Day 25: He's Here!

 

Sin and the serpent seemed to be winning. Until...all of a sudden, they lost (Biggest Story - 96)

Day 24: He's Coming!

 

"So Mary Trusted God more than what her eyes could see. And she believed." (JSB 179)

Day 23 - Remember the Promises

 

And the many years turned into hundreds of years, and the great promises of God seemed to fade away (Big Picture 232)

Day 22 Just a little town called Bethlehem

 

God told Mary and Joseph that their baby was the one promised long ago. He would rescue God's people (Big Picture 249)

Day 21: The Prince of Peace

 

God has come to live with us. He is one of King David's children's children's children. The Prince of Peace (JSB 147)

Day 20 God makes New

   Ornament:  Heart

Scripture Readings:
Ezekiel 36:22-38
Nehemiah 8:1-12
Matthew 5:17-18
Revelation 21:9-27

Verse:  Ezekiel 36:26a "And I will give you a new heart."

Christmas Song: Infant Holy

Hymn:  Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart

The Big Picture Story Bible: God's Promise Remains (220-227)
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Get Ready! (170-175)
The Ology:  The Holy Spirit: God's Best Gift (137-138)

     Today's thoughts are simple. We are sinful. We cannot change ourselves. We need someone to help us and rescue us. Only God can give us what we need. A remnant of God's people were able to return home and rebuild Jerusalem. God did as He promised and brought them back. The people worked hard, listened to God's Word, and celebrated. They sang, "For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136). But even in the midst of celebration, God's people were sad - they knew that the walls that they had just built would eventually crumble. They mourned because they realized that this was not a permanent restoration. They longed for something better - Someone better.

     We too look around us and mourn. We do all we can to build a good life for ourselves and for our families, but we know that this is only temporary. All the hurt, disappointment, and pain are only for a short time. We long for Jesus to come again and to restore us permanently in our forever Home with God. That will be a great day of celebration!

  Tidings and Tidbits:

• Here is a wonderful text if you don't know it already. 
• I did not post the traditional tune to our hymn today. The arrangement above was written by a dear mentor and friend, Dr. Gustafson. It is beautiful. Thankful for how God used Him on earth and thankful that He is now Home with Jesus. 
• Take Psalm 136 and teach your children the phrase "for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever." You can read the phrases that change, and they can participate. If they are very small, try having them just fill in one word like "good" or "love" or "forever."

Day 19: God, the eternal, living King

 

Why do I see four men, completely unbound, walking around in the middle of the fire? (Dan 3:25, The Voice)