e this thing - Amazon Web...

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“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to

one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has

happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Luke 2:15)

Have you ever walked through the month of December making all

the preparations for Christmas and participating in all the activities only to feel relieved when

it’s all over? You’re certainly not alone. For Christians, the birth of Christ should represent one

of the most joy-filled and peaceful times of the year. Instead, it can be a month of fast-paced

activities and joy-less “celebrations” that cause us to breathe a sigh of relief on December 26.

As you enter into this advent season, we want to invite you to utilize this resource as a way to

more fully see Jesus in the days and weeks leading up to, and culminating on Christmas Day.

What’s in this Christmas devotional:

~ Devotionals from our pastors & staff

~ Activities for your family & children

(separate activity packets available at yourchurch.com)

~ Christmas traditions to inspire and encourage you to purposefully engage with your

family, your friends, and your small group

~ A Christmas Day worship & prayer celebration to culminate the month

Christmas is when the gospel came to life in the person of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that you

will intentionally walk through this month and see what God is doing in and through His

church as we walk alongside each other.

We pray this Christmas may be different because you would choose to “see this thing” and

experience Jesus intimately through worshiping Him this Christmas.

~ The Staff & Elders of College Park Church

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How to Use this Christmas Devotional

The first two weeks of this devotional contain resources and activities you can use at your discretion during the week. Starting the third week, there is a devotional every day.

Everything will culminate on Christmas day with a worship experience for you to use in the context of your family, your small group, or a gathering of close friends.

Week of December 4-December 10: •Partoneofathree-partresourceonrelationshipsandengagingwithfamilyandfriendswhomaysee Christ and Christmas differently •Christmastraditions •Children’sactivities •Selectedsongs&hymns •OpportunitiestoservethroughoutthemonthofDecemberYou may use these resources and activities at any point during the week.

Week of December 11-December 17: •Parttwooftherelationshipsresourcefocusedontheadventofnewrelationships •Christmastraditions •Children’sactivities •Selectedsongs&hymnsYou may use these resources and activities at any point during the week.

Week of December 18-24: •Partthreeofrelationshipsresource •Dailydevotionals,includingreadings&activitiesforeachday •Christmastraditions •Children’sactivities

Week of December 25: •AworshipexperienceforDec.25

CollegeParkChristmasservicesareSaturday,Dec.24at2p.m.,4p.m.,and6p.m.ThereisadevotionaltimeonDec.25at9a.m.inthechapel.

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Christmas Resources for Adults

Christmas Resources for Parents & Children

Beyond this Christmas devotional, here are some other resources that we have:

The Twelve Words of Christmas LouieGiglio(DVD)

God Is In The Manger DietrichBonhoeffer(book)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas Sermons DietrichBonhoeffer(book)

Unexpected Christmas & Choosing Christmas AndyStanley/NorthPointResources (audio&DVDresources). Various Christmas Sermons JohnPiper(audioresources).

Look Who’s Coming To Christmas JamesMcDonald(sermon)

Why The Nativity, The 12 Ways of Christmas DavidJeremiah(book)

The Star of Bethlehem DVD

Martin Luther’s Christmas Book MartinLuther(book)

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Piper,Duncan,Schaeffer,Spurgeon, Alcorn,Eareckson-Tada(book)

Duncan’s Journey BeckyEmerick(book)

One Wintry Night RuthBellGraham(book)

The Innkeeper JohnPiper(book)

The Not So Wise Man AndrewRowland(book)

The Legend of the Candy Cane LoriWalburg(book)

Mary’s First Christmas WalterWangerin,Jr.(book)

Jotham’s Journey, Bartholomew’s Passage & Tabitha’s Travels: Stories for Advent ArnoldYtreeide(book)

Available through store.northpoint.org

Available through desiringgod.org

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My family often holds a scavenger hunt for one person in the family (it has most often been Mom). This is always kept as a secret from that person, and it is usually done last because it involves the final (big) gift of that person. Clues are created by us family members and put all over the house so that the person has to figure out each next location before getting to the end.

The clues are often ridiculous riddles written as poems that point to another location in the house. The gift receiver is always surprised and excited to make it to the end where he or she receives their gift and the whole family enjoys giving him or her attention and this special present.

~ Bob Martin

As a family we have started celebrating Advent by walking through a book called Jotham’s Journey. There are actually three in the series, so you can rotate each year and the topic doesn’t grow cold. They have instructions on how you can do the candles and history of advent. It really helps us and the kids keep the centrality of Christ as the point of Christmas and not the gifts and such.

~ Jack & Andi Hogan

This year we are beginning a new tradition. We want to bless our neighbors and those that serve our family. So, we’ve scheduled a “Bake Day”. We’ll include the kids and spend all day baking some goodies that we can give to our neighbors and others. We’re going to include an invitation to Christmas Eve services and a prayer request card where the recipient can write down something we can pray for as a family. You can include anything with this gift. We’re planning to hand deliver them. Think of others (mail person, those who pick up your garbage, officers of your neighborhood association, teachers, dry cleaner, bus driver, coach, piano teacher, etc.). There are many around us that would be blessed by homemade bread or cookies with a personal touch.

Other ideas:Offer to help some of the elderly in your neighborhood with Christmas decorationsGive a neighbor a homemade gift card, good for free snow shoveling this seasonTake a homemade meal to someone new in the neighborhood and include an invitation to church

~ Gary & Peg Meeks

My family memorizes Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke each year leading up to Christmas, complete with motions, and presents it for our extended family. A few years ago, I met with a group of moms and we made ornaments that go through the Jesse Tree as a type of advent calendar leading up to Christmas. It goes through the lineage of Jesus, so it’s a history lesson and a countdown in one! You can read more about it here:emerickhome.blogspot.com/2009/11/jesse-tree-ornament-exchange.html.

~ Jim & Lori Nossett

~ Lee & Becky Emerick

Connecting with your family during the Christmas season often has

to be very intentional. There are many things that compete for your

time. Included in this resource are traditions that are time-tested by the

staff and elders of College Park. Why not try something new this year?

Explore some of these and begin your own family traditions.

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THE WEEK of DECEMBER 4

CollegeParkisauniquechurch,inthatweareabodyofbelieversthatismadeupofindividualsfromdiversedenominationalbackgrounds.Forsomeofus,ourexperienceinchurchwasmorecasualandseemedtobedisjointed,lackingconnectedness.Forothers,itwasveryrepetitiveand structured, with a set order to the worship services and very distinct themes and seasons to the calendar of worship. Interestingly enough, some of these seasons that the church stillfollowstodaywereestablishedbytheearlychurchleadersasawaytoworshipGodandtorememberhislife,death,andresurrection.ThebeautythatcancomefromunderstandingandcelebratingtheseseasonsinthelifeofthechurchcomesinknowingandunderstandinghowourpreparationforeachcelebrationwillultimatelyimpacthowweseeandexperiencethejoyofChrist’sbirth,death,resurrection,ascensionand even our anticipation of His return. With this in mind, we want to prepare, together, our hearts and minds for worshipping the King this Christmas season.

Advent,theseasonofanticipationleadinguptoChristmas,considersthearrivalorcomingofthelong-expectedJesus.Thisistheseasonof“comeandsee.”ThegoalofadventistobuildupexpectationsandexcitementthatwillfinallyculminateinthecelebrationofthecomingofGodtoman:“joytotheworldtheLordhascome.”Theideaofadvent

“Let’s be like the shepherds who

agreed together to ‘see this thing which has come

to pass which the Lord has made known

to us...”

Come and See

As we move forward from ThanksgivingandenterthemonthofDecember,thereisanticipationandasensethatChristmaswillbeherebeforeweknowit.Thisisaseasonfilledwithrichtraditionsandcelebrationsthatarebothsecularandsacredinnature.Somemightcallitthe“SpiritofChristmas,”anditencompassesmuchofwhatwedoandexperienceintheweeksbetweenThanksgivingandDecember25.

“Christmasiscoming,thegooseisgettingfat,pleasetoputapennyintheoldman’shat...”Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIenjoysomeofthetraditionalsongsandceremoniesatthistimeoftheyear,somemorewell-knowntraditionsandevensomethataremoreobscure.Thereisnothingwrongwithenjoying,andevendelightingin,someoftheseseasonalcelebrations.Butitseemsonlyrightthatthistimeshouldbeatimeofhope,reflection,andspiritualgrowth,aswecelebrateatrulyChristianevent:theAdventofourSavior,JesusChrist.

AsthestaffteamatCollegePark,wedesiretocometothistimeoftheyearandreflectonsomerealsignificantrealitiesofourfaith.Afterall,ChristmasistheincarnationofthegospelandwheretheCreatoroftheUniversetookonhumanform,becominglikeus,sothatwemightbebroughtbacktoHim.IsincerelyhopethatdoesnotsoundboringorScrooge-ishtoyou.Ihavefoundthatreflectingonthedepthandsacrednessofthisseasoncanbeveryfun,hopeful,andinvigoratingfordepthandintimacywithJesus.And,wewanttodoittogetherasacommunity.Togetherisagreatwordforthisseason.Godcametobewithus(together),solet’scomeandworshipHimtogetherinthisseason.Let’sbeliketheshepherdswhoagreedtogetherto“seethisthingwhichhascometopasswhichtheLordhasmadeknownuntous.”Thesedevotionalsareintendedtohelpallofustobebetterworshipers.Sojoinwithusaswecomeandsee!

Itiswiththisdesireinmindthatwehaveputtogetherthisdevotionaltohelpus,asafaithfamily,journeytogetherintoandthroughtheChristmasseason.Withsomanyactivities,festivities,traditions,andexpectationsontheholidays,it’seasytoseehowwecangetlostintheholidayshuffle.Yet,asChrist-followerswehaveanopportunity,togetherasthecommunityoffaith,toorientourheartsandourmindscontrarilythatwemay“seethisthing”differentlyfromthosearound us.

by Joe Bartemus

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isbestseeninLuke2:22-38,whereweseeSimeonandAnnabothlivinginanticipationofthe coming Messiah. As we anticipate the birth of Christ, I thought it might be a good activity for all of us to ask each other two questions every day in December.

Question 1: PretendlikeyouarealivebeforeJesuswasbornandask: “HasJesuscome?”Therewouldbe24daysof“No”asthe answer, and then on Christmas morning the answer would be“Yes,Hehascome!”

Question 2: “HasJesuscomethesecondtimeyet?” Theanswerwouldbe“No,butHemaycometodayor tomorrow.” That would help us all to see that we should rejoiceinHisfirstcoming,andthatweareinawaitingtimenow anticipating the next great advent of Jesus.

Finally,Christmaswillarrive,andwewillcelebrateHisfirstcoming.Onthechurchcalendar,thecelebrationofChrist’sarrivallastsseveraldays(whichwouldexhaustmostofus).WeneedtowaituntilChristmastosing“JoytotheWorld”(afirstandsecondadventsong),“AngelsWehaveHeardonHigh,”“HarktheHeraldAngelsSing,”etc.,thattellofthebirthandcomingofJesus.AdventistheseasonofpreparationforChristmas,notthecelebrationofit.

So,GodlovedtheworldandsenthisonlySonthatwhoeverbelievesinhimwouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.Thanksforjoiningwithustoobserve,celebrateandworshipourSaviorwhohascometobewithHispeople.Taketimethisyeartocomeandseethisthingthathashappened!

