“songs of advent and christmas”...2018 devotional booklet dallas first christian church 1079 se...

2018 Advent Devotionals

“SONGS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS”

2018 DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET

Dallas First Christian Church 1079 SE Jefferson Street

Dallas, OR 97338 503-623-2569


The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day:

First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018

Christmas Eve – December 24 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service New Year’s Eve – December 31 7:00 pm – New Year’s Eve Party The candles of Advent serve to remind us to open our hearts and reach out our hands to comfort and help all God’s people so they, too, would be prepared to receive their Lord and Savior.


December 2 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of God’s gift, Emmanuel. The words of the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” express that wanting and waiting heart of us all.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The cry of the song, the cry of Israel, even the cry of our hearts is to see the revelation of the Son of God. Emmanuel means God with us and this revelation is a changing point in all of human history. This gift changes everything and allows us to rejoice in the midst of the struggles of life when it seems like there is nothing to be joyful about.

Prayer: Gracious and Loving God. We thank you for the gift of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. May our waiting turn to joy as He is revealed in our lives this season and may the presence of Jesus in the manger, change our lives today. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 3 He Touched me, Oh He touched me and now what joy floods my soul..."

Read: Luke 2:22-32: "... for my eyes have seen Your salvation..."

The hospital room was quiet. Kathy was lying in the bed, her eyes closed. I could tell she was tired. Her time before this was spent in the delivery of our first born. I stood quietly by her bedside until the nurse burst into the room. She was wheeling in a cart with a tiny baby. Kathy opened her eyes and told the nurse that I was her husband. The nurse smiled and proceeded to pick up my son to give to me to hold. To say I was hesitant is an understatement. The nurse wouldn't let me escape the touching and holding of this little baby. "Hold him like this..." she said. Then she taught me the football carry. When I touched and held him, we were completed. God had answered prayer and both Kathy and Tim had come through the birth ordeal. I also survived. God has been good with all my children. I pray for them all. Father watches over all His children. It's beyond my understanding. Still I trust in His goodness and presence in both times of fulfillment and times of loss. Our Father is good, and all His plans are covered in His love, provision and promise.

Sometimes we have to wait, be patient and continue to trust. Simeon spent his life waiting that day of Jesus coming into the temple. The way he waited is a lesson for us. He was devout, righteous and always watching for His coming. Moved by the Holy Spirit he responded. The result was holding the tiny hands of salvation and recognizing The Father's promise fulfilled.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to answer Your invitation to hold You and be held by You. Grant us Your Holy Spirit to guide us into Your presence. We pray, held by the hope and promise of Your salvation, in the name of The Messiah, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 4 Come Thou long-expected Jesus"

Isaiah 9:1-7: "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given;..." vs. 6

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.

From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart."

Christmas is the answer to the Advent season. It is the recognition that God has kept his promise of Salvation. It is also the doorway into the new year. We are called to not only live in the promise but walk as if it made a difference.

In our hands God has entrusted 'The Hope' the world desires and needs. We are called to light our homes with the 'light in the darkness'.

We are also the vessels that are blessed to carry it to the nations everywhere. The Light, that fills us, is meant to shine brightly and freely out of us.

God bless us, everyone. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 5 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

As powerful as the opening verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel is, I think the last verse in our hymnal is equally important.

O come Desire of nations, bind All Peoples in one heart and mind. Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;

Fill the whole word with heaven’s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Can you imagine what it would be like if all nations, all people came together in unity under the Lordship of Jesus? What about our community? Our family? Even ourselves? If we were to truly understand what it means to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, living it out would affect every area of our lives. The focus would move from ourselves to loving God and loving others.

Prayer: Thank you Father for the gift of Peace in the midst of the turmoil of life. Help us to all the gift of Jesus to transform us and to change our families and communities. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 6 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen...

Read Genesis 2:1-3: "...on the seventh day ... He rested..."

