duty chronicles advent 2011

8/3/2019 Duty Chronicles Advent 2011

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/duty-chronicles-advent-2011 1/15

The Duty Chronicles ADVENT

CALENDaR2011

For personal use only



Day 1 (Nov. 27 th ) :Today we light the very first candle--the Prophecy Candle. This candle tells us about theprophesies (foretelling of promises) in the Bible about Christ’s birth as well as the veryfeeling of excitement and anticipation that God's people experienced over hundreds of years as they awaited His coming. Advent is a celebration of both the arrival of Christ andHis second glorious coming!

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin wi ll be with ch ild and willgive birth to a son, and will c all him Immanuel.

Psalm 62:5-6 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from hi m. He only is myrock and my salvat ion, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promisedis faithful...

Questions to Consider : What are some things that you have a hard time waiting

for? How does God want you to spend your time waiting?

Day 2 (Nov. 28 th):Today we light the first candle, the Prophecy candle, as we continue to feel theexcitement and anticipation that God’s people felt as they waited on Jesus.

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the c lans of Judah, outof you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from

ancient times.

Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They wil l mount up with wingslike eagles, They wil l run and not get tired, They will walk and not bec ome weary.

2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Questions to Consider: It seemed unlikely that a Savior could come from tiny

Bethlehem. In what ways do you feel inadequate and how can you depend on the Lord todo his work through you?



Day 3 (Nov. 29 th ) :Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Meditate on the promises that cameto pass.

Isaiah 11:1-2 Then a shoot wil l spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots willbear fruit. The Spiri t of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, Thespirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

John 15:4 Remain in me, and I will rema in in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it mustremain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain i n me.

Questions to Consider: How is your life bearing fruit? Encourage each other in ways

you have seen growth and fruit in each others’ lives.

Day 4 (Nov. 30th) :Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Reflect on the mystery of God’sperfect will and timing.

Jeremiah 23:5-6 "Behold, the days are coming," decl ares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice andrighteousness in the land."In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which Hewill be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'"

Ephesians 1:9-12 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his goodpleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put i nto effect when the times will have reachedtheir fulfil lment--to bring al l things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works outeverything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope inChrist, might be for the praise of his glory.

Questions to Consider: Have you ever prayed for something for a long time and then

had that prayer answered? How did it feel when God's answer finally came? Why do youthink God answers our prayers not in our timing, but in His timing?



Day 5 (Dec. 1 st):Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle.

Isaiah 42:1, 5-6 Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold My chosen one in whom My soul delights. Ihave put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out theearth and its offspring, Who gives breath to the people on it And spirit to those who walk in it,"I am the LORD, I have cal led You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watchover You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations.

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and th ick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will ariseupon you, and his glory be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to thebrightness of your rising.

Questions to Consider: What are some ways that we can be reflections of Christ and

really shine this season?

Day 6 (Dec. 2 nd):Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. Reflect on God sending forth Hisson and His great love for you.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman,born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we mightreceive the adoption as sons.

Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of thecovenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

Questions to Consider: Think about how you get ready for special company. What do

you prepare? Do you change anything about how you look or act? Are you anxious or excited...or both? Discuss some of the ways that we can get ready for both Christmasand Christ's second coming.



Day 7 (Dec. 3 rd):Today we light the first candle--the Prophecy candle. But before doing that, turn off all the

lights in the house at night time and then try to find your lighter. Ask the kids to go get

their Bible or some item that would be difficult to find in the dark and then talk to themabout how darkness keeps us from getting where we need to go and ask them whatemotions they feel in darkness (confused, scared, worried, painful if they trip, etc.). Lightthe candle and remind them of this prophecy:

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light

Remind your kids that the darkness we face is sin (not tripping in a dark house). WithoutGod our hearts are in the dark and separated from Him because of our sin. Godpromised that He would send His Son into the world to redeem us from the sin anddarkness. The one He sent is Jesus! Celebrate Jesus as Light of the World!

Day 8 (Dec. 4 th ):This week, we will be lighting the Bethlehem Candle as well as the Prophecy Candle.The Bethlehem Candle represents the preparations made for the coming Christ child.Even though no room was available for Mary and Joseph when they came, God had

orchestrated events so that Caesar Augustus called for a census to be taken. Joseph

and Mary had to leave their home (Nazareth) so that they could register in Bethlehemand the prophecies were fulfilled.

Micah 5:2-5 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too l ittle to be among the clans of Judah,From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, Fromthe days of eternity."Therefore He will g ive them up unti l the time When she who is in labor has borne a chi ld. Thenthe remainder of His brethren Wil l return to the sons of Israel.And He wil l arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the nameof the LORD His God. And they will rema in, Bec ause at that time He wil l be great To the ends of the earth. Th is One will be our peace.

Questions to Consider: As a family, think of some things in your life that are ordinary

or that might seem small to others but are very special to you...and that show God lovesyou!



