Advent Calendar Day Twenty-five...Christmas is Here!

Merry Christmas...after 25 boxes Christmas is finally here!

In box #25 there are three gifts to represent the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus

Matthew 2:11

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

December 25th...the day we celebrate Christmas...the day when the Greatest Gift of all came into the world-Jesus.

But Christmas isn't just about a baby being born.  It is about redemption...a way back to God.  You see, the things in our life that are not good - bad thoughts, words, actions - keep us from God.  God is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin.  When sin entered the world, God's plan of redemption was already in place.  It would take sacrifice.  The sacrifice of His One and Only Son to enable us to have a relationship with Him.

There is no way for us to reach Him on our own.  That is why Jesus had to die.  He was perfect and came to earth wholly God and wholly man, to die in our place once and for all.  It is His birth, death, and resurrection that made the way for us to spend eternity with God.

But there is a catch.

You see, with any gift that is given it has to be received and opened.  Taking a gift and leaving it under the tree does no good.  Knowing about Jesus and what He has done isn't enough.  Going to church and being a good person isn't enough.  Dedicating your time, money, and energy isn't enough. 

Nothing is good enough...only God.

You must take the gift and open it for your very own.  It involves admitting your sin, and your desire for God to be the One in control.  It involves humility and surrender, surrender to the One who sacrificed all for you...all you have to do is to surrender your control to Him.  The One who gives good and perfect gifts, the One and Only who can restore your life and make you the kind of person He wants you to be. 

This Christmas  as you open gifts under your tree, how about opening the only gift that can never perish and that alone can satisfy your heart?  Jesus...the greatest gift of all, given for you.  Will you take the gift and make it your own?

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-four

In box #24 there is a star, to represent the star the Magi followed to find Jesus.

Matthew 2:9-10

"After [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-three

In box #23 there are jewels to represent Jesus being th King of Kings!

Matthew 2:1-2

"...Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"

The Magi traveled a long way, at their own expense to worship the King of Kings.  With only two days left until Christmas I am humbled to think of their focus on the One who is important.  At this time of year it is so busy to fill the days with a long 'to do' list of all that needs to be done.  But my challenge is, how do I clearly use the days left until Christmas, not to fulfill my list, but to worship the One who left heaven to make a relationship with God possible for me? 

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-two

On day #22 there is a scroll in the advent calendar box.

The scroll represents the wisdom and knowledge of the Magi who were watching and waiting!

Matthew 2:1

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem." 

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-One

In Box #21 there are a pair of eyes

The eyes remind us that Jesus was revealed to Simeon as the Christ, the promised Messiah.

Luke 2:25-32

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.  He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  Moved by teh Spirit, he went into the temple courts.  When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
'Soverign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'" 

Advent Calendar Day Twenty

In Box #20 there is a dove

The dove symbolizes the purification sacrifice that needed to be made.  It also represents a later time in the life of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove after his baptism.

Luke 2:22-24

"When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord', and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord:  'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'"

Luke 3:21-22

"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.  And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven:  'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"

Advent Calendar Day Nineteen

In Box #19 we find the name Jesus...

Luke 2:21

"On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived."


Jesus...the name above all names, the only name by which we may be saved...the precious name of Jesus

Advent Calendar Day Eighteen

In Box #18 there is a heart to symbolize Mary, Jesus' earthly mother treasuring what was said in her heart. 

Luke 2:19-20, 33-35

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."..."The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'"

Mary had so many unusual experiences as a very young woman.  She was visited by an angel, was pregnant before being with her husband, traveled to Bethlehem being very pregnant, went into labor and had her first child born in a stable, was visited by shepherds from the fields announcing their visit from the angel, and now hearing of things to come with her child. 

So much for a young woman to take in.  But Mary was chosen by God.  He knew her heart and she trusted him.  She surrendered her will to His and was faithful to what God had called her to do.  The road before her would not be easy.  God never promised easy.  He promised a Savior and God is faithful to do what He promised, even if life looks like it is filled with trials.  God is not surprised.  He has a purpose and a plan...and it is Good. 



Advent Calendar Day Seventeen

In box #17 there is a rock to symbolize us kneeling on the ground in response to Jesus as God.

Psalm 95:6

"Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care."

Jesus, came as a baby, but fully God and fully man.  He is the King of King and Lord of Lords.  Our response to him is to humble ourselves and worship him.

Advent Calendar Day Sixteen

December 16th.

My children are excitedly counting down the days to Christmas.  With less than 10 boxes left, there is still more to tell in the Christmas Story...

Box #16 is loaded with bells to symbolize spreading the word of the Good News to others.

Luke 2:15-18

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, the spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

The visit of the angel to the shepherds caused them to seek The One they heard about.  They searched for the child in the manger, and they found him!  After finding Jesus, they told others about Him. 

Finding Jesus has that affect on people.  Jesus changes the hearts and lives of individuals and those who find Him have an incredible urge to tell others about Him...to spread the Good News meant for all people. 

That's our call too.  To share Jesus and what He has done for us and in us.  How are you spreading the Good News this Christmas? 

