Advent
The Weary World Rejoices: Daily Devotions for Advent
For generations, churches and families have used Advent wreaths to help prepare for celebrating the Lord's birth at Christmas. The evergreen wreath symbolizes eternal life and includes four candles—typically three purple and one pink, with a white candle in the middle that symbolizes the purity of Christ. Various traditions assign different topics to each candle, and the candles are usually given names to remind us of the good news of Christ's birth.
The Songs Tell the Story: An Advent Devotional
It’s our hope and prayer that knowing more about these Christmas songs will increase your appreciation of their lyrics and, more importantly, deepen your love for our Savior this Christmas.
Names of Jesus
Are you longing to experience the true meaning of Christmas? This Advent, journey through the names of Jesus, found in Isaiah 9:6. Each day focuses on a different title: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Through these reflections, we are invited to experience Jesus more intimately, finding wonder, guidance, strength, love, and peace in him. Let’s rediscover the power of Jesus's name this Christmas season.
400 Years of Silent Nights
The celebration of Christmas is less about Jesus being born in a manger and more about Him being born because we matter. God came to be with us because He didn’t want our world to be without Him. He intentionally chose the name Immanuel because He was no longer simply watching us, warning us, and waiting for us to get it right. He was with us. In this devotional, you will be challenged with a fresh perspective as you prepare for the Christmas season.
The Songs Tell the Story: A Family Advent Devotional
With twenty-five entries, if you start on December 1, you’ll end this devotional on Christmas Day. Once you’ve read a day together with your children, discuss the main topic. See if your children know these songs, or the stories behind the songs, or the reason we sing these songs.
Names of Jesus for Advent
In this series, we read and reflect on 14 names of Jesus – various titles he is given, and ways he his described. See from both Old Testament prophecy, and the Gospel accounts of his life, just who Jesus is through his names. Be encouraged as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth by reflecting on who he is – the marvellous complexity and depth of Jesus’ purpose and his character.
Rediscovering Christmas
As you rediscover Christmas in these devotions, you will find your heart opening to the wider field of God’s Love, empowering you to participate in the new Creation Story launched at Christmas and extending far beyond the Christmas season.
Journey to Christmas
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Explore the story of His birth through the eyes of the people caught up in the first Christmas. Take a 14-day journey through the Christmas story captured in the Gospel of Luke: examine your life, pray for yourself and others, and recommit yourself to following Jesus again this Christmas.
Why Jesus Was Born
Why was Jesus born? This may seem like a simple question, too familiar to ponder. But as you prepare for Christmas this year, take time to reflect on the deep meaning and purpose of Jesus's birth for your life, and for the whole world. This 5 day series was written by Scott Hoezee, and is an excerpt from the Words of Hope daily devotional.