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Sing this hymn together with your family

Verse 1Come Thou long-expected JesusBorn to set Thy people freeFrom our fears and sins release usLet us find our rest in TheeIsrael’s strength and consolationHope of all the earth Thou artDear desire of every nationJoy of every longing heart

Verse 2Born Thy people to deliverBorn a child and yet a KingBorn to reign in us foreverNow Thy gracious kingdom bringBy Thine own eternal SpiritRule in all our hearts aloneBy Thine all-sufficient meritRaise us to Thy glorious throne

CCLISongNo.31999©PublicDomainCharlesWesley|RowlandHughPrichardForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus

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THE WEEK of DECEMBER 4Come See This Thing

The Advent of New Relationships (Part 1)

by Dave Crichlow

We all have received, or perhaps even given a Christmas card with the perfect holiday scene: anuntouchedblanketofnewsnow,ahousewithcandlesinthewindows,awreathonthedoor,afireinthefireplace,ahorse-drawnsleighpassingby.Weimaginethatifwepeeredintotheframedwindows,wewouldseefriendsandfamilysharingjoyfulconversationaroundafreshlybakedturkeyorsittingbythefireplace,enjoyingthewarmthofdeepandrich relationships. We want to see ourselves in the picture.

Thepainfulrealityisthatfew,ifanyofus,everreallyexperiencethatelusiveperfectChristmas.Wemaybegintheseasonwithfreshhopethatthisyearwillbedifferent.Butthen,justmakingtheplansforholidayget-togethersleadstoconflict!

Formany,notonlyisChristmasnotanidyllictimeofyear,itisoneofthemostdifficultseasons.Dreamsofrelaxationandwarmfamilygatheringsareoftendashedbytherealityofdifficultrelationships.Wemayfeeltrappedtospendtimewithfamilymembers,friendsorneighborsthatwewouldbejustashappytoavoid.Maybeitistheunclewhodrinkstoomuchandsaysinappropriatethings,orperhapsthesisterwhoproudlybringshernewestlive-inboyfriendtothefamilygathering,ormaybetheobnoxiouscousinswhoalwayswanttheirway,ortheoverbearingin-lawswhowefeelaredemandingandinflexible.Wemightevenfindourselvesmumbling“Ihatethistimeofyear”whenwereallymean“Ihatethese people.”

Doesn’titjustfeelwrong?Itjustshouldn’tbethisway.Doesn’ttheScripturetellusthatChrist’sbirthwasthepromiseofpeaceonearth?

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:13-15 NASB)

Some thirty years later, Jesus Himself seemed to contradict the promise of that heavenly proclamation.

Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two, and two against three. “They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. (Luke 12:51-53 NASB)

NotexactlytheChristmaspicturewewanttoputonacard!ButtherealityisthatJesus has placed us in a lost world and in families full of lost and unredeemed people. ManyofthosepeoplewantnothingofusbecausetheywantnothingofChrist.ButChrist has called us to find our peace in Him so that our lives will loudly proclaim Himtoothers.Hewantsustoshowthehopethatisinusbyhowwerespondtocircumstancesandtopeople.Why?Becausethesamepeoplethatthatfrustrateussodesperately are the very ones He wants to redeem and they are looking for answers, usuallyineveryplacebutChrist.

“Doesn’t the Scripture tell us that Christ’s birth was the promise of peace on earth?”

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Peterhaswordsofwisdomforus:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.(1 Pet. 3:15 NIV)

Admittedlythisishard!Peopleirritateus,theysinaroundus,andtheysinagainstus.HowdoweputoffallthebaggageintheserelationshipsinordertoserveChrist?

In2Corinthians5:14-21Paul,likePeter,tellsusthatwearetoimpactthosearoundusforChrist.Hetellsusthatwehavereceiveda“ministryofreconciliation”andsayswearetobe“ambassadorsforChrist.”

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.. Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:14-21 NASB)

SomeofthemostdifficultpeopleinourlivesneedtobereconciledtoChristinsalvation,othersinsanctification.WearecalledtobeHisinstrumentstoimpactboth.

Resources for further reading:Relationships: A Mess Worth MakingbyTimothyS.Lane&PaulDavidTripp

When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of ManbyEdwardT.Welch

what God

wants for

Christmas...

place photo here

concept byFam

ily Life Publishing

is you!!!

Make aChristmasOrnament!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Trim paper along solid linesmarkedbythescissors icon

2.Find a favorite picture of you and trim it so it fits the frame in the middle

3.Attach picture with glue or tape

4.Fold the paper along the dotted lines as shownbelow

5.Attachtabbededge(a)toinsideflap(b)withtape or glue.

6.Poke a small hole in thetoptabandhangfrom the tree with an ornament hanger or a yarn loop

a

b

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DecemberService

OpportunitiesKid’s Church: Christmas at the B.E.A.C.H. on December 10ThegiftsdonatedbyCollegeParkfamilieswillbewrapped,andtheBEACHwillbecomeastoreforKid’sChurchparentstobuygiftsfortheirchildren.VolunteersareneededtodecorateattheBEACHonDecember8-9aswellashelpinavarietyofwayswiththeChristmasStoreeventonDecember10. Contact: [email protected]

Midwest Food Bank: Joy: An Irish Christmas.A concert benefiting the Midwest Food Bank Indianapolis Division.Date:Sunday,December4,2011Time:5:30p.m.(doorsopenat5p.m.)Location:CollegeParkChurchAllticketsforthiseventaresold-out

Midwest Food Bank There is an increased amount of giving during the holidays, so groups can schedule a time to help withaload-outdistributionorwithpackagingitemstobedistributedduringtheholidayseason.Contact:[email protected]

Life Centers: Christmas Open House on Saturday December 10,11a.m.-3p.m.attheNorthwestWomen’sCenter.Touracenter,enjoyrefreshments,shopforgiftsfromlocalvendor displays, and meet staff and clients from Life Centers.Contact: [email protected]

Life Centers: Host a Christmas baby shower......foraLifeCentersclientwhochoselifeforherbaby.Contact: [email protected]

Wheeler Mission: The Center’s Children’s Ministry will need extra volunteer help during Christmasbreak(Dec.22-Jan.9).WomenlivingattheCenterforWomen&Childrenhavetheopportunity for their children to learn while the moms either look for work or attend classes in Wheeler’sEducationCenter.VolunteersareneededtohelpwiththechildrenMonday-FridaythroughoutthedayduringChristmasbreak.Contact:BethanyAlvis.317.635.3575,[email protected]

Outreach, Inc.: Christmas dinner for homeless teenagers in IndianapolisDate:Thursday,December15.HelpisneededonthemorningofTuesday,December13atOutreachInc.tofillbackpackswithgiftitems.HelpisalsoneededonDecember15from9a.m.-4p.m.tosetup,unloadfood,andhelppreparefortheChristmasdinner.Sign-uprequiredsowe know who to expect.Contact:[email protected]

CEF: Volunteer projects day at CEF office. Dates:Saturday,Dec.10orThursday,Dec.15,9:30a.m.-12p.m.Helpisneededinavarietyofwaystopreparelessons,activities,crafts,andotherprojectsforGoodNewsClubsandotherCEFevents.Contact:SheriePhares.317.415.0488.cefcentralindiana@gmail.comChildEvangelismFellowshipislocatedat:3309W96thStreet,Indianapolis,IN46268.

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ChristmasOffering

2011

Learn more online at yourchurch.com/christmasofferingPickupainformationalbrochureontheGlobalOutreachWallor download at yourchurch.com

Pakistan is the 6th biggest country in the world (185millionpeople)withthe2ndbiggestMuslimpopulationofanycountry.Ninety-sixpercentofPakistanisareMuslims.OperationWorldsaysthat“fewcountries,ifany,presentagreaterchallengeformissions”thanPakistan.

Yet one of the rays of hope is that there are perhaps 1 million evan-gelicalChristiansinPakistan.WebelievethatoneofthebestwaystoreachPakistanistotrainleadersfromthisgroupofbelieverstoreachtheir own country.

ZarephathBibleInstituteexistsforthisveryreason:totrainPakistanisonPakistanisoiltoreachPakistanforChrist.ThisistheBibleschoolwhereourownPastorNateIrwintaughtandservedasprincipalforeightyears.ShortlybeforetheIrwinshadtoleavePakistanformedicalreasons,a7½acreplotoflandwaspurchasedinthecapitalofIslamabadsothatZBIcouldmoveintothecityfromitsrurallocation.Our2011ChristmasOfferingwillgotowardsthedevelopmentofthiscampus.

TheCollegeParkChurchfamilywillgettomeetthecurrentprincipalofZBIonDec.11,Ashkenaz(Naz,forshort),aPakistaniwhotaughtalongsideNateduringhisyearsthere.Itisasignofgrowthandstrengthtoseetheschoolincapablenationalhandsandrunningwellwithfortyfull-timestudents.

TheChristmasOfferingwillbecollectedonDecember18,oryoucangiveonlineatyourchurch.com/give.Planandpreparetoinvestinthetrainingofleaderstoreachthisveryneedyland!

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THE WEEK of DECEMBER 11by Bob Martin, IV

See This Thing

Christmas Through the Eyes of a ChildFor many of us, Christmas movies are one of the fun delights of the Christmas season. While our familiesarere-acquaintingthemselveswiththefragrancesofgingerbreadandpeppermint,oureyesareonceagainfilledwiththesightsoftheGrinch,numerousEbenezerScrooges,and,ofcourse,SantaClaus.

One ChristmasseasonwhenIwasonlyapre-teen,Ihadanunexpectedexperiencewithoneofmyholidayfilmfavorites.Iwasnestledintomyfamily’scouchwatchingthe1966cartoonadaptationofDr.Seuss’How the Grinch Stole Christmas, andIwasagainenthralledbythegrouchy,greenhumbugandhismidnightthieveryofWhoville’sChristmasgoodies.ButjustastheGrinchpoisedhissleightodumpthesedelights,heheardsinginginthedistancefromthesamegatheredcommunitythatwasrobbed.TheGrinch“puzzledandpuzzedtillhispuzzlerwassore,”andherealizedthatChristmasdoesnotcomefromastore.Instead,itissomething“alittlebitmore”:

“...and then the true meaning of Christmas came through,And the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!”

“That’sright,”Isaidtomyself,“Christmasisn’taboutgifts,it’sabout—Wait a minute! Christmasisn’taboutsingingorcommunityorgivingpresentseither!Christmasisn’taboutanyofthosethings!AllofWhovilleiswrong!”ItgavemepausetomentallyrevisitmostofmyotherfavoriteChristmasmovies:moviesaboutreindeerandSantaandaslewofothercharacterswhousuallyonlydiscoveredthatChristmasisnotaboutreceivingbutaboutgiving.

Eventhoughtheselessonsarevaluable,Isuddenlyrealized,evenasachild,thatthetruemeaningofChristmasdidnothavetodowithmeatall.Itdidnothavetodowith“keepingChristmasinmyheart,”or“givinginsteadofreceiving,”orhaving“Christmascheer.”Christmaswasaboutsomeonethatdidnotevenmakeanappearanceinmostofthesemovies:Christ.

