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MEDITATION:

Written by Lisa Appelo, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Countdown to Christmas.”

Do you have any stumps from old trees in your yard? Our yard is full of towering oak trees and every now and again, we have a tree surgeon come out to trim up dead branches and cut down any old, weak trees. Last year, one of our granddaddy oak trees was cut down to a stump. Do you know what happened a few weeks later? New green shoots started growing right out of that old stump. That’s the picture the prophet Isaiah uses. Isaiah prophesied about 700 years before Jesus was ever born and foretold that a new shoot would come from Jesse. To understand Isaiah’s prophecy about stumps and shoots we first need to know a little about Jesus’ family tree.

Jesus descended from King David, the great king who reigned over Israel. In fact, both Mary and Joseph were in the line of King David. King David’s father was named Jesse. For several hundreds of years, one of King David’s royal descendants sat on the throne of Israel, and then Judah. But the last Davidic king was taken prisoner by the Babylonians and his sons were killed. Israel then went through a series of foreign rulers like the Babylonians and Persians, and Romans, and King David’s royal line looked dead – like an old, rotting stump. But out of what looked like a dead royal line, God brought a new shoot. This shoot was the Messiah, Jesus, who would be a new king. He didn’t rule like King David did. Jesus didn’t have a palace or throne or royal robes on earth. Jesus’ kingdom is a heavenly kingdom, and He left all the glory of a king to come to earth as a baby. Add a palm tree or plant to your nativity scene to represent the shoot that came from the stump of Jesse.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 11:1-10

MUSIC VIDEO: Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming

Performed by Frederica von Stade

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MEDITATION:

Written by Nancy Ruth, a contemporary children’s minister and author.

The story of the little drummer boy is not in the Bible, but this fictional story points to an important truth. It tells the story of a young boy who was invited to go see the newborn King, Jesus. He worries that he is poor and has nothing to bring this special child as a gift. When the little drummer boy gets to the stable and sees the baby and the mother, Mary, the young boy asks if he can play them a song on his drum. What a special moment it would have been if a poor little drummer boy actually had a chance to play his drum for the King of kings and His earthy parents. Can you imagine what that would feel like? If you read the descriptions of Jesus’ actual birth, there is no little drummer boy. Still, the Bible does say that God doesn’t want or need fancy gifts. All He wants is your heart. When we give God our heart, we turn away from our sin (doing wrong things and not doing the right things). We tell God we are sorry and mean it. We ask God to help us not sin anymore…We believe that He is who the Bible says He is. We trust that He will save us from the punishment of our sin. You also trust God to know what is best for you. Since Jesus is the King of kings, died and came to life again for you, choose to love Him, trust Him, and obey Him for the rest of your life. At Christmas, we give gifts to each other. The first Christmas, God gave us the greatest gift ever–Jesus Christ. All He wants in return is your heart. He wants you to love and trust Him with all that you are. Have you done that? Would you like to do that? There is no better time than today.

SCRIPTURE: Romans 10:1-27

MUSIC VIDEO: Little Drummer Boy

Performed by For King and Country

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MEDITATION:

Written by Twyla Arant

One of my favorite Advent activities is unwrapping and setting out my Nativities.  The weekend of Thanksgiving (usually ending with the first Sunday of Advent) is when the decorating begins, and the Nativity sets all need a special place. I have several sets collected over the years, including an outdoor set which saw its last display in 2020. After about 20 years, it simply fell apart. I hated to lose it, but it was a reminder that while things may be with us no longer, the memories remain.

My strongest memory of a Christmas Nativity is one I have had in my possession well over 20 years, and which I have never known Christmas without. It is made of what I call fabric mâché, with great big eyes on the faces, and nice color in the clothing. My parents acquired it their first Christmas, shortly before I was born. It sat on our living room coffee table every year, and for as long as I can remember, I would sit and look at all the details: the folds in Mary’s clothing, the hay beneath Baby Jesus, the staff in Joseph’s hand. No animals, no angel, no Wise Men. Just Jesus, His mother, and His earthly father. The basics of The Story. 

