2024 Advent Calendar

We are excited to offer you an Advent calendar filled with daily devotions, along with weekly prayers, songs and stories from our various ministries. We hope this calendar becomes a meaningful and reflective daily reminder as we journey through the Advent season together. A new day will appear at 8:00 am each morning.

Day 25: Forgive

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21

Joseph is not mentioned very often in the story, however what God share with Joseph changes the world. The purpose of this child is revealed for the first time. Jesus’s purpose is to save people from their sins. What an incredible gift and it changes Joseph. This news changes us too. As Jesus disciples we are also called to live into that purpose. How can choosing love bring more forgiveness in your life? How can your forgiveness change those around you?

Day 24: Love

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2: 1-7

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:8-20

This is the story of incarnation; God becoming flesh in human form. God comes in the humblest of ways, the simplest of circumstances. Jesus arrives in rural anonymity. Jesus is the son of an average Jew. Yet angels appear. The heavens are paying attention. Shepherds are the first to know, yet they’d be the least likely to carry kingly news. This is a cosmic, and very human, event at the same time. This is Christmas Eve. God’s love is born in the world. How is God’s love being born in you each day?

Day 23: Balance

29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:29-33

With the gift of Jesus in the world, we are left to wonder what possibilities God brings into our own lives. No matter what our circumstances, we will, like Mary, be challenged to balance the gift of love in the midst of our challenging realities. We are not called to simply throw our hands in the air and give up. We are also not called to blindly walk into any situation, hoping that the promise of God will sustain us. We are called to live in balance, seeking to choose love in every situation. We can learn much from Mary, choosing love, even while not knowing how God’s plan will unfold, but still trusting that God will guide and lead her. Where is your life out of balance? How can choosing love bring balance to your life?

Day 22: Steadfast

I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heaven’s. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: 4 ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.” Psalm 89:1-4

These verses praise God’s steadfast love, revealed in covenant relationship with David. God chooses David to be king despite David’s standing as a mere shepherd boy, the youngest in his family. David seeks to build God a house, but God instead promises to build David a house. David fails morally, yet God keeps God’s promise to David, and it becomes a foundation of the Jewish Messianic hope. David seems like an improbable choice for this role. Where have you experienced God’s steadfast love in your life?

Day 21: Unity

7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:7-12

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4

The psalmist tells us that wherever we are, on earth or in heaven, God is present, active and personally connected to us. The Revelation text speaks to the marriage of heaven and earth; two realms intended for one another, united as bride and groom. In Jesus we see a glimpse of that unity. In Jesus we experience that unity. In Jesus we come to know the peace that this unity of heaven and earth brings to us each and every day. Where do you see heaven and earth coming together? How can you bring peace to others by living into that unity.

Day 20: Prince of Peace

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  – Isaiah 9:6

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” –  John 14:25-27

Isaiah tells us that the promised one who is coming will not only bring peace but will be the Prince of Peace. Just before his death, Jesus reassures his disciples that his new and powerful peace will be with them, even though he may not be with them. This second text is often read at funerals, as families struggle to make sense of life and death issues. Jesus says his peace is “not as the world gives.” Jesus seems to imply that his peace has the power to comfort troubled hearts and calm anxious fears. In your life, where do you need peace? In your prayers today, ask God to give you peace through the Prince of Peace.

Day 19: Prepare

“In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron. Water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow. In the bleak midwinter, long, long ago. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him. Nor earth sustain. Heaven and earth shall flee away. When He comes to reign in the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.”

These wonderful lyrics written by Christina Georgina Rosetti and Becky Mcglade remind us that Jesus comes to us even in bleak times. Maybe especially in bleak times. It’s a reminder about being alert to the activity of God in the world. The message – be prepared – is for everyone! In your bleak moments how have you seen God’s peace come to you? Are you prepared for God’s peace to enter your reality? In your prayers, ask God to make it clear to you how you can be more ready and prepared every day.