Listen to the responses of our children at College Park who can tell us what Christmas is about:

1) Why is Christmas so important? “BecauseJesuswasborn,andwithoutHisearthlybirthHecouldn’thavepaidthepriceforus.”(13-year-old)

“We celebratethebirthofOnewhotookusoutofeternaldamnationandintoeternallife.Heisworthyofmuch morethanonedaysetasidetocelebrateHisbirth.Weshouldcelebrateitdaily.”(14-year-old)

“’Cuzit’sJesus’birth,andit’sHisbirthday,andHe’sturningathousandyearsold!”(6-year-old)

2) What is the real meaning of Christmas?“It’snotaboutpresents,orgifts,ortheyummyfoodthatyoumake,itisaboutspendingtimewithyourfamilyandpraisingGodbecauseHesentJesustosaveus.”(8-year-old)

“TocelebrateChrist’sbirth,notjustgiftsandSantaClaus.”(12-year-old)

“Aboutbirthday… an angel… Jesus.” (2-year-old)

“Jesus came to earth.” (10-year-old)

3) Why is it so important that Jesus was born?“BecauseifHewasn’tborn,noonewouldhavediedonthecrossforoursins,andpeoplewouldn’tbeabletogotoheaven;everyonewouldgotohell.”(8-year-old)

“Becauseit’sGod’sson!”(6-year-old)

“It’simportantbecauseHeturnedhimselfintoalittlebabysoHecouldhelpus.Heansweredpeoples’questionsaboutGodanddiedforus.”(8-year-old)

“‘That’s right,’ I saidto myself,‘Christmas isn’tabout gifts,it’s about . . .Wait a minute! ’”

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4) Are you glad that Jesus was born? Why?“Yes!BecauseHeishelpingpeoplegoingtotherealGodsotheygetintoheaven.”(6-year-old)

“Yes,‘cuzHecouldn’thavesavedusifHewasn’t,andHewastheonlyperfectone.”(6-year-old)

“Yes,I’mverygladbecauseIamaChristianandHeismySavior.”(8-year-old)

TheLordJesushasinvitedchildrentoHimself,andHehastaughtusthat“whoeverdoesnotreceivethekingdomofGodlikeachildshallnotenterit”(Luke18:17).

ChildrencanoftenseewithclearereyesthewonderofChristmas—notsimplywonderinthestarsandsnow,butintheGodofthestarsandsnow.Theycanmarvelinanarmyofrealangelsroaring“GlorytoGodinthehighest”onacoldnightinfrontofdirtyshepherds.TheycanaweatatinybabythatshineswithglorybecauseheistheLordoftheplanetsandLordofourhearts.Theycanbelievethatthisbabygrewtobecomethemanwhodiedonthecrossandroseagaininordertopayforoursins and purchase a place for us in heaven.

While Christmas entertainment is one of the legitimate pleasures of the season, there is a danger of whichwemustbeaware.Inoureagernesstocelebratethefullnessofthisseason,maywediscernwellnottoputanystumblingblocksinthewayofourchildrenorourselvesthatultimatelyprovidea“truemeaningofChristmas”thatisnottrueatall.

MayweandourchildrenrememberthatthetruemeaningofChristmasisnotachildhoodlessonaboutChristmasspirit.ThetruemeaningofChristmasisthecelebrationoftheOnewhosenttheChildtogiveustheSpirit.MaythatgraciousGodbetheoneinourviewthisChristmasseason.

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Sing these hymns together with your family

Verse 1Silent night holy nightAll is calm all is brightRound yon virgin mother and ChildHoly Infant so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peaceSleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2Silent night holy nightShepherds quake at the sightGlories stream from heaven afarHeav’nly hosts sing alleluiaChrist the Saviour is bornChrist the Saviour is born

Verse 3Silent night holy nightSon of God love’s pure lightRadiant beams from the holy faceWith the dawn of redeeming graceJesus Lord at Thy birthJesus Lord at Thy birth

CCLISongNo.27862©PublicDomainFranzXaverGruber|JohnFreemanYoung|JosephMohrForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Silent Night

Verse 1Away in a manger no crib for a bedThe little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet headThe stars in the sky looked down where He layThe little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

Verse 2The cattle are lowing the baby awakesBut little Lord Jesus no crying He makesI love Thee Lord Jesus look down from the skyAnd stay by my cradle till morning is nigh

Verse 3Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stayClose by me forever and love me I prayBless all the dear children in Thy tender careAnd fit us for heaven to live with Thee there

CCLISongNo.38583©PublicDomainJamesRamseyMurray|JohnThomasMcFarland|MartinLutherForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Away in a Manger

anna montgomery

Christmasthrough the

Eyes of a Child

Drawing ActivityDrawinthefirstthoughtbubblewhatChristmasisnotabout(e.g.,gifts,reindeer,trees,candy).DrawinthesecondthoughtbubblewhatChristmasreallyisabout(i.e.,Jesus’birth).

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THE WEEK of DECEMBER 11by Dave Crichlow

Come See This Thing

The Advent of New Relationships (Part 2)If we are honest with ourselves, wealsoneedtobereconciledtoChrist’slikeness.CoulditbethatintheprocessoflearningtogivegracetodifficultpeopleGodmaydoHismostsignificantredemptiveworkinus?PastorBradBigneysays,“IhadallthefruitsoftheSpiritwhilelivingasasinglemanaloneinmyapartment.ThenIgotmarried!”BeingincloserelationshipswithpeoplecantellusalotaboutourrealmaturityinChrist.

TosummarizePaulTripp,inhisbookInstrumentsintheRedeemer’sHands,“GodalwaysworksinusasHeisworkingthroughus.”CoulditbethatthesovereignandgoodGodhasputtheperfectpeopleandsituationsinyourlifetoconformyoutoHisimage?

Butitissohard!Howdowegetthere?Paulgivesussomeimportantinstructionin2Corinthians5:

Remember what He first did for you (vs. 21) Live with a new purpose (vs. 15, 20) Love with a new love (vs. 14) See with new eyes (vs. 16)

Remember What He First Did For YouHe made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.(2 Cor. 5:21 NASB)

The amountofgracewegivetoothersisadirectreflectionofourunderstandingofhowmuchgraceChristhasgiventous.OrasRobbBesosaofTwelveStonesMinistriessays,“theextentofhowmuchweloveGodisbestseeninourworsthumanrelationships.”Thinkaboutthat.

WemustplungetothedepthsofourownsintotrulyunderstandtheheightsofGod’sgrace.Whenweunderstandthetsunamiofgracethathasfloodedoverandwashedawayourgarbagedumpsofsin,wewillhavelivingwatertogivetothirsty people.

Eventhoughtheselessonsarevaluable,Isuddenlyrealized,evenasachild,thatthetruemeaningofChristmasdidnothavetodowithmeatall.Itdidnothavetodowith“keepingChristmasinmyheart,”or“givinginsteadofreceiving,”orhaving“Christmascheer.”Christmaswasaboutsomeonethatdidnotevenmakeanappearanceinmostofthesemovies:Christ.

Live with a New PurposeHe died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. (2 Cor. 5:15, 20 NASB)

AChristianmustlivewithakeenawarenessofGoodFridayandEaster,evenatChristmas.Ourlivesarenotourown.

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Cor. 6:20 NASB)

Nextweek,we’llfinishthisthoughtwithtwomoretruthstohelpyouengagewithothersinawaythathonorsGodandhelps them to see Jesus at Christmas.

Resources for further readingInstruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: (People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change) byPaulDavidTripp

How to Overcome EvilbyJayEdwardAdams

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On a pre-determined evening, we share a very special homemade dinner. My wife Angela does most of our family cooking, but on this night I do everything, usually something crazy we never cook, like a rib roast or duck! I also include her favorite dessert (one she only gets about once each year). After dinner we sit down and watch a Christmas movie and spend the evening as a family. ~ Scott McColgin

With our children now in college, we’ve had the opportunity to give a Christmas New Testament and a treat bag to college students in other rooms in the dorm. ~ Jim & Lori Nossett

We take one evening and focus on thanks-giving for what God has done. Have each family member or friend gather special items from their homes, rooms, or closets that represent things they are thankful for (e.g., a family picture, Bible, food, warmth, etc.). Then put the items in a bag. Ask each person to pull out one item at a time and share, then give thanks for what God has given them.

After getting the tree strung with lights, we’ll put on Christmas music and pull out the box of Christmas decorations. Each member of our family will take one ornament out of the box and put it up on the tree. As we hang it on the tree, we’ll talk about memories that each ornament triggers. Some ornaments are reminders of hard seasons we’ve walked through. Some ornaments are a celebration of an accomplishment or a life stage. Other ornaments provoke laughter as we remember silly moments or funny family times we’ve spent together. At the end, each child receives a new ornament that they get to hang on the tree, an ornament that one day they will get to take with them when they start a family and traditions of their own.

One year we all had to make, not buy, our gifts for one another. We gave a prize for the person who spent the least on materials another. Be-tween each present unwrapped, a person in our six-person family would share a verse that was hand-picked for another family member.

~ David Palmer

~ Mark & Emily Schuitema

We go with our family to the Reynolds Farm Implement grounds in Fishers, take the driving tour, then go out for hot chocolate or ice cream.

~ Scott & Angela McColgin

~ Scott & Angela McColgin

~ David Palmer

For a family devotional time, we gave each person a rotating responsibility for leading, sharing a verse, leading a song, praying, bringing a snack. That way all were involved, engaged, and having fun

On Christmas Eve day we take out the colored Sharpies and some plain round ornaments - all the same size - and decorate them, making sure to put each one of our names and the year on ‘our’ personal ornament. The decorations on each ornament are supposed to reveal one main theme of our year or a special memory. After we’re all finished, we each tell the story behind our personal decorations and then we hang each of the ornaments on the Christmas tree. ~ Greg & Marsha Pilcher

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Seeing Jesus & Christmas College Park Compassion MinistriesThejoyoftheseasonsometimesoverwhelmsustothepointwherewemaymissthewayothers“seethisthingwhich has come to pass.” There were shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph, Herod, the Magi, and countless others – all whouniquelyexperiencedthearrivalofJesus.

OurCompassionMinistryteamhasselectedseveralindividualswhoeachhaveauniqueperspectiveofChristmasbasedontheirownexperience.Asyoureadtheirstories,pleaseprayforthesepeopleandthosetheyrepresent,thenconsiderthequestionsattheend.

From a family in crisis: Andy & Marianne MillerThe Miller family experienced crisis in the 2010 Christmas season. Their ten-year-old son Christopher had a heart infection called Endocarditis that required open heart surgery on Dec. 29. During the ten-hour surgery, the doctors also replaced the aortic valve and the aorta to correct a congenital heart condition. Then on Jan. 6, Christopher fainted due to an undetected brain aneurism. He had brain surgery on Jan. 10 that successfully clipped the brain aneurism. Our gracious God brought them through a significant trial that deepened how they see Jesus at Christmas.

“WithChristopheritwassuchasurprise–wedidn’tseeitcoming.ItwasrightbeforeChristmaswhenwewentintoRiley[Hospital].Thedoctorcameintotheroomandsaid,‘Yoursonneedsheartsurgery,andheneedsitinthenextcoupleofdays.’

Thatwasalottodigest,evenwithourfaith.Ittookalotdeepsoul-searching.

ThingschangedforusthatChristmas.Sinceweknewthathewasgoingin[forsurgery],itwasinterestinghowthatchangedourperspectiveongiftsandourfamilytimetogether.IdistinctlyrememberhowChristopherwantedtobuildanairplaneoutofwood.Andyworkedintheshopwithhimforhoursandhoursonthisplanethathewantedtomakeforhisbrother.