Day 9 (Dec. 5 th ):Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle.

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and

proclai m to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that shehas received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.A voice of one calling (John the Baptist): "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; makestraight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountainand hil l made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And theglory of the LORD will be revealed, and al l mankind together will see it. For the mouth of theLORD has spoken."You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tid ings toJerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah,"Here is your God!"See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is withhim, and his recompense acc ompan ies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers thelambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Questions to Consider: How can we be prepared with God’s word (like John the

Baptist) so that we can bring it to those around us? Which people has God laid on your heart?

Day 10 (Dec. 6 th) :Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle.

Luke 1:11-25 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel saidto him:"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you ason, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and de light to you, and many willrejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wineor other fermented drink, and he will be fi lled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of thepeople of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he wil l go on before the Lord, in thespirit and power of Eli jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedientto the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Questions to Consider: Name some ways that God shows you what He wants you todo.




Luke 1:57-66 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors andrelatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth daythey came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John." And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name."And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for

(a writing

tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his

tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things weretalked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,"What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

Questions to Consider: The hand of the Lord was on John, as a tiny infant. God has

ways of working through infancy and childhood. In what ways have you seen Godworking in and through your children? Have your children recognize evidences of God’sgrace in their siblings?

Day 12 (Dec. 8 th) :Today you will light the Prophecy Candle and then the Bethlehem Candle.

Luke 1: 66-80 And his father (John the Baptist’s father) Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and

prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies

andfrom the hand of all who hate us;

to show the mercy promised to our fathers and

to remember his holy covenant,

the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him

all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people

in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his publicappearance to Israel.

Questions to Consider: John called people to expose the darkness in their lives and

come into the Light, preparing the way for Jesus. Are you willing to come to the Light?Are you ready to let Him expose things in your life that need to be removed?




Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed meTo bring good news to the affli cted; He has sent me to b ind up the brokenhearted, To proclai mliberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;To proc laim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfortall who mourn,To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladnessinstead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be calledoaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.I will rejoi ce greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me withgarments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of r ighteousness, As a bridegroom deckshimself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise To spring up before all the nations.

Questions to Consider: Remember a time when the Lord brought good news to your

family and praise him for that.


Mark 1:1-11 The beg inning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written i n Isaiahthe prophet:"BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THEVOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"

Questions to Consider: Do you think that we are getting ready for Jesus in the sameway that the first believers did? How are we similar--and different--in what we feel andanticipate about the coming King?

Day 15 (Dec. 11 th ):This is the week of the Shepherds' Candle for Advent. The shepherds represent themessage of great joy that is brought to the world about Jesus' birth. Light the first two

candles and then the Shepherds' Candle.

Psalm 100 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise hisname.For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through allgenerations.

Questions to Consider: What are some things you can do to praise God?



Day 16 (Dec. 12 th ):Light the first two candles and then the Shepherds' Candle.

John 1:1-9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.He was with God in the begi nning.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In himwas life, and that l ife was the light of men. The li ght shines in the darkness, but the darkness hasnot understood it.There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testifyconcerning that li ght, so that through him all men might bel ieve. He himself was not the light; hecame only as a witness to the l ight. The true light that gives light to every man was coming intothe world.

Questions to Consider: How can you tell others what God has done for you?


Zephaniah 3:14-17 Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice andexult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!The LORD has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. TheKing of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more.In that day it wil l be said to Jerusalem: "Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp."The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He willbe quiet in His love,He will rejo ice over you with shouts of joy.

John 15:11 Take care to remember that Jesus says of His message of salvati on, " These things

have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy mi ght be ful l."

Questions to Consider: Does your joy come from the Lord? How can you receive the

joy of the Lord?


1 Chronicles 16:8-36 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deedsamong the peoples.Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continual ly.Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from Hismouth,

Questions to Consider: How do you seek the Lord? What wonderful deeds has the

Lord done in your life lately?




1 John 4:14-19 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of theworld.Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in hi m, and he i n God.We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and theone who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment;because as He is, so also are we in this world.There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, andthe one who fears is not perfected in love.We love, because He first loved us.

Questions to Consider: In what ways does God show his love to you? How can you

show his love to others?


Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Gal ilee, to avirgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's namewas Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord iswith you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But theangel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with c hildand give b irth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will becal led the Son of the Most High. The Lord God wil l give hi m the throne of his father David, andhe will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom wil l never end.""How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The HolySpirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy oneto be born will be ca lled the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a ch ild inher old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossiblewith God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then theangel left her.

Questions to Consider:Talk about what a servant is and does. What are some ways that we can act as God'sservants? Do you have a hard time believing God can use you as His servant?