I was sitting on the couch and then it hit me. I had fallen asleep, ...'ker-plunk'. Was this the first time ever? No! As I have aged my nap-time has enlarged. Remember, as a child we were told to take a nap. Now, as time has gone by, we are told to awake from our nap, lest the cup of coffee we are holding scalds our lap.

Resting is not 'falling asleep'. O, we may find sleep, but our goal is not sleep but rest. We know that there is work to be done tomorrow. A big part of our preparation and getting ready is a very vital thing called 'rest’.

I believe that the Creator not only has given us permission to rest but also provides it. The words of the Christmas carol remind us of the provision of promise. "Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to free us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and Joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy..."

Take comfort my friends, The Maker of Heaven and earth meets with us in worship and songs of the season to bring us rest and renewal.

Prayer: Help us remember the strength of Your arms that wrap around us to give us the rest we need. Thank You, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 7 Twelve Fun Christmas Gifts to Yourself

1. Singing Christmas carols at the top of your lungs and no one hears you except the dog and cat.

2. Catching snowflakes that land on your tongue.

3. Drinking hot chocolate with peppermint candy sticks.

4. Seeing smiles on children’s faces at the mall.

5. Warming your toes near glowing fireplace logs.

6. Watching Christmas movies while eating caramel corn

7. Making snow angels by yourself.

8. Looking at old Christmas cards and remembering the people now that are gone.

9. Seeing smiling Bell Ringers with red cheeks.

10. Putting on old Christmas sweaters.

11. Putting out my old childhood manger scene when at age 10 I would buy characters for 69 cents each at Woolworth’s.

12. Be thankful that Jesus was born!

Cathy Dunlap


December 8 In my heart there rings a melody"

Read Psalm 100: Verse 2:"...Serve the lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!"

There is so much to do in preparation for Christmas. I have to make a list of all the loved ones. I wouldn't want anyone forgotten. Everything is a chore till I remember who it's for And then it changes. That's when the fun begins. A carol is sung by the choir A hot chocolate sipped by the fire A tree all dressed in all its finery And packages surrounding its feet Loved ones join to feast Happy birthday sung to Jesus, The King.

This is the day... This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day that the Lord has made

Prayer: In this time dear Lord, fill our hearts with joy and patience and singing. To you Lord be all glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 9 O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

As I hear the word to “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, my mind is drawn to the story of the angels and shepherds. On a quiet and dark hillside, suddenly an angel and then a host of angels appear and invite the shepherds to see this new King that has been born in Bethlehem. The song they sing to the shepherds has got to be magnificent and glorious. Heaven’s choir is singing to them a song of praise and invitation.

We too have that opportunity to experience that invitation to go to Bethlehem and experience Jesus’ birth. Today, take some time to picture in your heart and mind what that might have been like for the shepherds to hear the song and receive the invitation. We too have that invitation to experience the new born King of kings this Advent season.

Let us continue our journey to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Thank you Father for the song of the angels who welcomed Jesus into the world and who invite us to experience His birth a new each year. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 10 Sing Praises

read Psalm 9: 1-2

"Little David play on your harp, allelu, alleluia... little David play on your harp allelu..."

Why did David sing? He had been given the responsibility of his family's income and sustenance. While he was tending the flock, they were attacked by different wild beasts, still he sang. They were not just any songs, they were the songs of praise. "I will tell of Your wonderful deeds..."

Like David, we need to remind ourselves of the 'amazing' things God has done and is doing in our lives. With the melodies of advent and Christmas we can ignite thanksgiving and praise. His promises are true. His provisions are enough. His grace is sufficient. Salvation is in the 'word of God ' becoming flesh.

Thanks be to the Life-giver, the Way-maker, the Chain-breaker. It is time to break out the harps and sing, Alleluia!

prayer: Remind us of what you have done for us, Father. Fill our hearts with song. Speak through our mouths with words of thanksgiving and faith. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 11 Christmas Wishes

My greatest wish for this year is for everybody to have the best of health.

A second wish for the season is that we be judged by what we do and not what is expected of us.

We should love everyone for all the right reasons, not for what they can do for us.

The saying “Life is for the young’’ should be “Life is for all people of the world.”