Irememberdistinctlythefirsttimehewalked[afterthesurgery].HegotupandwentoutintohallwaywithalotofhelpandhiscartwithIVs,andwejusttookashortten-yardwalktotheChristmasTreebythenurses’station.Irememberedbeingoverwhelmedwiththesenseof“lookwhatGodhasdone!”

From a widow: Jessie Vandenberg“Myperspectivechangedalotafter[myhusband]died.Infact,itchangedtotally.Notonlywashegone,butthechildrenwereallgone,livingindifferentstates,soIwasprettymuchallalone.

Youcan’tfillthevoid.There’snowayyoucanreplacethememoriesortheyears.Youcan’tfillthatvoid.

Butyoudon’twanttofocusonyourselfverymuch.That’simportantbecauseifyoustartthinkingaboutwhatyou’velost–andhowlifeischanged–you’llbeforeverdepressed.

But if you focus on what God would have you do now – with your children, grandchildren, church, friends, stayingactive…That’sthebestwaytoregainyouremotionalstabilityandyourmentalhappiness,peaceofmind, and peace for your soul.”

Sunday, Dec. 18

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From the handicapped: Cindy Twigg“[Christmasmeans]JesusisborninBethlehem.WithMaryandJosephsittingtherebesideHim.

“Whyisitspecialtome?BecauseIlikeJesus!He’smyfavoriteman.Hediedforoursins.Andmadeusgotoheaven. In Christmas time I feel good.”

From a homeless veteran: Fred Young“Christmastimeusedtobeaboutthepresentsandgifts,andIwasalwaystaughtthemeaningofChristmas,butIneverreallyrealizedandfeltthetruemeaningofChristmasuntilIbecamehomeless.Iwalkedthestreet for five years, trying to lay my head wherever I could.

Irememberthesadness,hurt,shame,andangerofthinking,‘Thiscouldhappentome?Somebodythatwassupposedtoovercomethesethings…’

IrememberonetimewantingtocomehomeforChristmas.Ididn’thavethemoneytocomehome,andwhenIwentouttocalltoletmyparentsknowIwascominghome,Ifound$40inphonebooth.WhenIgottoEvansville,IwastoldthatthebuswasgoingtobefourhourslateleavingforIndianapolis.Icanrememberwalkingthroughthebusstation,andovertheloudspeakercameavoicethatsaid,‘WehaveaspecialbusgoingtoIndianapolis,Indiana.Nextstop:straightthrough.’

Icouldn’thelpbutthinktomyself–thewayitcameovertheloudspeaker,‘WasthatGodtalking?’

IrememberridingonabusonChristmasday,andthebusdriverletmestayonandridejusttostaywarm.ItmademethinkaboutthebabyJesusandHisjourneytobeinghoused,howhewastakeninandgivenlove. Knowing that God was with me helped me get through a lot of holidays.”

Hear these stories in the individuals’ own words at yourchurch.com/compassionvideo

What are ways you or your family or small group can experience the Christmas season through the perspectiveofanother?

HowcanyouhelpothersseeJesusasyouhaveseenHiminyourownlife?

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Discuss together:

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The Advent of New Relationships (Part 3)

by Dave Crichlow

Come See This Thing

An ambassador should not representtheinterestsofhisownkingdombuttheonewhosenthim.

Love with a New LoveFor the love of Christ controls us (2 Cor. 5:14a NASB)

Whatcontrolsyourreactiontootherswhentheysinagainstyouoraroundyou?ThisversecallsustobecontrolledbytheloveofChrist,notourownpassionsandemotions,ourowninterests,ourownexpectations,ourownself-righteouspride,ourownidolsofcomfortandease,orourownkingdom.Weneedtohonestlyaskourselves,“AmIlovingothersinawaythatshowsIreallyloveChrist?AmIlovingothersinthewaythatChristlovesthem?”ChristdiedforthosewhosinnedagainstHimandhatedHim.Areyouwillingtodietoselfinthesameway?

See with New EyesTherefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (2 Cor. 5:16 NASB)

Whatdoyouseewhenyoulookatdifficultpeople?Doyouseethemaccordingtotheeyesofyour“flesh”andbecomeeasilyoffendedorhurt?Doyoulookatthemwithdisdainasyouseethemactingintheirown“flesh”andneverconsiderwhatGodmightwanttodointhem?

DoyoubelieveGodisaRedeemerandthatHewantstoredeemthem?WhatwouldtheylooklikeifGod’sresurrectionpowerchangedthemtobemorelikeHimself?Wehaveachoice.Arewegoingtoliveandspeakinawaythatwill“adornthegospel”orstandupforourowninterests?Wemustfirstseethem,notasenemiesofourkingdom,butasthosecaughtinsin,needingaSaviororasaweakerbrotherorsisterwhoneedsustoshowthemwhat maturity in Christ looks like.

WhatifthisChristmasyoulivedinawaythatsaid“comeseethisthing”andpeoplearoundyousaid,“Iwanttoseewhatyouhaveseen.”Perhapsthiscouldbetheadventofnewrelationships.

Questions for MeditationHowhasChristsavedyou?ListallthewaysHehastransformedyou.

Whoarethedifficultpeopleinyourlife?Makealist.Begintopraydailyforhowyoumightrespond to them in new ways.

WhataresomequalitiesaboutthemthatGodwantstoredeem?Listthosethingsanddwellonthosethingsasyouthinkaboutthemandprayforthem.

Examineyourself.HowdoesthewayyourespondtodifficultpeoplerevealwhereGodwantstoworkonconformingyoutoChrist?

HowwouldyoubemorelikeHimifyourespondedtodifficultpeoplethewayHedoes?

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Resources for further readingThe Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, byKenSande

Putting Your Past in Its Place: Moving Forward in Freedom and ForgivenessbyStephenViars

Romans12says“sofarasitdependsonyou,beatpeacewithallmen”and“donotbeovercomebyevil,butovercomeevilwithgood.”Whatradicalstepscouldyoutaketobuildbridgesofgraceinthelivesofdifficultpeoplearound?

Doyouneedtoaskforforgivenessforsinsyouhavecommittedagainstthem?

Doyouneedto“letlovecoveramultitudeofsins”theymayhavecommittedagainstyouandextendgraceorhaveaspiritofforgivenesstowardthem?

Arethereradicalactsofgoodnessthatyoucanextendtowardthem?

Arethere“wordsofreconciliation”thatyoucanpurposetosaytothem?

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Questions for Meditation

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One of our traditions at Christmas is the arrival of baby Jesus on Christ-mas morning. When we thought about the focus we wanted our children to have Christmas morning, we wanted it to be on the arrival of Christ, not Santa or gifts. So when the kids were young we build a small manger that we would get out at the same time we put up our tree (usually right after Thanksgiving). The manger would be empty and we told the kids that baby Jesus would come Christmas morning. We used the advent calendar to count down how long till baby Jesus arrives. Christmas morning He would be out and wrapped in old blankets. The first thing the kids would do is to go see baby Jesus and take turns holding Him. After presents, we would then make waffles and sing happy birthday to Jesus. We still do it now that all the kids are teenagers.

~ Dave & Anne Moore

~ Mark & Emily Schuitema

One of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions is to play Christmas light hide and seek. After dinner, we’ll turn off all the lights in the house except the Christmas lights: the Christmas tree, lights across the mantle, and the candles in the windows. We’ll take turns hiding around the house with each family member getting a chance to seek those hiding. Our kids love this game and talk about it throughout the year as we get closer and closer to Christmas. It has been a source of many laughs and memories as we all play Christmas light hide and seek together.

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Go and Search Diligently for the Child

by Don Bartemus

Monday, Dec. 19

And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (Matthew 2:8)

When he told them to “go, seek diligently for the child” what did Herod think the Magi weredoing?!Flyingkites?Theywerediligentlyseekingforthechild!Whoknowshowlongtheywereontheirsearch;itcouldhavebeenyears.IftheystartedonthedayofHisbirthandcametoJerusalemwhenJesuswasalmosttwoyearsoldtheyhadbeenatitawhile.Theygaveitalloftheireffort.Howmucheffortdowegivetoseekingdiligentlyforthechild...seekingdiligentlyforJesus?

WhatdoestheworldthinkyouaredoingatthisChristmastime?Areyoulookingforthebrandnewthingorthesameoldthing?AreyoudiligentlyseekingJesusallyearlongoristhisaspecialtimewhenyoudevoteyourselfandyourfamilytoseekingJesus?Ithinkthemagirolledtheireyesabitandgaveknowinglookstoeachotherasiftosay‘Herodknowsnothingofwhatheistoyingwith,butweknow.’HowcanhebetherulerinJerusalemanddoesnotknowwheretheKingoftheJewsis?Woulditnotbegreatiftheworldlooksatyouandsays,“TheyhavebeenChristseekersallyearlong.Isn’titgoodtoseethemfindJesusinallthehustleofChristmas?Throughtrial,suffering,joy,pain,success,failureandallthein-betweens,theyhavebeenseekingthechilddiligentlyyearround.”

TheMagi,theChristseekers,didnotstopforHerod!Noway!Heroddidnothavetotellthemtogoeither,becausetheywerealreadyontheirway.TheydidnotsayanythingormakeanypromisesbecausetheyknewthatHerodwaslying.ButHerodwasnottheirgoal,Jesuswas.HowdidtheyknowHerodwaslying?Theyknewbecausehisverylipsconvictedhim,andthenlatertheywerewarnedtonotreturntohim.TheHerodsofthisworldlietous,andwemustbewiseasserpents.Begentlebutwiseasyousharewithourworldthatyouhavefound the Christ. What does it look like, what will it look like in your life to seek diligently for the child among the wolvesthatwanttoswallowHimup?

Intheend,forthewisemen,theyfoundJesus.Thisresultedinworshipandgiving.Isn’tthattheway?WhenwefindChrist,wewillworshipandgive.Infact,thetwogohandinhandbecauseourgreatestworshipisgivingourlivestotheSavior(Romans12:1-2).ThisseasonconsiderwhattheworldthinksofyourpassiontofollowJesus.

Thencarefullydisplayanongoing,no-new-thingattitude of worshipping and giving. We do not want theworldtobesurprisedthatweareChristiansjustbecausewehaveanativitysceneinourfrontyard.Theyshouldalreadyknow!

“What does it look like...

what will it look like in your life to seek

diligently for the child among the

wolves that want to swallow Him up?”

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Verse 1O come all ye faithfulJoyful and triumphantO come ye O come ye to BethlehemCome and behold HimBorn the King of angels

O come let us adore HimO come let us adore HimO come let us adore HimChrist the Lord

Verse 2Sing choirs of angelsSing in exultationO sing all ye brightHosts of heav’n aboveGlory to GodAll glory in the highest


Verse 3Yea Lord we greet TheeBorn this happy morningJesus to Thee be all glory giv’nWord of the FatherNow in flesh appearing


CCLISongNo.31054C.FrederickOakeley|JohnFrancisWadeForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

O Come All Ye FaithfulVerse 1The first Noel the angel did sayWas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they layIn fields where they lay keeping their sheepOn a cold winter’s night that was so deep

[Refrain] Noel Noel Noel NoelBorn is the King of Israel

Verse 2They looked up and saw a starShining in the east beyond them farAnd to the earth it gave great lightAnd so it continued both day and night [Refrain]

Verse 3And by the light of that same starThree wise men came from country farTo seek for a king was their intentAnd to follow the star wherever it went [Refrain]

Verse 4This star drew nigh to the northwestO’er Bethlehem it took its restAnd there it did both stop and stayRight over the place where Jesus lay [Refrain]

Verse 5Then entered in those wise men threeFull rev’rently upon their kneeAnd offered there in His presenceTheir gold and myrrh and frankincense

Verse 6Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly LordThat hath made heav’n and earth of naughtAnd with His blood mankind hath bought

CCLISongNo.31047©PublicDomainForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

The First Noel

THE WEEK of DECEMBER 18Monday, Dec. 19

ColoringActivity

Go and Search Diligently for the Child (Matt 2:8)Color the wise men who searched for Jesus.