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:3-5

MUSIC VIDEO: Somewhere in My Memory

Written by John Williams and performed by the Twilite Orchestra in Jakarta, Indonesia

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MEDITATION:

Written by John Piper, a contemporary pastor, theologian, and author.

Christmas is about the coming of Christ into the world. It’s about the Son of God, who existed eternally with the Father as “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,” taking on human nature and becoming man (Heb. 1:3). It’s about the virgin birth of a child conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit so that he is the Son of God, not the way you and I are sons of God, but in an utterly unique way (Luke 1:35). It’s about the coming of a man named Jesus in whom “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9). It’s about the coming of the “fullness of time” that had been prophesied by the prophets of old that a ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2); and a child would be born called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6); and a Messiah, an anointed one, a shoot from the stem of Jesse, a Son of David, a King, would come (Isa. 11:1–4; Zech. 9:9). And, according to Mark 10:45, Christmas is about the coming of the Son of Man who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” These words in Mark 10:45, as a brief expression of Christmas, are what I hope God will fix in your mind and heart this Advent. Open your heart to receive the best present imaginable: Jesus giving himself to die for you and to serve you all the rest of eternity. Receive this. Turn away from self-help and sin. Become like little children. Trust him. Trust him. Trust him with your life.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:1-7

MUSIC VIDEO: Son of God

Written by Paul Cardell and Performed by Patrice Tipoki

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MEDITATION:

Written by Kelly Deehan, a contemporary theology student and author.

Take a moment to visualize the Nativity scene that was in your home as a child. Try to see it through your childhood eyes once again. What do you see? Do you remember that sense of wonder as you look at that familiar figurine of baby Jesus in the manger? I have many early memories of being in awe of my family’s Nativity scene. My mom would make sure it was the first decoration to be set up. Before the adorable Christmas village came out of the attic, the little rundown stable needed to be put in its rightful place. I loved that little stable and often imagined what all the sheep and cows were saying to each other when Jesus arrived. In a season full of lights and color and sparkle, we may notice that we still stop to gaze at the Nativity scene, which sometimes lacks the aesthetic appeal that Christmas has become known for. And yet we are still drawn in. As children we already could sense it. This is different. This is sacred. This is the beginning of the greatest love story. We understood the gravity of the Incarnation long before we could define it. In contemplating Jesus’ Nativity, Dorothy Day wrote, “I’m so glad Jesus was born in a stable. Because my soul is so much like a stable. It’s poor and in unsatisfactory condition—yet I believe that if Jesus can be born in a stable, maybe he can also be born in me.” This Advent, we are invited to prepare ourselves to be the manger. Like its rough wood, we are insufficient to welcome the Savior into this world. But Jesus loves us in our smallness and in our simplicity. While our human hearts may not be fit for a king, we can still eagerly await his coming and offer all we are. As you set up your Nativity scene this year, or as you contemplate other crèches throughout this season, allow yourself to see with eyes of childhood wonder.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 7:16

MUSIC VIDEO: Joy to the World

Performed by The Cedarmont Kids

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MEDITATION:

Written by Ricky Chelette, a contemporary pastor, teacher, author, and executive director of Living Hope Ministries.

Not much is written about his life. Most scholars treat him as a minor character in the most amazing drama in history – the birth of Jesus. Church pageants portray him as a dutiful helper to Mary, with few if any lines, but not much more. He was a good man, and he had a heart that was sensitive to the things of God. We know him as Joseph, the earthly father of the Son of God. Ponder the significance of that eight-word description. Let it linger for a moment. Can you imagine the weight of such an assignment? Most fathers feel ill-equipped to raise a child, but to raise the Son of God was a task no one could have even anticipated! However, Joseph was up for the task. Like many men in a new experience, Joseph rose to the occasion. His response, fortified by his faith in God, gives insight and direction for us all.