Day 18: Return

32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:32-36

In Matthew we read that no one knows when the King will return. No one. That he will return is certain, when he will return is not. The disciples have been equipped by Jesus and will be further equipped by the Holy Spirit to know only the “seasons of readiness.” So, it’s best not to get caught up in speculation about the exact day and time that Jesus will return. Simply be alert and ready. Do you live as if Jesus might return at any time? Or do you live as if Jesus is returning in small ways every day? Where do you see Jesus working in your life? What peace does that give you? Ask God to make you more aware of what God is doing, and more alert to the possibility of Christ’s return.

Day 17: Turn

4 Ah, sinful nation, people laden with iniquity, offspring who do evil, children who deal corruptly, who have forsaken the LORD, who have despised the Holy One of Israel, who are utterly estranged! 5 Why do you seek further beatings? Why do you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they have not been drained, or bound up, or softened with oil. 7 Your country lies desolate, your cities are burned with fire; in your very presence aliens devour your land; it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners. Isaiah 1:4-7

During Isaiah’s time, the foreigners, Assyrians and the Babylonians, are massive military and economic powers and present a threat on just about every level to Israel. Those who live in Jerusalem are probably under an enormous amount of stress and fear for their lives. One wonders why a people under such duress would not turn toward God. It seems as if fighting is the way to solve differences throughout all of human history. It seems like we can be at war with ourselves, as well. What powers are you struggling with in your life? What is causing it? Can you turn to God and ask God to give you peace today?

Day 16: Ask

I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that did not call on my name. 2 I held out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; 3 a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and offering incense on bricks; 4 who sit inside tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat swine’s flesh, with broth of abominable things in their vessels; 5 who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.” These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. 6 See, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will indeed repay into their laps

7 their iniquities and their ancestors’ iniquities together, says the LORD; because they offered incense on the mountains and reviled me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their actions. Isaiah 65:1-7

Isaiah’s message is clear: things are not right. The desire of God’s heart is for all people to live in peace with God, in peace with one another, and to worship God and experience the transforming presence of God among them. But when nations and people don’t live in that peace, or pursue it, God’s judgment does its humbling

and purifying work. When we think of judgment, we often think of an angry old man carrying a big stick and punishing us for our wrongs. The scriptural picture of judgment is quite different. Judgment is to make right, to straighten out everything that is wrong. God’s judgment will level the playing field. God’s judgment will set things to right. What needs to be set to right in your life? Ask God to make things right and straighten everything out.

Day 15: Speak

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah speaks into the future when God’s Kingdom reigns in peace. Isaiah’s name means “the Lord saves!” So, when people listen to Isaiah, they know what he stands for and what his message is. We can follow in the path of the prophets and speak confidently on behalf of God, because the Spirit of God will give us the right words at the right time. Have you ever considered the words you use as speaking for God? In your prayers today, ask God to give you the right words at the right time.

Day 14: Know

11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Yes, God knows the plans God has for us. And what plans they are. Welfare, a future with hope, a full and complete shalom with God and one another. And God coming to us as one of us reveals that we would know God’s plans as well. How does your hope help you trust the plans God has made for us?

Day 13: Here

“O come, Thou, Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight…Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel…”

Emmauel – God with us! God is here and we are for each other here as well. Sometimes it is hard to fathom God becoming one of us with all our imperfections. And yet, God chose to become one of us with our imperfections because that is who we are. God calls us good in the creation story. God does not call us perfect. We place our hope in a God who does not expect perfection.

Day 12: Come

“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… Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring…”

God in Jesus is coming to us each and every day. We take certain times of the year to stop and reflect on what that means in our lives. Advent is one of those times. How is Jesus your King? And what does it mean to you that the King is coming to you? How does that change your hope?

Day 11: Expect

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! 3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. 8 It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities. Psalm 130:1-8

For many, there is much anticipation as Christmas approaches, but what brings us that excitement? Is it the lights, gifts, family, the overall feel of how the culture embraces this time of year? How does Jesus fit into all that excitement for you? If you took away all the lights, the gifts, would you still be as excited? What are you expecting? As a child we expected more stuff but as you have grown how have your expectations changed?