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Come See This Thing in Local Outreach

by Katie Kronberg

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Tired. Hopeless. Misguided. Many young mothers find themselves in such a state whentheyfirstcometoHeartChange.Teenpregnancies,homelessness,anddomesticabusefillthepagesofmanyoftheir stories. They have grown up without a father and minimal attention from a mother. These women sense a peace andjoyinthevolunteers,andrealizesomethingismissingintheirownlives.Matthew28:19says,“Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit.”MakingdisciplesforChrististheultimategoalinallthatisdoneatHeartChange,butmakingdisciplesismorethanjustpassingoninformation.ThroughBiblestudies,parentingclasses,mentoring,andeducationalassistance,thesewomenarelovinglypointed to the cross.

One young mother came to a fall Bible studyacoupleofyearsagoatHeartChangecalled“Man’sWaysvs.God’sWays.”InthisstudyshelearnedtorecognizesinandtofindherjoyinChrist.TheBiblestudywasheldonMondays,andthenonWednesdaysshewasabletocultivateskillsrangingfromfinancestotheuseofhertonguethroughabiblicalperspective.Lateron,shecompletedtheMother’sUniversityprogram.Hereshelearnedmoreaboutdifferenttopicssuchasstewardship,hygiene,andnutrition.Sheevenreceivedassistanceinattainingadriver’slicense.Oneofthevolunteersused her own car to come alongside this mother and teach her how to drive. This is an example of what discipleship and Christiancommunitylooklike.Itisaboutrealliferelationshipsthatbeginwithteachinginaclassroombutthenmoveoutside the church walls to encompass everyday experiences.

Being able to drive has givenhertheabilitytotakeherdaughtertoTheOaksAcademyforpreschoolwhilesheattendsIvyTech.TheOaksAcademyisaChrist-centeredschoolthatprovidesarich,classicaleducationtotheirstudents.Now,notonlyhasJesusbeentaughttothemotheratHeartChangethroughaBibleStudy,butthedaughterwillreceivea great education in an environment where Jesus is exalted as supreme. Through these strategic local partners of College ParkChurch,thegospelisbeingproclaimedinwordanddeed.Inthemidstofadarkenedcity,Jesusisbreakingintothelivesofpeople,andalightisbecomingvisible.

Sarah volunteers at Heart ChangeastheSpiritualDevelopmentDirector,andspendingtimewiththesewomenhasopenedhereyestoexactlywhatkindofpovertyismostprevalentintheirlives.Althoughmanyofthesewomenlacknutritiousfoodfortheirfamilies,theyarenotalwayslackinginmaterialneeds.Becauseofthenegativeinfluencesofentertainmentchoices,theydonothavetherightfinancialpriorities.Thesewomendonotneedmore“stuff.”Theyneedguidance-spirituallyandintellectually.Theirsoulsareclosedofffromthelackofconversationandtoomuchtelevisionas

children.ThesewomenneedGod-centeredrelationships,basedontrust,sotheycan“openup”and learn to communicate in a healthy way.

Through Jesus Christ there is hope. Heart Change reaches out to women right wheretheyareandoffersthemabetterway.Thegoalisnotjusttoimprovetheeverydaylives

ofthesemomsortohelpthembebetterpeople.ThesewomenneedaSavior.“Cometome,allwholaborandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.Takemyyokeuponyou,andlearn

fromme,forIamgentleandlowlyinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls”(Matt.11:28-30).ThroughHeartChangeandotherlocalministriespartneringwithCollegePark,thegospelofJesusChristisbeingtakenintoourcommunities.Throughserviceactivities,Biblestudies,mentoring/discipleship,andeducation,thelife-transformingSaviorisexaltedatthecenter.Ittrulyisouraimthat our love, service, and sharing of the truth would ignite a passion to follow Jesus. God is working

inourcity,andweareseeingthisaimbecomearealityinboththoseservingandthosebeingserved.

“It truly is our aim that

our love, service, and

sharing of the truth

would ignite a passion

to follow Jesus.”

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WORD SEARCH

Life CentersHeart ChangeReliabilitySafe FamiliesPatienceJesusOpportunityCommitmentGoodnessShepherd Community Center

Child Evangelism FellowshipPrayer Compassion KindnessCrossroads Bible CollegeHumilityPeaceServeCruNeighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

The Oaks AcademySelf-DenialMidwest Food BankJoyWheeler MinistriesOutreach IncLoveThe BibleKids ChurchMercy

Find the local outreach partnerships and other words that re�ect the work that is done in these organizations

••••••••••

••••••••••

••••••••••

Word SearchActivity

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This tradition is one of my favorites because it involves my dad and a big present! On Christmas morning, we would start present opening with the “big gifts.” We would go in some specific order, such as oldest to youngest, youngest to oldest, or middle outward. Once we established an order, Dad would ‘assume the position’ in his favorite chair. Then when it was my turn to go, I would sit up on Dad’s lap and hold my present in my lap. (As we got older, we sat on a pillow and threw our legs over his lap.)

Once we were ready, Dad would read/tell us all the things that we had accomplished over the last year and how he and Mom were proud of us. He would include all the ways that they had prayed for us and how those prayers had been answered. Then he would pray with us and thank God for how we had grown and pray for the coming year. When I was younger, I just wanted to rip open the present. Now, I look back and am struck by how much Dad and Mom loved us and how many times they told us. This is probably my favorite tradition, and I hope we carry at least some of it on to our kids someday. Thanks Dad!

Oh, and then after all that, we would get to open our present! Of course, we couldn’t play with it until everyone had been on “The Lap.”

~ Kelsey Schweibold, daughter of Brad & Nancy

I gave everyone in my family $30, with the requirement to give it away outside the family. Then we all get back a week later and told our stories of what happened.

~ David Palmer

As Christmas cards start coming in, I pray for the family or persons who sent me a card that evening at dinner.

~ Jevne Livengood

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Glory to God in the Highest

by Dustin Crowe

Wednesday, Dec. 21

The first words of Holy Scripture describe the story’s opening drama of creation, creationbyGodspeakingforthlightintothedarkabyss.“Inthebeginning,Godcreatedtheheavensandtheearth…anddarknesswasoverthefaceofthedeep…AndGodsaid,‘Lettherebelight,’andtherewaslight.’”(Gen.1:1,3).BruceWaltkerecognizestheBible’sthemehereandexpressesitas“Godirruptingintochaostoestablishhisruleovereverything.”ThecreationaccountemphasizesthetranscendentgloryoftheGodwhospeakslightintodarkness.

Although,formany,theChristmasstoryhasbeenrelegatedtoawarmandcutenativityscene,thenarrativeofJesus’birthreflectsthedrama,mystery,suspense,andhopethatthecreationaccountprovided.AtthetimeoftheIncarnationithadbeenfourhundredyearssincethelastofGod’sprophets,andnotonlyhadtheBiblicalnarrativeseeminglypaused,orabruptlyended,butIsraelhadbecomeaspirituallydeadpeople.Itisagainstthisbackdropofhopelessness, silence from God, and spiritual darkness that the Christmas story takes place.

In the fourthGospel,Johnintegratesthestoriesofcreationandredemptionsoweunderstandtheyareuniquelyrelated.GodcreatedAdamandEveandwalkedwiththemashisownpeopleintheGarden.HewastheirGodandtheywereHispeople,restinginHisfellowshipandenjoyingHisglory.

That is whatwewerecreatedtobe,butasweknow,becauseofsin’scurseupontheworldasawholeandusaspersons,thingsarenotastheywereintendedtobe.Thereisdarknessovertheworldandwewalkinit.God’sgloryisveiledfromusbecausethecloudsofsin,andratherthanwalkingwithHimasHisownpeoplewelivebrokenlivesasisolatedindividuals.ThejoysofChristmasrelatedtorenewedcommunitywithfamilyandfriends,wonder,nostalgicsightsandsounds,delightingivingandserving,andwarmstoriesaregreattemporalgifts,butiftheyareallweseeand we fail to see the power of what the holiday represents we have missed the point. However, when we see and feeltheweightofthegloryofGod,aGodwhorescuesandredeemsapeoplewhostumblearoundinthedarknesswithbrokenlivesfarshortofwhytheywerecreated,thentheeternalweightoftheincarnationandthetemporalpleasuresoftheholidaysfallintotheirrespectiveranks.ChristmasofferslegitimatepleasurestobeenjoyedbutitisultimatelyaboutthegloryofGoddwellingamongusthroughJesusChrist.

John’sprologue(1:1-18)parallelsthecreationaccountsinceitisatthisverytimeofsilenceanddarknessduringthesilentyearsbetweentheOldandNewtestamentsweagainsee“Godirruptingintochaostoestablishhisruleovereverything.”NoticeJohn’sechoofGenesis1,nowintroducingtheGod-manJesusChristtothebiblicalstory.“InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod.HewasinthebeginningwithGod.Allthings were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life wasthelightofmen.Thelightshinesinthedarkness,andthedarknesshasnotovercomeit”(John1:1-5).

The WordwhoisGodandwaswithGodcreatedallthings,includingthehumanbeingshedesignedtoknowandliveinajoyousrelationshipwithHim.“AndtheWordbecamefleshanddweltamongus,andwehaveseenhisglory,gloryasoftheonlySonfromtheFather,fullofgraceandtruth”(John1:14).WhenthebabyJesusisborntothevirginMaryinthesmalltownofBethlehem,heistheeternalGodwhohumbleshimselfbybecomingahumanbeing.AsthosenativityscenesdisplayedeachDecemberillustrate,Jesusisbornoffleshandbloodasababy.Yet,thisonewhoiscompletelymanisatthesametimeGod,theGodwhospokelightintodarkness.AndthewonderoftheChristmasstoryisthatGodcomesanddwellsamongus(Immanuel),andheentersthedarknessandsilenceovertheearthsohecandowhatnoonebeforehimwasabletodo.HecamewiththenameofJesus,“forhewillsavehispeoplefromtheirsins”(Matt.1:21).

Each year during the holiday season people decorate with nativity scenes and many retell the story. They love the mangerwithMaryandJosephinthebarnwiththeirlittlebabywrappedinswaddlingclothes.Theyalsoliketheangelicproclamation“GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen”(Luke2:14,KJV).

