ADVENT 2024 - TOGETHER IN THE LIGHT

December 1, 2024:   The Absence of Light

Isaiah 1:1-9

Isaiah opens with an indictment against the people of Judah. Their lack of acknowledgment of God has resulted in the judgment of God. The people were wandering in the darkness of their own sinful choices. In some ways, the condition of Judah is representative of our world today. There are so many places in our society where darkness reigns and God is not acknowledged. We desperately need the Light of the World!

ADVENT CANDLE:  HOPE

Reading:  John 3:19-21

Together in Word: John 3:19-21

As we begin the Advent Season, we acknowledge that our world is broken. Sinful behavior has real consequences. Where there is no light, darkness prevails. Were there not so much darkness in our world, there would have been no need for God to send his Son, the Light of the World. As we read and contemplate this text this week, let’s spend some time reflecting on just how dark our world can be when Christ is not accepted and honored. We may want to spend some time this week praying for those we know this Advent Season who have yet to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

December 8, 2024:   A Light Has Dawned!

Isaiah 9:2-7

The Bible opens in darkness. We read in Genesis 1 that darkness covered the surface of the deep. And—God’s Spirit was hovering in the midst of that darkness. However, God’s voice brought light into being. He spoke that famous words recorded by Moses, “Let there be light!” God’s Word is powerful. In this Advent Season, we celebrate the truth that God spoke again in history when He sent the Word of God to this world! Jesus Christ is the Word of God. When God sent Him into the darkness of this world, a Light dawned! His light has never diminished and darkness will never overcome it!

ADVENT CANDLE:  PEACE 

Reading:  Isaiah 9:6-7

Together in Word: John 1:1-14

John opens His Gospel with a bold cosmic description of the miracle of the Incarnation. This dark world needed the Light of the World and the life He brings. The light of Jesus Christ dispels the darkness of the sinfulness of humanity. He brings life to us! We are all witnesses of this light. As we read and reflect on this passage this Advent Season, let’s pause to express our gratitude to God for this incredible Christmas Gift! We are not left in darkness. We can live in the light of the life Jesus has brought to us!

December 15, 2024:  Christmas Lights

Isaiah 42:1-9

The birth of Jesus Christ has changed everything! His birth was the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy from the Old Testament. His birth signaled the beginning of The Age to Come. This Present Evil Age was no longer the only reality on earth. The Messiah ushered in a new era where the light of the Gospel transcended the boundaries of Judaism and extended to us—Gentiles! The light of Jesus Christ is now reflected through the Christmas Lights of all His people and continues to dispel darkness across our world.

ADVENT CANDLE:  JOY

Reading:  Luke 2:8-12

Together in Word: Luke 2:1-20

The Story of Christmas is the most endearing story ever told! The Son of God born as a little baby in Bethlehem! Wow! This week, as we read and reflect, let’s take time to contemplate how this story has changed everything! Nothing has ever been the same since Jesus was born that night in Bethlehem. The Angel of the Lord was right—He was sharing good news! How has that good news shaped your life? How can God use you to share that good news with others this Christmas Season? Can you live as Christmas Lights in your circle of influence?

December 22, 2024:  For God so Loved!

Isaiah 53

Now we come to the why of Advent! Why did God send the Light of the World into this dark and desperate world? Because He loves us all so much! Isaiah paints an unforgettable portrait of our suffering Savior in Isaiah 53. Here we come face to face with the incredible expression of God’s love for us. The Cradle of Christmas is connected to the Cross of Calvary. Today we express our deep gratitude to Jesus as we are reminded of the reason for His birth!

ADVENT CANDLE:  LOVE

Reading:  John 3:16-18

Together in Word: Matthew 2:1-12

This week we read the story of the visit of the Wise Men to Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus, the King of the Jews. The magi came from the east, bearing gifts to this baby King. This week is Christmas! We will be sharing gifts with family and friends. This tradition arose from the original gifts given to Jesus by these visitors. As we make our way through this week, let’s reflect upon the true gift of Christmas—the gift of love from God wrapped up in His Son! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve:  The Son of Man, Son of David, Son of God!

Isaiah 11:1-9

As we gather on Christmas Eve, we will celebrate the birth of our Savior—the Son of Man, the Son of David, the Son of God! Isaiah’s prophecy pointed to the birth of this special child. He would emerge from the line of Jesse, David’s father. He would be anointed with the Spirit of God in a special and unique manifestation of the presence of God. He will usher in a new Kingdom and He will signal the launching of a new day when the knowledge of the LORD will fill the earth. Wow! Merry Christmas!

ADVENT CANDLE:  CHRIST

Reading:  Luke 1:1-7

December 29, 2024:  Our Guiding Light

 Isaiah 50:10-11

As we bring this year to a close, we will focus on the light that God provides His children. We all face the temptation to live our lives in the light of our own wisdom and insight. While God has given us a mind and the ability to reason, He also invites us to a spiritual journey where He provides His counsel and guidance. His desire is for us to live according to His will and not our own.

Together in Word: Isaiah 61:1-3

We end this year with this text that was so important to Jesus. In Luke 4, Jesus will read this text in His hometown synagogue in Nazareth. He will claim it has been fulfilled with His appearing! As we focus on this text, let’s reflect upon how God used Jesus to fulfill His will. Let’s reflect upon this past year and consider how closely we have followed God’s will. How has God used us in His work? How are we planning to be used by Him in this new year?