WORSHIP FULLY (Patricia Archambault)
Advent tells us we are leading up to something very special. Weeks of preparation with important events integrated together until that special gift is here. The Birth of Jesus Christ, expected and anticipated, is the hope for all mankind. Advent prepares us in so many ways; lovingly, spiritually, giving of ourselves, not with materialistic value but by giving our love to everyone. God gave his only son for us, a gift so rare, and precious, sometimes we forget the true meaning of what we are so lucky to witness.
Our family shares God’s love each Christmas by filling shoe boxes for needy children in other countries. We also write something a little special for each shoe box, either sharing the Christmas Story of Jesus’ Birth or writing about how much God loves them. Just knowing that a smile is on a child’s face for Christmas is gift enough for us.
Read
John 1:10-13
Challenge (by Devon Wagler)
This passage isn’t as confusing as it seems. Think about it this way. John makes the claim that Jesus is God, and therefore he created the world. He is simply making the point the people didn’t recognize him for who he really is.
More than any other time in history, people don’t recognize Christmas for what it really is. People all over the world celebrate Christ’s birth without realizing what that means—God among us. Do something different today to recognize this fact.
Quote
“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.”
(Norman Vincent Peale)