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Theyevenarefondofthewisemenfollowingastarleadingthemtothenewbornchildtheyshowerwithgifts.AllofthattogetherisagreatpictureandpartoftheChristmasstory,butasJohnremindsus,thebirthofJesusisbutonesnapshotofthe larger story.Itiswiththebackdropofspiritualdarknessandsilenceovertheearth,andtheseemingabsenceofGodfromhiscreationandhisowncovenantpeople, Jesus enters into the storyline. The shock and wonder of redemptionisthattheGodwhocreatedmanandthenhumbleshimselftobecomemanisrejectedbyman.HisowncreationnotonlyrejectsHim,butmocks,tortures,andputsHimtodeathinoneofthemostpainfulwaysimagined. His own people, the Jews, are the very ones who hate and kill him. John’sprologuecontinuesbydescribingthissadirony:“Hewasintheworld,andtheworld was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, andhisownpeopledidnotreceivehim”(John1:10-12).

Asastonishingandtragicasthatsounds,Jesuswasbornintotheworldforthisverypurpose.HecametobethesinlessSaviorwhowasbothGodandman,andthereforecoulddieastheonemediatorbetweenGodandman.Inhisdeathhetookmankind’ssinsuponhimselfandborethewrathofGod.Evenworsethanthepainoftortureanddeath,worsethanthehumilityoftheCreatorbeingmockedbyhiscreatureswastheagonyofbeingtheSonforsakenbytheFatherwhenhediedasthesin-bearingsubstitute.SomethinkoftheChristmasstoryasboringandsomethinkofitasanice,heart-warmingstory.However,thedramaofGodbecomingaman,andthenbeingputtodeathbymen,allwhiledoingsotoaccomplishatonementandsalvationformen,isanythingbutaboringorcozystory.

AndthoughhediedasthemediatorbetweenGodandmen,beingputtodeathtoatoneforsins,hewasresurrectedandvindicated so we may in him and through him have forgiveness and newness of life. The theme of creation is no different thanthethemeofredemption,forinbothwesee“Godirruptingintochaostoestablishhisruleovereverything.”Johnclarifiesforusthegoodnewsbehindthewholeholidaycelebration.“Buttoallwhodidreceivehim,whobelievedinhisname,hegavetherighttobecomechildrenofGod”(John1:12).

RememberthisseasonthatthebirthofJesusispartoftheoverarchingbiblicalplotwithitsmeaningtiedtowhatcamebeforeandwhatcomesafterinthestory.AndconsideralsothatthebirthofChristisnotsimplyanicestorywegivehomagetoonceayear.ThistragicyettriumphantstorygrabsusaswehearitandcallsustorememberthatChristmasisaboutthegloryofGodinredeemingapeopletohimselfthroughtheGod-manJesusChrist.Wecelebratehisbirthbecausewithoutitwehavenohopeandremainindarkness.

TheChristmasstoryisthegreateststoryevertoldbecauseitisthemessageofsalvationforsinners.Jesus,asCreatorandRedeemer,breaksforthintothescenewithhisbirth,irruptingintochaosanddarknessandnowhecallsustoliveasnewpeopleunderhisrule.Thisiswhatwewerecreatedtobeandthisiswhatwecannowbecomeasthosewhoreceivehim.ThepleasuresoftheholidayseasonshouldnotbediminishedbutenjoyedasGod’sgoodgifts.Andyet,theypalewhencomparedtotherichstoryoftheGodwhobecamemaninordertorevealthegloryofGodtous,toshinelightintoadarkandbarrenworld,andtoredeemustobeGod’sveryownpeople.

“...this story calls us to

remember that Christmas

is about the glory of

God in redeeming

a people

to Himself.”

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Verse 1Hark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingPeace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciledJoyful all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith th’angelic hosts proclaimChrist is born in BethlehemHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 2Christ by highest heav’n adoredChrist the everlasting LordLate in time behold Him comeOffspring of a virgin’s wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead seeHail th’incarnate DeityPleased as man with men to dwellJesus our EmmanuelHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 3Hail the heav’n born Prince of PeaceHail the Sun of righteousnessLight and life to all He bringsRis’n with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 4Come Desire of nations comeFix in us Thy humble homeRise the woman’s conqu’ring seedBruise in us the serpent’s headAdam’s likeness now effaceStamp Thine image in its placeSecond Adam from aboveReinstate us in Thy loveHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingCCLISongNo.27738©PublicDomainCharlesWesley|FelixMendelssohnForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

THE WEEK of DECEMBER 18Wednesday, Dec. 21

ColoringActivity

Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:14)Color the shepherds. Draw an angel in the sky. Write what the angels said to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest!”

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Come See this Thing that Has Happened - Global Outreach

by Derek Joseph

Thursday, Dec. 22

The Apostle Paul, in Acts 17, taught that God put every individual on the planetexactlyintheplacethathewantedthemtobesothat,iftheywanted,theycouldsearchforhimandfindhim.

Theproblemis,noonewantstoseekforHim,becauseweare,inourhearts,rebelliousagainstHim.Now,weareveryblessedtolivewherewedo,becausethegoodnewsaboutforgivenessthroughrelianceonJesus’deathandresurrectionisnotonlypresentbutprevalent.WeareveryblessedtobeinachurchinwhichwehearabouthowJesusoffersrescuefromthepunishmentourdisobediencedeserves.EternallifewithJesusisavailabletous.

However,overfortypercentoftheworld’spopulationlivesinareasofnotonlylesspresenceoftheGoodNewsaboutJesus-butofnoaccesstoitatall.Thatmeansthateveryoneinthoseareaswillsufferdeathandhellifnothingchanges.Andworse-itmeansthat,inthoseareas,Godisn’tbeingpraisedwiththeworshiphedeserves!

But God isn’tgoingtojustletthathappen.TheBibletellsusthatHewillsavepeoplefromeveryareaintheworld!Andthat’swhyhegavehispeopleamissiontofulfill:“Goandmakedisciplesofallthenations”(Matt.28:19).AtCollegePark,wehavetwowaysofseekingtofulfillthemissionGodgaveus.Wehelpoutotherministriesbyforming strategic partnerships with them, and we send out individual missionaries to announce the good news whereChristisnotbeingworshipped.

Our Strategic Partnerships

In northern Togo,we’rehelpingtheAssociationofBaptistsforWorldEvangelismbuildahospitalWe’reprovidingshorttermmedicalteamsandconstructionteams.ThishospitalisstaffedbypeoplewholoveJesusandwhocantalkabouthimwiththeMuslimpeopleofTogo-sothattheycanhavetrueandrealhopeinJesus.

In northern India,we’veteamedupwithGoodNewsforIndiabysupportingthetrainingofIndianpeoplewhocanbeheraldsoftheGospelinareaswherenooneknowsJesus.NorthernIndiahasthemostareasofanywhereintheworldinwhichnooneknowsJesus,somanypeoplehavetogototellIndiansabouthim!

TherehasbeenmuchwarandfightinginthecountryofCambodia,andsopeopletherehavebeensufferingandimpoverished.We’veteamedupwithWorldRelieftohelpCambodiansstartbusinesses,toteachandhelppeoplewhohavedeadlydiseases,tohelpsoon-to-bemomswiththeirandtheirbabies’health,andbyteachingthemEnglish.

ManypeoplehavebeenturningfromtheirsinstoobeyJesusinthecountryofUkraine.That’ssomethingweshouldthankGodfor!Sadly,therearen’tverymanyUkrainianswhoknowtheBiblewellenoughtoteachinthechurches.CanyouimagineachurchinwhichnooneknowsenoughabouttheBibletoexplainittoothers?That’swhywesponsorstudentsandhelpwithotherneedsatUkrainianEvangelicalTheologicalSeminary-sothatUkrainianswholoveJesuscanlearnmoreabouthim.

GodhasbeendrawingmanypeopletohisSon,Jesus,inAfrica as well. The churches there, however, suffer so muchbecauseofwar,injustice,poverty,hunger,disease,andcorruption.WehelpbysponsoringstudentsandhelpingoutwithvariousprojectsattheNairobiEvangelicalGraduateSchoolofTheology-sothatpeoplecangraduateandhelpinAfricabyproclaimingtheGospelandhelpingtofixsomeoftheseproblems.

LaConchaisapoorvillageinthehillsaboutanhouroutsideofManagua,inNicaragua. In partnership with NicaraguaResourceNetwork,CollegeParkisinvestinginthepeopleofLaConchathroughaChristianschool,financial support for students, and the training of pastors and teachers.

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Liberiawasdecimatedbycivilwarduringthe1990s.CollegePark’sinvolvementinLiberiaismulti-faceted.BethesdaChristianSchool,aChildEvangelismFellowshipaffiliatedschool,istrainingchildrentobefollowersofJesusChristwhowillhaveanimpactintheircountryforHim.AbundantHarvestFarmsisaneconomicdevelopmentprogramofgrowingrubbertreeswhoseproceedshelpassistBethesdaChristianSchool.TriumphantTransformationKidsprovidestrainingandassistancefortheextremelypooranddestitute.CollegeParkChurchisinvolvedthroughfunding,scholarshipsandvisionteamsthathelpwithconstructionandotherprojects.

Doyouknowwhychurchesexist?1Timothy3:16tellsusthattheyupholdthetruthaboutJesussothatpeoplecanenjoyandworshiphimforever.We’realsoinvolvedinstartingchurchesinareasoftheworldwherethegovernmentsdon’tallowit!It’sagainstthelawthere,butGod’sLawismoreimportant.

AtCollegePark,notonlydowehavepartnershipswithotherorganizations,wealsosendoutourownfriendsandfamiliestobemissionaries.OnecouplethatwesentoutaboutayearagoisJasonandMeganDoddridge.Theyaretrying to persuade college students in Japan to trust in Jesus so they can have eternal life.

Theydothisbyhavingclubsoncampuswithstudents.Theyplaysportswiththem,travelwiththem,andteachEnglishtothem;butmostimportantly,theyhavediscussionswiththemabouttheBible.

Recently,theybroughtagroupofcollegestudentsfromJapantosightseeinAmerica.TheywenttoSanDiego,Sacramento,theGrandCanyon,Indianapolis,andseveralotherplaces.Duringthetrip,onestudent,S-kun,cameuptoJasonandsaid,“Jason,IhavesomethingthatIwanttotellyou.IbelieveinJesus!Iamyourbrothernow!”Onenightlater,agirlnamedR-chaninvitedMeganandJason,withsomeotherstudents,topraywithher-assheexpressedtrusttoChristforhersalvation.Afterpraying,shesaid,“IbelievenowthatGodwillneverforsakeme!”

WehaveanewbrotherandsisterinGod’sfamily.Godhasgiventhemnewlife,andwewillworshiphimtogetherwiththem,andmanyotherJapanese,andinnumerablepeoplefromallovertheworld,whenJesusreturnstogatherhisfamilytohimself.Let’sthankGodforwhatHe’sdone-andwhatHecontinuestodo.