Joseph was a just and kind man who honored women. Joseph had every right to put Mary away, to disgrace her publicly, and even to have her stoned. After all, Mary’s guilt was ostensibly apparent given that no one had ever become pregnant without a sexual relationship. Yet, Joseph’s concern for Mary and her future showed his heart of compassion and love. Joseph also believed and obeyed God. Despite what was seemingly impossible, Joseph trusted the words of the angel of the Lord and, by faith, obeyed… Joseph was a faithful father who loved his son. A rhythm of faith permeated the life of Joseph and his family. Notice that “every year” and “according to custom,” Joseph consistently led his family to spiritually engage with God. His willingness to leave his business, travel to another city, and participate in the Feast of Passover further attests to the priority Joseph placed on the spiritual growth of his family.

As the pageants are delivered and the applause is given this Christmas season, few will notice the steady and faithful father Joseph, but Jesus did. Jesus was shaped in his earthly manhood by his earthly father just as we are. He learned a skill and a craft from hours at the feet of Joseph. He saw faith and sacrifice lived out through a simple, faithful builder, who loved God and loved Him. Not everyone lives in the spotlight or has the starring role in the drama, but we each play a significant role in God’s cosmic saga of redemption, just like Joseph. Today you may feel unnoticed, unseen, or even forgotten, yet God knows and sees you. There are no bit parts in His story.  Your life matters and others are observing you to see if you reflect the faith, you say you believe, and the God whose name you claim.  Live carefully and faithfully. You might be an unsung hero!

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25

MUSIC VIDEO: Joseph’s Lullaby

Performed by Mercy Me

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MEDITATION:

Written by Bill Gaultiere, a contemporary psychologist, spiritual director, and author.

For two thousand years, Mary’s Magnificat has been a source of daily prayer for Christ-followers who use The Liturgy of the Hours. She exclaimed these words upon hearing her older cousin Elizabeth confirm that she was indeed carrying Christ the Lord in her womb! We seem to have the idea that when Mary sang the Magnificat it was as if the clouds parted, and a divine light beamed into her body, and she burst forth singing with the assistance of a choir of angels! Probably it was more than a moment of sudden inspiration from God. It’s likely that Mary’s song was informed by her readings of the Old Testament and her conversations with family and friends about the coming of the Messiah. For instance, we know that Mary prayed and discussed the great prayer of Hannah in the Old Testament and that Mary’s song has similarities to Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10). We also know that Mary was a woman who “treasured and pondered in her heart” the things that God showed her (Luke 2:19). Probably she prayed or sang her Magnificat many times throughout her life, perhaps even before her visit with Elizabeth, but especially in the days and years afterward. That makes sense because she certainly needed the blessed words of life that God gave her! For a long time, no one but Joseph believed her story that she was pregnant by a miracle of the Holy Spirit — she was branded with the Scarlet A! Like Jesus, all of her life she lived with the slanderous accusations that were spoken against her (John 9:29). Imagine Mary walking to the village well to get water and people frowning at her and whispering about her. If she looked to them for acceptance, she’d feel embarrassed and insecure, but instead she smiles and quietly hums the words of the glorious song that God gave her! “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord… All generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me…” (Luke 1:46-47). Mary experienced many other trials in her life, like poverty, fleeing to Egypt when Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus, losing her husband at young age, and raising a family without him, and the sword that pierced her heart when her son was scourged and crucified (Luke 2:35). I can imagine Mary praying and singing the Magnificat to help her see with eyes of faith beyond her circumstances and into the spiritual reality of the Kingdom of God where she was indeed blessed, and the strong arm of the Lord Almighty was doing great things for her and through her to others! This is a picture of Mary that I can relate to in the trials that I face. I can practice seeing the unseen Kingdom of God in my midst and putting my trust in the risen Christ who is there with me.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:46-55

MUSIC VIDEO: Magnificat Gregoriano

Performed by Harpa Dei

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MEDITATION:

Written by Ruth Grendell.

I have a collection of Creche ornaments that I have collected over the years. Initial ones were purchased with my childhood allowance at the local Dime Store! Bob made a wood manger to house them. I’ve gathered others from different countries, and a small ornament that is intricately carved from a soft, rough white How-lite stone from Romania that is displayed in its special place all year. Eventually, the collection includes a beautiful set of Lenox figurines. I even have a set of needlepoint figures –that are still in progress! Perhaps that will be my goal for 2022.