Everyone should concentrate on the blessings we have and not on what we feel we should have.

Christmas Blessings now and all year long.

Larry Dunlap


December 12 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Sing choirs of angels sing in exaltation Sing all ye citizens of Heaven above Glory to God, all glory in the highest O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

There are some who listen to Christmas music all year long. There

are others who limit it to certain times of the year. I think that the

praise the angels sang when they delivered the message to the

shepherds is something we could hear year round.

Darren Anderson


December 13 A New Song

Read Psalm 96:1-4, 7-9: "...Tell of His salvation from day to day."

The trip was going to be perilous. You see, the weather could be harsh.

The road was a place where bandits would wait to pounce on their prey. Even riding on the back of the donkey, it would be more than hard on a nine-month pregnant woman. Traveling would be slow, arrival will be at night. Reservations were not possible to make. There most likely will not be a roof over head nor a bed to lie in.

Mary, even with her discomfort, knew that the child she was carrying was more than just her first-born. "If this is God's plan then we must continue ." Joseph was a believer as well. Still, it was Mary's strength and commitment that empowered Joseph. This precious baby was marked with the very purpose of God.

God had worked miracle after miracle through the ages. The old testament was full of those stories. Those stories were stained with the darkness of mankind's choices. This child to be born would be sung about for centuries to come. He is the fulfillment of the Father's love and will for all His children. There is a great difference with songs like, "here comes Santa Claus and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer" and the New Song.

The New Song is a song of Salvation, rescue and restoration for us all.

"Joy To The World, our Savior reigns" Let us tell of His salvation from day to day!

Prayer: Your love, O Lord reaches to the highest height and deepest pit. You, loving Father, have reached out to us with deliverance. Wherever we travel Your love is our only hope and our constant strength. Thank You, Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 14 Visit Bethlehem in our Heart

A visit to the birthplace of our Lord For many is just a dream of glory But you can be there in your heart Just by reading the age-old story Turn the ages of the Gospel of Luke And picture the Babe in the manger Think of Mary and Joseph too Then the little town is no longer a stranger. Think of the bright star and the shepherds too Because they are part of the story Think of the Wise Men who came from afar And the angels who sang of the glory. Think of Bethlehem, so full of people that night That there was no room for the Christ in the mart But He can be born within me and you By a visit to Bethlehem in our heart. Jean Sarff


December 15 “Christmas Is” by Francesca Battistelli

If someone were to ask you what Christmas is, or why we celebrate it, what would you tell them? I know how Hollywood portrays Christmas! “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” thought it was the presents and the lights. According to my beloved Hallmark Channel, it’s love stories, snow, and family traditions, with a whole lot of Santa’s magic. So, what is Christmas?

“Christmas is music and family in town. Christmas is Snoopy and Charlie Brown. It’s anticipating that snow’s going to fall and praying for someplace to park at the mall.

It’s mom going crazy cuz the turkey got burned. It’s saying thanks for some gift you’ll return. Christmas is caroling kids at your door. It’s paper and ribbon all over the floor.

Christmas is coming, Christmas is near! I’ve been counting down the days all year! Christmas is almost here!

Christmas is rooftops covered in lights. It’s “Away in the Manger”, it’s a “Wonderful Life”. Christmas is caring for those who got nothing. It’s dropping your change in the bell ringer’s bucket.

Christmas is all of these fun things for sure. But, Christmas is really, oh so much more. It’s good news of hope for the whole world because—Christmas is Jesus.”

Dear Father God, I pray that we will never lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. It is such a wonderful time with family and friends, shopping for gifts, and celebrating, but it is so much more. Your Son, Jesus, is the reason we celebrate. He is the best gift of all! Thank you for sending your Son to be the Light of the World. Amen

Heather Ivey


December 16 Silent Night

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

The carol “Silent Night”, I think, is one of the iconic songs of Christmas. The way in which the poem / lyrics paint the picture of that night has become the way in which we picture Jesus’ birth. As beautiful as this carol is, I look at the words “Sleep in heavenly peace” and realize that maybe what we are missing in the midst of our world and even during the Advent / Christmas season.

