Christmastime is upon us! This year we are going to be using the Youversion reading plan "Rediscovering the Christmas Season". The Bible app is a great resource so if you haven't downloaded it yet, this is a perfect reason to so :) If you are unable to use the app, we will be updating this blog daily with the reading. We will also be updating daily with a family reading out of the Jesus Storybook Bible. If you don't currently own this Bible storybook, we highly recommend it. If you need a copy let us know and we will get you one.
Family Story Day 1: "The Story & The Song"
"Rediscovering the Christmas Season" Day 1:
A Preface to This Adventure
What is Advent? Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or coming. The Hebrews looked forward to the coming of a Savior or Messiah - the First Advent. Now, we are waiting expectantly for His return to sweep His bride off of our feet - the Second Advent. The Church has been waiting for Him to come back from the moment He left the first time.
Why should I participate in Advent? So, what does Advent have to do with celebrating the arrival of Jesus? Traditionally, Advent counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Practically, Advent reminds us to look forward to His return every day. This season is about resetting Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. After all, when He comes to take us home forever, we want to be ready. Expect to be inspired, challenged, refocused, broken, motivated, unified, encouraged, and most of all, expectant.
How do I use this reading plan? Each day provides daily reflection questions and often a suggested activity to help you center that day on Jesus. You can go in order or you can skip around and pick a day that you feel would be the most beneficial. You can go through the plan as an individual, but think of ways to do them in groups or as a family. Some activities will be things that you may already do during the Christmas season, but will suggest a Christ-centered way to think about it. Other activities will be things that you have never done before, so be open-minded and willing to try something new. Each day will include: Exposure, Exploration, Expression and Experience. You may find that you want to read the Additional Content each day before the scripture to guide what you're looking for.
Exposure: Read the account of two people who waited every day in the Temple for Jesus' arrival.
Exploration: Discuss or journal about these two people who were blessed by seeing God's Savior with their own eyes. How can your life reflect this kind of anticipation?
Expression: Think about how you anticipate Christmas. How much of this feeling of excitement is centered on the arrival of Christ?
Experience: Before you dive into this 25-day journey, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to open your eyes so your vision of Jesus becomes clearer than it has ever been. Ask God to make you more aware of what it means to live your life with the expectation of the Advent of Jesus. Even on a personal level, when Jesus comes, life truly is an ADVENTure. Let's experience it fully this Christmas season!
Read Luke 2:21-40
Family Story Day 1: "The Story & The Song"
"Rediscovering the Christmas Season" Day 1:
A Preface to This Adventure
What is Advent? Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or coming. The Hebrews looked forward to the coming of a Savior or Messiah - the First Advent. Now, we are waiting expectantly for His return to sweep His bride off of our feet - the Second Advent. The Church has been waiting for Him to come back from the moment He left the first time.
Why should I participate in Advent? So, what does Advent have to do with celebrating the arrival of Jesus? Traditionally, Advent counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Practically, Advent reminds us to look forward to His return every day. This season is about resetting Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. After all, when He comes to take us home forever, we want to be ready. Expect to be inspired, challenged, refocused, broken, motivated, unified, encouraged, and most of all, expectant.
How do I use this reading plan? Each day provides daily reflection questions and often a suggested activity to help you center that day on Jesus. You can go in order or you can skip around and pick a day that you feel would be the most beneficial. You can go through the plan as an individual, but think of ways to do them in groups or as a family. Some activities will be things that you may already do during the Christmas season, but will suggest a Christ-centered way to think about it. Other activities will be things that you have never done before, so be open-minded and willing to try something new. Each day will include: Exposure, Exploration, Expression and Experience. You may find that you want to read the Additional Content each day before the scripture to guide what you're looking for.
Exposure: Read the account of two people who waited every day in the Temple for Jesus' arrival.
Exploration: Discuss or journal about these two people who were blessed by seeing God's Savior with their own eyes. How can your life reflect this kind of anticipation?
Expression: Think about how you anticipate Christmas. How much of this feeling of excitement is centered on the arrival of Christ?
Experience: Before you dive into this 25-day journey, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to open your eyes so your vision of Jesus becomes clearer than it has ever been. Ask God to make you more aware of what it means to live your life with the expectation of the Advent of Jesus. Even on a personal level, when Jesus comes, life truly is an ADVENTure. Let's experience it fully this Christmas season!
Read Luke 2:21-40