We have hope not in the things of the world but in Jesus. How do you expect to see Jesus in this advent season? Edward Mote’s lyrics: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay…On Christ, the solid rock I stand…” How does your hope help you stand on Christ the solid rock?

Day 10: Do Not Be…!

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh– my adversaries and foes– they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Psalm 27:1-5

There are many scripture passages that talk about trouble and trials, situations that can make us afraid. The reason why is that scripture is reflective of our human reality. It’s honest talk with God. God knows that we all go through trials and yet God calls us to hold hope in the midst of the storms we experience. Can you think of a time in your life, or someone else’s life where to hold hope made all the difference?

Day 9: Continue

14 But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more. 15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge. 16 I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD, I will praise your righteousness, yours alone. Psalm 71:14-16

What does it mean to hope continually? There are lots of moments in our lives when hope seems to slip through our grasp. When has hope seemed to fade in your life? How, and maybe even a better question is, through whom did hope return? To hope continually is all about our ability to hold hope as we can, each of us holds hope differently. How have you seen others hold hope?

Day 8: Next

2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come. 3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. 4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. Psalm 65:2-5

What is holding your attention? The next Christmas to do? The next news headlines? Or something totally different that is next? We are a next people and we do wait with eager expectation to celebrate the birth of Jesus. That next birthday celebration creates hope so that all our Next’s can be hopeful ones. What holds your hope today?

Day 7: Intent

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long. Psalm 23:6

Psalm 23 is filled with amazing sanctuaries for us to find rest. Green grass, still waters…. And this psalm also knows that we will walk through the dark valleys and there will be enemies. However, through it all goodness and mercy is pursuing you with the intent to catch you. Our joy gathers its foundation around knowing that God is coming after us with the intent of catching us with goodness and mercy. What joy! How do you see goodness and mercy in your life bringing you joy?

Day 6: Without Ceasing

14 And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. 15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:14-18

More encouragement from the Apostle Paul and the people needed it. We need it too. The nights are longer and while we do anticipate and celebrate the birth of our Savior we do at time with heavy hearts. Paul links rejoicing with praying and praying is a relationship. So rejoicing is linked with relationships. What relationships do you need to invest in that will bring you joy?

Day 5: Nothing

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

These are powerful words from Apostle Paul. At times though they seem to be too good to be true. And yet when we experience joy these words do ring true. Joy is not the same as happiness though. Happiness is fleeting but joy is deep. Believing that nothing can separate you from God’s love, how can you move from happiness to joy.

Day 4: Fixed

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Luke 4:16-20

What are our eyes fixed on? At times our eyes are fixed on fear and fear is the great joy stealer. But yet, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, life doesn’t automatically become easy or fearless, but it is Jesus who restores our joy. Today, at this moment what are your eyes fixed on? Are they fixed on fear? Fix your eyes upon Jesus and you will begin to see love, that brings hope that restores joy.

Day 3: Righteous

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion– to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. Isaiah 61:1-3 NRSV

Have you ever thought of yourself as a “righteous oak?” Someone who will rebuild what has been torn down? Someone who will restore and rebuild? This is God’s call for us to serve. Service is at the core of the righteous. That’s one of the reasons why service gives us such great joy. Where is God calling you to serve, to live your joy?

Day 2: Arise

1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. Isaiah 60:1-5.

Darkness is the great liar. Darkness hides what is really there. Darkness is also scary and can bring fear. God calls us out of darkness, to arise into the light. Joy is that great darkness scatterer. With joy comes light. How can your joy bring light to the world today?

Day 1: Fulfill

17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Mathew 5:17.

What does the law mean to you? The law in itself is not bad. Law accuses the lawless. Laws help keep us safe. In the spiritual sense the law is like looking in the mirror and there is no escaping what you see. However, the law can never save. The law will only point out every little or big mistake we make. It then becomes impossible for us to fulfill the law. What joy can you take from the words from Jesus that he has come to fulfill the law?