We become overwhelmed with the pace of life, the demands on our times, the distractions that lead us down paths that take us away from what is right and important. The heavenly peace that is sung about and is who Jesus is, must become not just a good idea but the overflow of our faith and discipleship. When the stress and struggles of life overwhelm us, we can be sure that the heavenly peace that is given to us, is available as we return to Jesus and addressing the things of life through our faith instead of our own strength.

I pray that each of us will be able to slow down and know the peace that Jesus brings to us. Not our peace but Heaven’s Peace. Not because we earn it, but because it is given to us.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of Heaven’s Peace when it is so needed in our world today. We pray that Your peace will fill our lives and overflow into our families, community and the world today. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 17 Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Read Matthew 5: 12- 16: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven..."

"have yourself a merry little Christmas let your heart be light next year all our troubles will be out of sight..."

So have you made your plans for the coming celebration? Are you buying gifts for friends and loved ones? Are you planning to worship throughout all of advent?

In our house we will have a tree. It will be covered with lights. Our tree is getting older. It's been a part of our celebration for years. Some of the lights have gone out so we have added additional strands of lights. When Kathy adds other decorations with the lights, the tree is beautiful. In the evening the tree is the only lights we turn on. It fills the room, brightens it and warms my heart.

We are people of the light. That light is Jesus. He is the added brightness to our dimming light. With Him in our hearts we become the light to the world. When He is in our hearts and sight we are made able to walk in this life through chaos, troubles and even, as David wrote, 'through the valley of the shadow of death'. For us to look past the troubles we must have a "merry little Christmas". Christmas reminds us that Christ has come. God's promise has been and is being fulfilled. Tomorrow is taken care of.

May God bless us, one and all.

Prayer: Father, shine in and through us all, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 18 WHO IS THIS WHOM WE CELEBRATE?"

Read Luke 1: 39-45; "...Blessed is the fruit of your womb..."

Every year that I have been alive, Christmas has been celebrated. Maybe not always as richly seen in the presents around the tree, but from day one of my life we celebrated. It was exciting. Poor or rich we gathered for family at Christmas. The feast was great. The presents generous, and the decorations beautiful even if it was just a candle. I suppose there were times that all those things took center stage. Of course, we sang carols and on occasion went to church. Every once in a while, the idea of Christ's birth became significant. Sometimes it was just the realization and excitement of a baby being born.

I have come to see, as I glimpse through the darkness, this occasion is far more important to each of us. Herein lies the story: In the midst of a world as dark as it seems today and as blind even as we are today comes a gift of love so amazing that we cannot understand it. It is beyond human love, compassion or rescue. It is what we seek. It is what we need. It is only found as a gift from our heavenly Father. This is our only hope. Here is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

"This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the son of Mary..." Thomas, when he touched the nail scars, said it well: "MY LORD MY GOD" Paul, in 2 Timothy tells us, "I know whom I have believed, and am sure

that He is able..." What do we say? Who is this whom we celebrate? Is it changing our lives

today and for tomorrow? Friends, have a wonderful celebration as you prepare for and participate in Christmas.

Prayer: As we gaze into the manger, Father help us see Your face, Your promise and our hope, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 19 Silent Night

John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.

Picture the birth of Jesus for a minute. However you picture it, there is not a lot of light around. No street lights, no electric lamps or lights. Maybe a small oil lamp, some stars, and the moon but probably not much else there at the manger. Into this physical darkness, Jesus was born.

Also into the spiritual darkness, Jesus was born. Jesus came in the midst of humanity’s sin and rebellion from God and God’s ways to show us a different path, a different way to live.

One of the ways in which we know Jesus is through Light. John refers to Jesus as the Light which overcomes the darkness. Jesus calls Himself the light of the world. Jesus’ light shows us the way to live our life the way that God calls us to live, a life of love.

This Advent / Christmas season, may the Light of Jesus show us the way to love God and love others. May that love shine the light of God into our communities and world.