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JapanTheEvangelicalAllianceMission (TEAM)

New ZealandCru

Middle EastChildEvangelismFellowship(CEF)

CaspianCollege Park Church

East AsiaSIL International

East AsiaAssociationofBaptistsfor World Evangelism(ABWE)

PeruServing in Mission(SIM)International

Keynote CommunicationsCru

CanadaNorthern Canada Evangelical Mission(NCEM)

United StatesNationalAssociationofNoutheticCounselors(NANC)

JapanTheNavigators

Great Lakes/Int'l MissionsCru

East AsiaSIL International

Portuguese Speaking Europe/AfricaAssociationofBaptistsfor World Evangelism(ABWE)

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CaspianGlobalPartners

UkraineCru

Canary IslandsCrossWorld

East AsiaEnglish Language Institute China (ELIC)

AngolaServing in Mission(SIM)Canada

Southeast AsiaOverseas MissionaryFellowship(OMF)International

IndiaChristar

Great Lakes/CampusCru

Cambodia Liberia Caspian Nicaragua India Ukraine

Good News

La Concha School

College Park Church

World Relief ABWE(Association of Baptists for World Evangelism)

CEF(Child Evangelism Fellowship)

UETS(Ukrainian Evangelical

Theological Seminary)

NEGST(Nairobi Evangelical Graduate

School of Theology)

Kenya Togo

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For years now, we have gone to the Christmas Eve service, and on the way home picked up Chinese carry-out for a feast. It always reminds us of our non-believing neighbors because of something one of our children learned a long time ago: on Christmas Day, their Jewish friends 1) go to movies, and 2) eat Chinese food, because movie theaters and Chinese restaurants are the only things open on Christmas.

So, we enjoy the feast, but in the midst of it, we remember the non-believers in our community. For some years now, we have also had guests for this Christmas Eve celebration, typically students who are away from home, and it provides a warm family time within which to show them hospitality.

~ Jim & Kathy Williams

~ Debra Bartemus

Here’s our family’s tradition and we still do it, even now that we’re all grown. On Christmas Eve, we get together, read the passage from Luke 2 and then share as a family how we saw the Lord’s faithfulness throughout the past year. It’s a very simple but sweet time for our family and a great tradition for even the middle school/high schoolers.

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Other FamilyActivities

Beanbag TossMaterials: world map, beanbagDirections: Laythemaponthefloor.Havechildrensitorstandaroundthemap.Chooseachildtotossthebeanbagontothemap.Readthenameofthecountrywherethebeanbaglands.PrayforfamiliesinthatcountrytocometoknowJesus.Ifthebeanbaglandsonabodyofwater,prayforfamiliesinacountrythatbordersthatbodyofwater.Handthebeanbagtoanotherchildandcontinueinthesameway.

Light of the WorldMaterials: world map, flashlight, music CD and CD playerDirections: Laythemaponthefloor.Havechildrentakeofftheirshoesand sit in a circle around the map. Turn off most of the lights. Hand the flashlighttoachild.Whenthemusicbegins,thechildrenpasstheflashlightaroundthecircle.Whenthemusicstops,thechildwiththeflashlightstandsandshinesthelightononecountryonthemap.PrayforGodtoprepare the hearts of families in that country to understand who Jesus is. Havethechildsitbackdowninthecircle,startthemusic,andcontinueinthe same way.

Missionary Photo Card PrayerMaterials: world map, photo prayer cards of church missionaries or the Global Outreach Family Prayer Album

Directions: Laythemaponthefloor.Havechildrensitaroundthemap.Showthephotoonthefirstmissionaryprayercardorfliptoapageintheprayeralbumandreadthenamesofthepeopleinthefamily.Onthe map, locate the country where the missionaries serve. Choose achildtolaythephotocardonthemap.Prayforthemissionariesusingsomeoftheprayercategoriessuggestedbelow.Continueinthe same way with the remaining prayer cards.

Pray for: Health, new friends, provision, encouragement, safety,timewithGod,wisdom,adjustmenttoculture,learninglanguages,

and for many people come to know God.

Other ideas at: www.stand4kids.org/tag/world-fabric-map

Below are three activities to help build awareness of thespiritual needs in our world.

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How Can this Be?

by Jeff Ballard

Friday, Dec. 23

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)

Simply put, Jesus is the greatest gift the human race has ever known. WecanseethisthroughoutthenarrativeofthebirthofJesus,butperhapsitisnowhereclearerthanintheangelGabriel’sannouncement to Mary. In this exchange, we get a clearer picture of this priceless gift.

Thesceneissetinverses26-29.TheangelGabrielissentfromGodtoannouncethegoodnewsofthecomingbirthofason,notjusttoanywoman,buttoavirginnamedMary.

Ononelevel,itissurprisingthatMarywouldbesopuzzledastohowthiswouldtakeplace,forshewasbetrothedtoJoseph.TobebetrothedmeantthatMarywaslegallypledgedtobemarriedtoJoseph(similartoengagementinourculture,butitwasactuallylegallybinding).ThoughMarywasavirgin,sheknewthatinthenearfuturesheandJosephwouldbemarried.ThemostnaturalthingMaryshouldhavethoughtwhenhearingGabriel’sannouncementwasthatshewouldconceiveaftershe and Joseph were married.

Sowhywasshesoperplexed?It’shardtosayforcertain,butitisquitepossiblethatMaryheardGabriel’sannouncementand,beingfamiliarwiththewritingsoftheprophetIsaiah,immediatelythoughtofIsaiah7.Inthatchapter,theLORDpromisesasigntoKingAhaztoconfirmhispromisethatJudahwouldnotfalltoSyria.Whatwasthesign?Avirginwouldconceiveandbearason,whowouldbecalled“Immanuel,”whichmeans“Godiswithus.”NoticehowGabrielgreetedMaryinverse28:“Greetings,Ofavoredone,theLordiswithyou!”

MarywasreceivingthenewsthatGodwasfulfillingpromisesofstaggeringproportionsthroughherwomb.Gabrieltellsherthat:

She will bear a son who is to be named “Jesus” (which means “The Lord saves”)

Jesus will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High

The Lord will give to Jesus the Davidic throne

Jesus will reign as king forever, i.e. eternally

TheseareastoundingpromisesgiventoMary,thatoncefulfilledinthebirth,life,death,andresurrectionofJesusare,withoutcomparison, the greatest gift ever received.

WhyisJesusthegreatestgifteverreceived?

First,inJesus,ourgreatestneedismet-namely,salvation.Whentheangelannouncesthatthissonistobenamed“Jesus,”heisannouncingthegoodnewsthatGodisactingdecisivelytosaveusfromoursins(cf.Matt.1:21).

Second,inJesustheverypresenceofGodisgiventous.Jesus’birthisextraordinary,notmainlybecausehismotherwasavirginbutbecausehisFatherwasGodhimself.Whileordinaryhumanconceptiongivesbirthtomerelyhumanbabies,divine-humanconceptiongivesbirthtodivine-humanbabies.JesusisfullyGodandfullyhuman.InJesus,Godhimselfentersintohiscreation.Hecondescendstoustosavearebelliousrace.

Third,thisgiftiseternal.GabrielpromisesthatJesuswillreignonDavid’sthroneforever.UnlikethosefavoriteChristmasgiftsthatwe’vereceivedovertheyears,Jesuswillneverbreaks,wearout,orgooutofstyle.IfwereceiveHiskingdom,wereceiveaninheritancethatisimperishable,undefiled,andunfading.

ThisverykingdomthatGabrielannouncedtoMarywasdescribedbyJesusthisway:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).

DoyoutreasureJesus,theeternalkingreigningonheaven’sthrone,likethismandid?

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Verse 1Angels we have heard on highSweetly singing o’er the plainsAnd the mountains in replyEchoing their joyous strains

Gloria in excelsis DeoGloria in excelsis Deo

Verse 2Shepherds why this jubileeWhy your joyous strains prolongSay what may the tidings beWhich inspire your heav’nly songGloria in excelsis DeoGloria in excelsis Deo

Verse 3Come to Bethlehem and seeHim whose birth the angels singCome adore on bended kneeChrist the Lord the newborn King

Gloria in excelsis DeoGloria in excelsis Deo

Verse 4See within a manger laidJesus Lord of heav’n and earthMary Joseph lend your aidWith us sing our Savior’s birth

Gloria in excelsis DeoGloria in excelsis DeoCCLISongNo. 27721©PublicDomainEdward Shippen Barnes | James ChadwickForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Angels We Have Heard on High

THE WEEK of DECEMBER 18Friday, Dec. 23

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Friday, Dec. 23 : Birthday Cake for Jesus

Ingredients: 1whitecakemix,1tspoil,216oz.canswhitefrosting,1tubeyellowdecoratinggel,½cupchoco-latechips(melted),redandgreenfoodcoloring,redjellyheartcandies1 red candle, 1 green candle for each participant

Directions: 1.Preheatovento350degrees.2. Make cake mix according to directions.3.Dividebatterintothreeequalportions(about1½cupeach).4.Pourintothreeseparatebowls. A:Bottomlayer(dark): 1.Combinemeltedchipswithoilandstir. 2.Addtheonebowlofbatterandmix. 3.Pourintopreparedcakepan. B: Center Layer (red): 1.Add10dropsofredfoodcoloringtobatterandmixwell. 2.Pourintosecondpreparedpan. C:Toplayer(green): 1.Add10dropsgreenfoodcoloringtoremainingbatterandmixwell. 2.Pourintothethirdpreparedpan.5.Bakeallthreelayersfor17-22minutes.6.Whencakesaredone,allowtocoolfor15minutesandremoveformpans.7.Generouslyfrostalllayerswithbothcansoffrosting.8.Stackthemandfrosttheedges.

Decorating:Decoratingthecake:1.Placealloftheredheartcandiesaroundtheperimeterofthecake–youcoulduseredgelifyoucannotfindthecandies.2.Cutoutofheavypapera6pointedstartandlightlyplaceitontopofthecake.3.Tracethestarwithyellowgel.4.Removethestarandfillintheoutlinewiththegelorwithyellowsugarcrystals.5.Placearedcandleinthecenterofthestar.

Presenting the cake:TheshapeofthecakerepresentstheworldinwhichJesuswasborn.Thetoplayerisdarktorepre-sentthatweareallsinners,whichiswhyJesuscametoearth.TheredlayersymbolizesJesus’bloodthat was shed on the cross for our sins. The green layer denotes the new life we have in Christ after oursinwaswashedaway.ThewhitefrostingstandsforthepurityofJesusChrist,andtheborderofredheartsrepresentsthebrothersandsistersunitedinChristcirclingtheearthasHiswitnesses.Ontopofthecakeisthegoldstart,theStarofDavid.Thestarshonebrightly,heraldingJesus’birth;andlightingthewaytothemanger.TheredcandleisJesus,whocameinthedarkworldtobringthe truth and light to all who are willing to receive it. Together, each person holds a green candle andlightsitfromtheredcandlesandsays,“WearethelightoftheworldtoshineforJesus.”Placethecandlesonthecake,andsinghappybirthdaytoJesus!

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CHRISTMAS EVESaturday, Dec. 24

AsyouprepareforChristmasDayandwinddowntheactivityofChristmas,weencourageyoutocelebrateinthefollowingways: 1. Spend some private time with close friends or family 2. Read through Luke 2 below 3. Attend a Christmas Eve ServiceatCollegeParkorwithyourfamilyifyouareout oftown.WorshipservicesatCollegeParkareat2p.m.,4p.m.,and6p.m.(Nurseryis available,butthereisnochildren’sSundayschool)AskGodtoprepareyourheartforChristmasDayandthatyouwouldconnectwithHimandsee Him amidst all the activities of the weekend.

In thosedaysladecreewentoutfromCaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldbenregistered.ThiswasthefirstregistrationwhenQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNaza-

reth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.

The Shepherds and the AngelsAndinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywerefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,“Fearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsandlyinginamanger.”AndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGodandsaying,“GlorytoGodinthehighest,jandonearthpeaceamongthosewithwhomheispleased!”Whentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,“LetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.”AndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.Andallwhohearditwonderedatwhattheshepherdstoldthem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethings,ponderingtheminherheart.Andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asithadbeentoldthem.Andattheendofeightdays,whenhewascircumcised,hewascalledJesus,thenamegivenbytheangelbeforehewasconceivedinthewomb.