Advent Calendar Day Fifteen

In Box #15 there are many gold "halos" representing the multitude of angels

Luke 2:13-14

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God ans saying, 'Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"

Can you imagine what it would have been like?  The lowly shepherds were out in the fields at night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and spoke to them.  They were terrified but the angel spoke of the Good News which was nearby.  Then, the skies were filled with angels giving praise to God.  A life-changing experience! 

The shepherds got a glimpse of heaven, but soon they would meet the One who would provide the only way to get to heaven.  God's Good News had arrived for all men!

Advent Calendar Day Fourteen

December 14

Yesterday we read about the angels telling the shepherds the Good News.  In Box 14 we read about the shepherds being told where to find the baby Jesus.

Luke 2:12

"'This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"

Advent Calendar Day Thirteen

In Box #13 the Good News is proclaimed to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-11

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you; he is Christ the Lord.'"

In that tiny stable, the Prince of Peace was born.  The One who would make peace between God and man.  The One who would die in our place so we could live forever with God in eternity.  That's Good News.  News so good cannot be contained, it must be shared.  The shepherds were the first to hear the good news.

Advent Calendar Day Twelve

December 12

In this box there is a handmade peace sign which represents Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

"For to us a child is born,
to us a child is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And his will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus doesn't just give peace, He is Peace.  In a world where there is so much uncertainty, where things are shaking and out of our control, why not trust in the One who brings peace and who is Peace?

Advent Calendar Day Eleven

In box #11 of the Advent Calendar there is a piece of a blanket (thanks to one of my children for sharing a very loved portion!)

Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem for the census.  It was crowded and all the inns were full.  They were able to find shelter in a stable.  When the time came for her to give birth and bring Jesus into the world she wasn't in a familiar place, surrounded by female relatives and a midwife.  She was in a stable, surrounded instead by animals and a man to whom she was engaged.  Not my ideal setting or situation, but God, who is wise and loving, had the entire plan orchestrated. 

Luke 2:7

"and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Advent Calendar Day Ten

Although today is December 13th I am catching up with our advent calendar.  The unexpected trials in life have caused us to fall behind...a sudden, unanticipated death in our extended family, cars that won't start, etc.  So, today on the 13th, I will go back to December 10th and box #10 in the Advent Calendar:

If you remember from December 8th, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the census. 

Luke 2:6-7

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son..."

A long journey, and now a birth of the anticipated One.  Mary had been told by the angel that she would carry the Messiah.  He would be named Jesus.  Joseph was told by the angel that he should still take Mary as his wife because this was all God's plan.  And now that they were in Bethlehem, the very place that God had said that the Messiah would come from...Jesus was born.  God's plan, to redeem people to Himself through the birth and sacrifice of His One and Only Son, was finally entering the world.  Hope!   

Advent Calendar Day Eight

On this day, the eighth of December, we found a "donkey" in our box. 

The donkey reminds us of the journey Joseph and Mary had to take to Bethlehem. 

Luke2:4

"He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."

I cannot imagine what it would have been like to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem being very pregnant.   I've always stayed close to home during the last month of my pregnancies with my bags packed and ready to go to the hospital.  Mary didn't have that luxury.  Because of the census that had been ordered (Luke 2:1) Joseph had to go to his hometown to register.  The timing wasn't convenient for Mary, but it was God's timing.  His plan was for the Savior to be born in Bethlehem.  He used a Roman ruler to accomplish His plan. 

For me, I like to plan things out in advance.  But sometimes my planning may not be what God has preordained in His will.  Do I submit to His will, or complain that my plans have been interrupted?  

Advent Calendar Day Seven

In Box Seven there is a chain.

The chain represents the house and line of David - the genealogy of Jesus.

Luke 2:4

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David."

It was promised that the Messiah would come from the house of David and be born in Bethlehem. 

In Matthew chapter one the genealogy of Jesus is recorded from Abraham all the way to Joseph.  In Luke chapter three the genealogy of begins with Jesus and goes all the way back to God Himself.  The two differ slightly, one tracing the line from David to Mary, the other tracing the line from David to Joseph.  

Advent Calendar Day Five

In box number five we find a cross.

Matthew 1:21

"'[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'"

Jesus came to earth as a baby to die on the cross to be our Savior.  He was the promised Messiah.  It all goes back to the garden.  When sin entered the world, God's plan for a Savior would enfold.  Throughout the Bible we see promises made for the Savior to come and redeem His people.  At Christmas we celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but we look to what the Gift means...that we could have forgiveness for our sins and a relationship with God.  Jesus is the only way for us to get to heaven.  His birth was for His death, so we could live forever with Him.

"I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6

As you prepare for Christmas, have you ever looked beyond the manger to the cross?  I hope that this Christmas you will take time to reflect on the gift that God has given us through His Son Jesus.  God gave us this Gift.  I hope this Christmas you will take the time to receive the greatest gift of all - Jesus.

Advent Calendar Day Four

In the fourth box in the Advent Calendar there is an angel. 

Matthew 1:20
"...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"

In the previous verse it says, "Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."  Joseph was a righteous man.  During his time of engagement to Mary he anticipated their marriage.  But how could Mary be pregnant?  He knew the child was not his and so he sought to "divorce her quietly" rather than the alternative for her - death.  The visit from the angel opened his eyes to the truth.  Mary was chosen by God to carry the Messiah into the world.