Prayer: Loving God, may the Light of Jesus light my path today and shine so others can see You in me. Open my eyes to see you and see where you are leading me. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 20 The King of Love my Shepherd Is"

Read: John 3: 16- 21: "For God so loved the world that He gave..."

Christmas is a time of giving. Depending on where my thoughts are, I can find Christmas presents to pick up all year round. They may be little or big. It all depends on what I see as a need for family and friends. I try to ask two questions: what do you need and what do you want?. I remember getting a lot of clothing for Christmas. At the time I wanted other things: a car, a bike, money maybe even a drum set.

"The King of Love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever"

There is an urgency at Christmas. It's more than the need for a toy or a video game. Those things, however, can be the only way we hear the words: "You are loved beyond any measure!" If The Father truly loves us [and I believe He does] then He will be present for our celebration and with an amazing gift! Treasure is given on Christmas day. This gift is precious! It is also holy. Jesus said it this way: " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" .John tells us this is a gift of freedom from sin and all its guilt.

"Where streams of living water flow My ransomed soul He leadeth, And where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth..."

Prayer: We ask you dear Shepherd, grant us your presence and purpose. We desire to bring you glory according to Your will. In Christ's name, Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 21 “Christmas Makes Me Cry” by Matthew West

When I first heard this song I wasn’t sure I liked it. Christmas has not been a time of sadness and tears for me. It’s a time of joy and celebration! However, as I really paid attention to the words, they touched my heart and gave me deeper appreciation for what and who are in my life. I have come to realize that I cannot take one day for granted. I appreciate the gift that God so graciously gave us in His Son, Jesus. I am thankful for that and I hope you find blessing in the words of this song, too.

“I think of loved ones who’ve passed away and I pray they’re resting in a better place. I think of memories of years gone by and sometimes Christmas makes me cry.

I think of soldiers across the sea and sometimes I wonder why it’s them instead of me. That for my freedom they give their lives and sometimes Christmas makes me cry.

I think of family, I think of home, and say a prayer for those who spend this time alone, ‘cause love can reach out into a silent night, and that’s why Christmas makes me cry.

I think of Mary and a virgin birth and I’m amazed by how much God thinks we are worth, that He would send His only Son to die, and sometimes Christmas makes me cry…

Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope. I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know there is peace on Earth for every heart to find, and sometimes Christmas makes me cry.”

Father God, You know that for so many people this is a difficult time of year. We feel the loss of loved ones no longer with us. You know our sadness and collect our tears. You also comfort us and give us hope. I am so thankful for your unending love and grace, and I ask that you fill our hearts with your joy and happy memories of Christmases past, and help us to fully appreciate the present. Amen

Heather Ivey


December 22 The greatest relationship

Read Psalm 8: "What is man that you are mindful of him and the son of man that you would care for him?"

What are we worth? ...a penny... a nickel ... a dime? more? The answer is in the scripture. The telling is in the stories of God's

pursuit of His children. The story's climax comes from promise fulfilled. We can see it in the manger, poked by the straw, cold because of the weather. The incense was the wafting aroma of manure. The visitors were un-bathed shepherds with the smell of sheep. Later would come a contingent of wealthy persons.

They would leave their valuable gifts and then escape to return home. At home they would tell of their travels and go back to their work.

In spite of this and other things, The Word of God would remain. Why?

To answer the questions of David and each of us. "Do You care? Do You love us? What are we really worth? What difference does it make?" "Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning o'er us, brother love binds man to man."

We are loved by the Father. To the Father His children are priceless. Take note and sing.

Prayer: Father, You are awesome and amazing. Nothing compares to You and yet You value each of us. May our lives and our life-songs praise You forever. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 23 What Child Is This?

What child is this who, laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

The question of who Jesus is, has been asked since His birth. Even with the angel’s messages to Mary and Joseph telling them who this baby would be, I can picture them asking themselves and each other, who this really could be. Many people throughout Jesus’ ministry questioned who Jesus was and those continue today.

