contemplate: Revelation 21:9-22:5

What strikes you most about this beautiful imagery?

What truths do the descriptions of shining light and illuminating glory convey about God?  About the new creation?  About our ultimate hope?