Luke 1:39-56 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hi ll country of Judea, whereshe entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, thebaby leaped in her womb, and El izabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice sheexclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the chi ld you wil l bear! But why am Iso favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greetingreached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that whatthe Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Mary’s Song And Mary said:"My soul gl orifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of thehumb le state of h is servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their i nmostthoughts.He has brought down rulers from their throne but has lifted up the humble. He has filled thehungry with good thing but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."Mary stayed with El izabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Questions to Consider: What are some attributes of God you see in this song?

Which song that most describes you and why? What is your favorite song? What is your favorite hymn?

Day 22 (Dec. 18 th ):This week's candle is called the Angel Candle and it represents the love which Godshared with the world when He sent His Son, Jesus! Light all four Advent candles thisweek.

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.

When his mother Mary had been

betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child

from the Holy Spirit. And her

husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But ashe considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, sonof David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Shewill bear a son, and

you shall call his name Jesus,

for he will save his people from their sins." All this took

place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means,

God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took hiswife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Questions to Consider: Joseph was in the dark about Mary’s pregnancy, but God

sent an angel to tell Joseph the truth about sending His son into the world through Mary.How did Joseph respond before knowing the truth and after knowing the truth? Have youchosen to believe the truth about Jesus and let His light guide you?



Day 23 (Dec. 19 th) :Light all 4 advent candles

Luke 2: 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his

own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of (Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary,

his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And shegave birth to her firstborn son and

wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there

was no place for them in the inn.

Questions to Consider: Caesar wanted to show how great he was by counting his

people, while God humbled himself to become one of his people…what are some waysthat you try to prove you are great instead of humbly pointing to Christ?

Day 24 (Dec. 20 th ):

Light all 4 advent candles

Psalm 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shoreswill bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba wil l present him gi fts.

Matthew 2:9-12 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen inthe east, went on before them unti l i t came and stood over the place where the Child was.When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.After coming into the house they saw the Child wi th Mary His mother; and they fell to the groundand worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold,frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, themagi left for their own country by another way.

Questions to Consider: If you were one of those who had the privilege of seeingJesus at His birth and could bring ONE gift, what would it be and why?

Day 25 (Dec. 21 s t) :Light all 4 advent candles

Luke 2:8-14 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the f ields and keepingwatch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and theglory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said tothem, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which wi ll be for all the

people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying i n a manger." Andsuddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God andsaying,"Glory to God in the h ighest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Questions to Consider: The angels were sent to declare amazing news to poor

shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks. In what ways do you see God speak to youor show evidence of His grace toward you in the simple moments of the day?



Day 26 (Dec. 22 nd):Light all 4 advent candles

Luke 2: 15-20 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began

saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that hashappened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way toMary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they madeknown the statement which had been told them about this Child. And al l who heard it wonderedat the th ings which were told them by the shepherds.But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back,glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Questions to Consider: What have you treasured in your heart? Take turns sharing

some wonderful moments you've had together! These can be any family memories,Christmas memories or special moments in your walk with God.

Day 27 (Dec. 23 rd ):Light all 4 advent candles

Micah 3:16-19 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound;Decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.Yet I will wait patiently for the day of ca lami ty to come on the nation invading us.Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,Though the ol ive crop fails and the fie lds produce no food,Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle i n the stalls

YET I will rejo ice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.The Sovereign LORD is my strength;He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,He enables me to tread on the heights.

Questions to Consider: If you had no gifts under the tree, no ham for Christmas Day,

no new bicycle or doll, would you still rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in your Savior?How can we be content knowing that our treasure is in heaven and our joy is found inJesus, not things?



Christmas Eve:Light all 4 advent candles.

Matthew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magifrom 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 hi m."When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had calledtogether all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ wasto be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my peopl e Israel.'"Then Herod cal led the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star hadappeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the chil d. Assoon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east wentahead of them unti l i t stopped over the plac e where the child was. When they saw the star, theywere overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and theybowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,they returned to their country by another route.

Questions to Consider: Like the Magi were on a journey to find Jesus, what does our

journey to know and become like Jesus look like? Where are we in it and how far havewe come in the past year?

Christmas Day:Today we light the past 4 candles of Advent and then the center candle, whichrepresents Christ! Our Messiah, Jesus, Light of the World is finally here! Talk about thebrightness of all 5 candles and the difference Jesus’ birth made to a dark and sinfulworld.

John1:10-18 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did notrecognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not rece ive him. Yet to allwho received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.The Word became fl esh and made h is dwell ing among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes

after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "From the fu llness of his grace we haveall received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truthcame through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at theFather's side, has made him known.

Questions to Consider: What is the best gift we have received at Christmas? What

gift can we give to Jesus throughout the next year? How do we want to be different a year from today and what do we need to do to accomplish that?



Some Additional Resources:

• 30 Advent Activities {Quality Time with Kids}

• Good Soldiers {A Biblical Approach to Leadership Development}

• Baptism {Helpful Answers to Common Questions}

• See God’s Grace in Your Children Everyday {Virtue Chart}

duty chronicles advent 2011

Documents