The way in which the question is answered, will impact our lives. “This, this is Christ the King” is the exclamation of this song and hopefully our lives. This exclamation and confession leads us to live our lives under the Lordship of Jesus in everything we do and say.

Even from birth, Jesus is Lord and each time we sing, exclaim, and believe it, our lives must show it.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to live today with you as Lord of my life. Help me in my weaknesses to trust in you. May my life show all others who you are and my belief in you. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 24 "there's a song in the air there's a star in the sky, there's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry. And the star reigns its fire while the beautiful sing, for the manger in Bethlehem cradles a King..."

Read Isaiah 9:2, 6-7: " for unto us a child is born..."

We sat there, all of us, in this cave under the church of the Nativity.

The heat of the day outside did not reach us for where we were it was cool.

We read the Christmas story aloud. It echoed in the walls. We began to sing Christmas carols: Away in the manger, Hark the herald angels, It came upon a midnight clear, Silent night...O Holy Night and then Joy to the world. It was amazing. It was beautiful. It was worship.

The name of Jesus was spoken and sung. It is possible that this was the actual site of the manger. We sat in silence and soaked it in. Every day can be like that. As we sing, pray and speak the name of our Redeemer, we are in worship. To God be the Glory, everyday of our lives. "for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given;..."

Prayer: To You Father we give thanks. For all You are and have done, we give You praise. Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 25 Christmas Morning

Luke 2:1-14: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy

for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he

is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The birth of a baby changes things. Whether it is your first or you have had several children, when that baby is born, your life is never the same. There are diapers to buy, feedings, sleep disruption, visitors, challenges, joys, good times and bad. As your children grow, we realize that their presence also changes the world and others lives in ways we could never imagine or predict.

I imagine it was similar with the birth of Jesus, yet the difference He made was so much larger in scope. The difference that one life made would impact the world in ways we, even today, cannot fully understand. Born that day, laid in a manger in the town of David was a baby who is the Messiah, Christ the Lord!

I pray that this Christmas morning will be one that is full of celebration, fun and joy. Remember why we are celebrating and remember that the birth of Jesus in not just meant for one day, but is to make a difference each and every day of our lives.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Peace!

Prayer: Lord, may the birth of Jesus continue to transform and change my heart and through me the world around me. Help me not to live in fear but joyful expectation and anticipation of Your coming into the world. Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Darren Anderson


December 26 “Day After Christmas” by Matthew West

Oh, this song speaks to me! I so enjoy the Christmas season and I always feel a little disappointed when it is all over with. Why should I be disappointed? “The Light of the World is still here!”

“Here comes the letdown Christmas is over. Here comes the meltdown, there goes the cheer. But before we have a breakdown, let us remember the Light of the World is still here.

Come January I’m ready for summer. The Super Bowl’s over and I’ll settle for spring. Sometimes we all need a change in the weather, but it won’t change the reason we sing.

Happy day after Christmas and merry rest of the year! Even when Christmas is over, the Light of the World is still here!

So take down the stockings, take back the sweaters. Take down the lights and the star and the tree. But don’t let this world take your joy after Christmas. Take joy to the world and just sing.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have given us a reason to continue to sing! Help us to not be disappointed when the celebrating is all over with, but instead let us feel your joy and share it with others every day of the year. Amen

Heather Ivey


December 27 Devotion

1 Samuel 15

This passage speaks how Saul loses his position as King. Saul was given specific instructions on how to attack the Amalekites and he did not follow through. Now Saul is no longer King. Jesus wants to be the King in our lives. In order to keep Christ King we have guidelines laid out for us. Psalm 37 4 tells us to delight in Him, when we do we give to ourselves faith and hope. How else can we keep Christ King? Thank Him. Thank Him for his grace. Grace, the wonderful gift that saves us.

When we all delight in Him, and thank Him for His grace, we keep His kingdom alive and well in our hearts.

John Dodge


December 28 What Child is This

Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

One of the things I find fascinating about some of the songs we sing in the church and at Christmas, is that there is a difference in the lyrics depending on where you find them or your traditions. This is one of those songs.

