Christmas Plans

We’re wrapping up a crazy year in history that nobody asked for and nobody expected. But sometimes, God calls us to embrace the situations we didn’t plan for and the gifts we didn’t ask for — read this five-day devotional, which takes a closer look at the Christmas story, to learn how to avoid missing your purpose when its packaging looks like a problem. 

What Is This? Embracing the Gifts You Didn't Ask For

The Christmas story is so familiar to those young and old. The manger scenes, shepherds, and wise men are all a part of a narrative that has been retold for over two thousand years. It’s easy to think it has nothing new to teach us. Yet, the word of God is living and active - it works in us in new ways every time we digest it. -Vertical Worship

It Came to Pass (Worthy, Worthy) From Vertical Worship 

Every year, during the Christmas season (and at times outside of the season), Christmas carols can be heard on high rotation in shopping centres, on the 
radio, in homes, and in churches. Songs that are so familiar that friends and family who are not Christians still know the lyrics and the melodies. These 
Christmas carols have become so familiar in society that sometimes it can seem like we are singing them by rote, forgetting the message of the Gospel that inspired the words we are singing. We hope in this plan, you have time to reflect on the lyrics of these songs that bring joy, hope, and life in Christ. 

Real Hope: O Come Let Us Adore Him

Jesus reveals himself in Scripture as creator (at the beginning of time), carpenter (with his birth into the home of Joseph), gardener (at the resurrection), and king (in the new Jerusalem). This plan will lead you to a deeper appreciation for each of these appearances and what they mean for the work you do each day. 

Jesus the Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, and King

Advent can be a busy time for many of us but is often busy to the point of burnout for technical artists in the local church. Set builds, service planning, and getting ready to welcome guests to your church is a lot! Let the FILO Community encourage you and remind you of the reason for your hard work this season!

FILO: Advent for the Church Technical Artist

How do we experience Emmanuel, God with us, beyond the Christmas season? In this 3-day plan, discover within the Christmas story a truth that will impact you beyond a celebration just once a year.

God With Us

Advent takes us up to Christmas, but what comes next? The decorations come down, the house is empty, and we're left looking for hope in a new year. These reflections remind us that our hope for change isn't in the clock striking midnight, but Christ's presence in our everyday lives.

Still With Us: Hope for New Beginnings

This holiday season, take some time to slow down and reflect on God's goodness and the precious gift of Christ with us. 

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas

Experience Christmas through the eyes of well-known Bible characters. This 5-day plan features Mary Magdalene, the Gospel writer Luke, Queen Esther, the Boy with the Miraculous Lunch, and the Inn Keeper, who had no room for Jesus. Get inspired by their reflections on True Freedom, Real Love, Deep Hope, Big Faith, and Genuine Peace.