Christmas really begins for me when the ornaments are unwrapped, as I reflect on the history of acquiring each one. The grandchildren have heard the stories and have chosen their favorites. Each year an artist friend and his wife send their card with a picture of the creche nestled in a beautiful setting. They travel throughout the world and always looks for a perfect location where he can insert his drawing of Christ’s birth. The one, below, that I have framed has a very prominent place near our Christmas tree.

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:24-31

MUSIC VIDEO: Some Children See Him

Performed by Sixpence None the Richer

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MEDITATION:

Excerpted from a writing by John Mark Reynolds, contemporary author and director of the Torrey Honors Institute.

Nobody knew her name, but then she burst into history after a long life. Elizabeth was a failure by the standards of her culture, but God loved her. Just when most friends thought her time had passed, Elizabeth found herself at the beginning of Christmas. There is hope in her life for any of us. God acts when the time is right and can empower anyone, at any time, in any place to do His will. Elizabeth loved God and God did not forget her… Elizabeth faced the surprise Advent visit of a very pregnant Virgin Mary. She faced this guest while very pregnant herself with a husband who had been cursed by an angel. When Mary discovered she was pregnant, she knew where to go. Most anybody would guess, gossip, or judge her swelling belly, but Elizabeth would take her into a home and keep Mary safe… She had been judged by others, but she refused to prejudge Mary. The older woman had longed to be pregnant and now an angel had promised her a son… Elizabeth models the possibility of knowledge that comes from within by faith in God’s promises…Elizabeth is always joyful, joyful in greeting Mary, and joyful at the birth of her son. Some of us might demand more from God, but Elizabeth was delighted with her one great blessing. She knew what she should want and that she was bound to get it and so could be content. Elizabeth valued properly and history has given her proper value. The old woman must have died happy as her son and his great relative, God’s son, grew up. The baby grew and became a man, the forerunner to Messiah. Mary would face pain so great that it would be compared to a sword thrust through her heart, but Elizabeth likely was not there for the conclusion of the life of her son John and Jesus. She did not have to go to the foot of the cross. We have no record of her during John the Baptist’s ministry.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:24-25; 39-45; 56-66

MUSIC VIDEO: Mary, Did You Know?

Performed by Wanda Viola

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MEDITATION:

Written by Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham and Vice-President and Associate Evangelist at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

It’s hard not to be intrigued and impressed by Mary. She was just a teenager, some estimates say between 13 and 16 years old, when an angel appeared to her. I can just imagine how a teen today would have reacted if an angel of the Lord showed up in their room. My guess is that the immediate response would be fear, screams or crying. The sheer overwhelming nature of the experience would be enough to cause that reaction. However, when the angel appears and brings a joyful message—“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”—the Bible says that Mary was “troubled.” The angel even encouraged her with, “Do not be afraid.” One would expect that Mary would struggle with this revelation and abrupt change in her life’s path. After all, things seemed to be going okay. She was even engaged to a man named Joseph, but now she would be the gossip of the town. A scandal like an unwed pregnancy would not go unnoticed and answering the critics by saying that an angel visited her would likely cause more questions than answers. But Mary was clearly no normal teenager! After her initial response, Mary embraces her calling as the earthly mother of Jesus. In what is called “The Song of Mary”, we see a young woman who considers herself blessed, who rejoices! Of course, the story doesn’t end there, and things don’t get any easier. Mary, at the end of her pregnancy, must endure the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, at the end of which she delivers the Christ child in a manger. Was she bitter? Did she shout at God, “You did this to me, and now you can’t even give me a decent place to give birth? Not even one room?” No, as she held her child, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, she pondered all that had taken place, keeping it in her heart. As you enter this Advent season, maybe this year hasn’t gone how you planned. Maybe you expected your life to be much different than it is. Perhaps you’re even mad at God and blame Him for your circumstances. If so, it’s okay to be troubled, but I invite you to do as Mary did, and rejoice in the midst of your pain. Lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you, whose birth we celebrate. Despite the struggles, Mary considered herself blessed because of what God did for her, and you can too as you ponder how He has blessed you.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:34-38

MUSIC VIDEO: Mary, Did You Know?

Performed by Pentatonix

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