The second part of verse two reminds us that even at Jesus’ birth, He was headed to the cross. Jesus was faithful to God’s call and did what God called him to do, including death on the cross. At Christmas, we may not want to think about the cross, but it is important to do so. Jesus came into the world as Emmanuel-God with us and then went to the cross for you and me to give us the way back to God.

Darren Anderson


December 29 How could they miss this?"

Read: Luke 2:1-14: "And suddenly... a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God: ...glory to God in the highest, and on earth..."

“Did you see that? The shooting star, did you see that?" I was at church camp and we were closing down the night. It was a

clear night and the sky was alive with stars. The youth were all sitting there spotting the stars and then it happened... a shooting star... and then another and another. The sky was alive! Did we see it? Were we amazed? The sounds of that night were the constant repeating of "look there's one".

You couldn't miss it. It was happening. There are things about God's presence in our lives that we miss.

There are distractions constantly getting in our way. Doubts, depression, fears and worries, along with all the rest of life. Even our advent and Christmas celebrations can weasel their way between our God and our faithfulness. Think about this: Did what happened then have any permanent effect on us today? Should it?

Lift your head up. "There is a baby born in a cattle stall who is come to save and change us all... GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE AMONG MEN WITH WHOM HE IS PLEASED..."

Prayer: In Your love dear Father, we discover the miracle of Hope and Your salvation. We praise You and give You thanks. Open our eyes to see you more clearly, we ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Gary Ivey


December 30 Old City Bar

Let me just say, this is not your typical Christmas carol. Old City Bar is part of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Lost Christmas Eve”, a story of reconciliation and the difference Jesus’ birth makes in our world today. I listen to these stories all year long and I encourage you to check them out. Part of the song lyrics say this:

If you want to arrange it This world you can change it If we could somehow make this Christmas thing last By helping a neighbor Or even a stranger And to know who needs help You need only just ask

During the holiday season, the desire to help and to meet the needs of those around us is usually put to the forefront of our minds and hearts. Wouldn’t it be great if we could keep it going all year long? What if we could “make this Christmas thing last”?

The good news for us, is that as believers in Jesus whose birth we celebrate, we are called to “make this Christmas thing last” all year round. Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and the strangers around us. The love that God gives to us is meant to be shared with all of humanity.

Let’s make a commitment to find ways to love our neighbors and the strangers around us, by keeping our eyes open and asking where we can help through the strength and love of God because we are loved by God.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you again for the gift of Jesus and the love that is given to us. Help us to love all those around us in way that uplift them and honor You. Help us to remember throughout the year who Jesus is and why He came as a baby and showed us how to live each day. Amen.

Darren Anderson


December 31 Endings and Beginnings

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

This is the last day of 2018. One of the things I like to do this time of year in addition to watching football is to take some time and reflect on the past year. There have been good things that happen, there have been tough times; there have been times where I have felt a strong faith, there have been times where my faith has seemed weak; there have been times where I have felt close to others and ties where I have felt alone. You get the idea. Each year has its ups and downs but through it all I try and remember this phrase, “Bidden or unbidden, God is present.” In all we go through, God is present with us, sometimes we fail to recognize or acknowledge God’s presence.

2019 is right around the corner. It is full of new possibilities and opportunities for life, ministry, growth and love (among other things). Our challenge is to be aware of where God is present and leading us in what we do and what we say.

Scriptures talk a lot about grace, new beginnings, and new starts. That is what we have before us in 2019 and in reality each and every day. It is my prayer for each of us that we will allow the grace of God to fill us each day. That we will leave behind the things that bind us and keep us from drawing close to God and truly live in the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit. That we will take time to hear God’s voice and see the world and especially others as God sees them, with love. That we will press on to be the people of God that we are called and created to be through our faith in Jesus.

May the Spirit and Grace of God carry us each and every day.

Peace.

Darren Anderson

“songs of advent and christmas”...2018 devotional booklet dallas first christian church 1079 se...

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