Superheroes remain popular only as long as fans keep their stories alive. Although the future of the Amazing Emmanuel doesn’t depend on His popularity, His followers should ensure that His legacy lives on. While many voices compete for attention at Christmas, this is an important assignment to keep in mind.
What childhood memories do you have of Christ being given
special honor at Christmas? Evaluate how successful you’ve been in the past at making
sure Jesus isn’t overshadowed by other activities &traditions during the Christmas season. In what way can you give special attention to the Amazing
Emmanuel during this coming week? On Christmas day, how will you make sure that the real
meaning of this celebration isn’t missed? If all Christians were like you, how good would the church
be at keeping alive the tale of the Savior’s birth? Daily Advent Readings
Sunday: John 1:10-13
Monday: Joshua 4:1-24
Tuesday: 2 Timothy 2:1-2 and Colossians 1:15-20
Wednesday: Luke 2:1-20
Thursday: Matthew 1:18-2:23
The true story of Christmas, its meaning, & its beauty is often lost amid the bustling activity & business that fills the Christmas season. Here are some suggestions for prayer to keep Jesus central to the Christmas celebrations.
Pray for...
* Attentiveness to what truly matters & to not be distracted by
trivial things. * Opportunities to learn something new regularly.
* Discernment of how to order your priorities & the ability to
focus on what’s most important. * Wisdom in planning your time, making sure to spend time with
God. * Grace to be able to rest, remain aware of God’s presence, & to
enjoy it. * Peace in all situations, no matter the circumstances.
* Freedom from all that burdens you (fears, misplaced guilt,
past mistakes, etc.) * Joy that only God can provide.
* Confidence in God’s love for you.
* Faith in God’s power to work things out for the best in your life.
* Openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
* People to whom you can proclaim the glad tidings of Jesus
Christ. * Clarity of thought & tongue as you share the Good News with
others. * Awareness of God’s grace in your life & the humility to extend
grace to others. * Creativity in making the Christmas story fresh & exciting to
those in your home. * Passion in your worship.
* God’s Honor & Glory to come from you & your life.
(Adapted from Whitney Hopler’s Pray for Simplicity this Advent)