Jesus Presented at the TempleAndwhenthetimecamefortheirpurificationaccordingtotheLawofMoses,theybroughthimuptoJerusalemtopresenthimtotheLord(asitiswrittenintheLawoftheLord,“EverymalewhofirstopensthewombshallbecalledholytotheLord”)andtoofferasacrificeaccord-ingtowhatissaidintheLawoftheLord,“apairofturtledoves,ortwoyoungpigeons.”NowtherewasamaninJerusalem,whosenamewasSimeon,andthismanwasrighteousanddevout,waitingfortheconsolationofIsrael,andtheHolySpiritwasuponhim.AndithadbeenrevealedtohimbytheHolySpiritthathewouldnotseedeathbeforehehadseentheLord’sChrist.AndhecameintheSpiritintothetemple,andwhentheparentsbroughtinthechildJesus,todoforhimaccordingtothecustomoftheLaw,hetookhimupinhisarmsandblessedGodandsaid,“Lord,nowyouarelettingyourservantdepartinpeace,accordingtoyourword;formyeyeshaveseenyoursalvationthat you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”Andhisfatherandhismothermarveledatwhatwassaidabouthim.AndSimeonblessedthemandsaidtoMaryhismother,“Behold,thischild is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through yourownsoulalso),sothatthoughtsfrommanyheartsmayberevealed.”Andtherewasaprophetess,Anna,thedaughterofPhanuel,ofthetribeofAsher.Shewasadvancedinyears,havinglivedwithherhusbandsevenyearsfromwhenshewasavirgin,andthenasawidowuntilshewaseighty-four.Shedidnotdepartfromthetemple,worshipingwithfastingandprayernightandday.AndcomingupatthatveryhourshebegantogivethankstoGodandtospeakofhimto all who were swaiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

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Sunday, Dec. 25

AsyouprepareforChristmasDayandwinddowntheactivityofChristmas,weencourageyoutocel-

Christmas Day WorshipForthepast3½weeks,we’vejourneyedthroughthemonthofDecemberinanticipationofChristmasDay.It’sbeenfilledwithChristmaspartiesandChristmas“celebrations.”We’vejourneyedthroughstoresplayingChristmascarolsandparkinglotsfilledwithChristmasshoppers.We’veseenhundredsofadspromotingthebestdealsofChristmas,thebestpresentstopurchase,thegiftthateveryoneneedsbutnoonefullyrealizes,andevengiftsthatyoudon’tneedbutseemtobealltherage.We’vewishedourfriends,ourfamily,ourneighborsandevenco-workersMerryChristmasandHappyHolidaygreetings,andwe’vespenthourshangingChristmaslights,decoratingthetree,andwrappingpresents.

TodayisChristmas,thedaywe’veallbeenwaitingfor.SoasyouarrivehereonChristmasday,whatisitthatyou’vere-allycometosee?Willtodaybeaboutthepresentsunderthetree,thegiftsfillingeachstocking,thelightsonthetreeandtheChristmas“spirit,”orthefoodthatwillbeapartofthecelebrations?Todayisadayforworship.Thequestiontobeaskedisthis:Whatisit,orwhoisit,thatyouwillchoosetoworship?

Twothousandyearsago,agroupofmensetoutonajourney,andtheytooarrivedattheirdestinationreadytowor-ship.Todaywe’regoingtospendsometimelookingatthestoryoftheMagifromMatthew2,andthenwe’regoingtotakesometimetoreflectuponourjourneyandwherewefindourheartsthismorning.

Beforewegoanyfurther,let’stakeabriefmomenttopauseandworshipHiminprayer:

GraciousandgenerousFather,wethankyou,onthisChristmasday,forthegiftofyourSon,JesusChrist.Today,inthemidstoffamilygatherings,tablesfilledwithdelicacies,andgiftsthatarebothgivenandreceived,helpustoworshipyouasthegreatestgiftevergiven.Aswespendtimetogetherasfamilytoday,meetwithusandhelpustoseeyouinevengreaterways.Openoureyesthatwewouldseeyouforwhoyouareandthatwewouldseeourselvesaswetrulyare;helpustoworshipyoubecauseofwhoyouareandwhoyouhavemadeustobe.Wegivethanksforyourprovisionandeverygoodandperfectgiftthatyougive.InJesusname,Amen.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Verse 1Joy to the world the Lord is comeLet earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and nature singAnd heaven and heaven andnature sing

Verse 2Joy to the earth the Savior reignsLet men their songs employWhile fields and floodsRocks hills and plainsRepeat the sounding joyRepeat the sounding joyRepeat repeat the sounding joy

Verse 3No more let sins and sorrows growNor thorns infest the groundHe comes to make His blessings flowFar as the curse is foundFar as the curse is foundFar as far as the curse is found

Verse 4He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of His righteousnessAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders of His loveAnd wonders and wonders of His love

CCLISongNo. 27721©PublicDomainEdward Shippen Barnes | James ChadwickForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Joy to the World

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Verse 1O little town of BethlehemHow still we see thee lieAbove thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go byYet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting LightThe hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight

Verse 2For Christ is born of MaryAnd gathered all aboveWhile mortals sleep the angels keepTheir watch of wondering loveO morning stars togetherProclaim the holy birthAnd praises sing to God the KingAnd peace to men on earth

Verse 3How silently how silentlyThe wondrous gift is giv’nSo God imparts to human heartsThe blessings of His heavenNo ear may hear His comingBut in this world of sinWhere meek souls willReceive Him stillThe dear Christ enters in

Verse 4O holy child of BethlehemDescend to us we prayCast out our sin and enter inBe born in us todayWe hear the Christmas angelsThe great glad tidings tellO come to us abide with usOur Lord Emmanuel

CCLISongNo.27879©PublicDomainLewisHenryRedner|PhillipsBrooksForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

O Little Town of Bethlehem

CHRISTMAS DAY

Asafamilyorasmallgroup,takeafewminutesandreadthroughMatthew2:1-12together.

You’veprobablyreadthisstorymanytimes,possiblyevenasyou’vejourneyedthroughthepast3½weeks.It’safamil-iarstoryofthejourneyoftheMagi.

Takeafewminutesanddiscussyourobservationsfromthisstory.

What do you see, what do you hear?

What sticks out to you about this story, maybe for the very first time?

Today, aswereflectonthisstory,wehavethesamechoice,thesameopportunityastheseMagidid2000yearsago.Thesewisemensetoutonajourney,onethattookweeks,possiblyevenyears,seekingafterJesus,withtheintentandthepurposetoworshiphim.TheycametoJesus,notlookingatHimforwhattheycouldgetfromHim,buttheycameseeking Him to worship Him and to give Him gifts of praise and adoration.

It’saninterestingpicturethatwefindnestledintheChristmasstory.Jesus’birthhasbeenprophesiedforhundredsofyears to his chosen people of Israel. Men and women have waited and waited for the Messiah to come and then, in remoteobscurity,theSaviorenterstheworld.He’sborninastable,surroundedbyanimals.Hisparentsaren’tnobility,andhisbirthismadeknowntoshepherdswhiletheysleepoutinthefields,watchingovertheirsheep.Jesusarrivesonthe scene like a peasant child, not as a King who will rule the world. Then to top it off, wise men from a foreign nation seeHisstarintheskyandjourneyalongdistancetofindthisbabyKingborninBethlehem.

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There are so many unanswered questions from this story. Whowerethesewisemen?Howdidtheyknowtofollowthisstarandwhywouldtheycomebringinggiftsofsuchvalue?Weretherejustthreewisemen,ormighttherehavebeenmore?HowfardidtheyactuallyjourneytoreachthebabyJesus?It’sastoryfullofquestionsandnoanswers;yettheonethingthatisclearisthepurposeoftheirjourney.Matthew2:2tellsustheirpurpose:“WhereisHewhohasbeenbornkingoftheJews?ForwesawHisstarwhenitrose,andhavecometoworshiphim.”Eventhoughwedon’tknowforcertainwhothesemenareorfromwheretheyhavetraveled,weknowwhytheyhavecome:toworshiptheKing!

Aswereflectonthebeautyofthisday,that2,000yearsago,JesusenteredtheworldasthepromisedMessiahtoliveaperfectandholylifethatonedayHisbloodwouldbeshedtocoverthesinsoftheworldandtoredeemourlives,weknowthefullpicture.John1:14statesitlikethis,“AndtheWordbecamefleshanddweltamongus,andwehaveseenHisglory,gloryasoftheonlySonfromtheFather,fullofgraceandtruth.”ChristmasisallaboutJesus,andtodaywehave a choice, to worship Him or to worship the things that surround us on Christmas day.

Emmanuel EmmanuelHis name is called EmmanuelGod with us revealed in usHis name is called EmmanuelCCLISongNo.12949©1976C.A.Music(Admin.byMusicServices,Inc.)BobMcGeeForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Emmanuel

TodaywehavetheprivilegeandopportunitytoworshiptheKingofKingsandtheLordofLordsbecauseweknowthat2,000yearsagoHebecamefleshandthegospelbecameincarnatesothatwemightknowHimandchoosetosur-renderourlivestoHimastheLordandSavioroftheworld.Whatisitthatyouwillworshiptoday?Whereisyourheartnow,evenasyouarriveonChristmasday?WecanworshiptheOnewhowasgiventoforgiveoursins,theOnewhowasspenttosatisfyGod’swrath,theOnewhoredeemsusandbuysusoutofourslaverytosin,orwecanworshipthecultural and even religious traditions that surround us in this season. We can pay homage to the King, or we can settle for the temporary pleasures of this world. Today we have a choice, even amidst the lights, the presents, and the delica-cies.WecanchoosetoworshipJesusandtocelebrateHimtoday,orwecanchoosetogetlostinactivitiesandtheevents of the day.

ChristmasisallabouttheKing,andthewisemenknewthatastheysetouttoworshipHim.Today,asyouwalkthroughthis day, choose to worship Jesus, the infant King, who sets us free. The presents, the lights, the food, the traditions are all opportunities to see Him and to worship Him. Take some time, as a family or a small group, to worship Him now throughprayer,throughsongs,andthroughworshipasyoudelightinwhoHeisandwhatHehasdone!Todaywehave come to worship the King.

Prayer:Jesus, we give thanks that you are the King and that you alone are worthy of our worship. We pray that you wouldinhabitthepraisesofyourpeoplenowasweworshipyou.Wepraythatyouwouldcaptivateourheartstoday, even in the midst of the presents and all the Christmas festivities, that throughout this day we would choose, over and over again, to worship you. We give thanks for the gift of Jesus and for the freedom that comesfromlifeinyou!Wepraythesethingsnow,withheartsfullofworshiptoJesusourKing.Amen.

Sunday, Dec. 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

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Verse 1Hark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingPeace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciledJoyful all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith th’angelic hosts proclaimChrist is born in BethlehemHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 2Christ by highest heav’n adoredChrist the everlasting LordLate in time behold Him comeOffspring of a virgin’s wombVeiled in flesh the Godhead seeHail th’incarnate DeityPleased as man with men to dwellJesus our EmmanuelHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 3Hail the heav’n born Prince of PeaceHail the Sun of righteousnessLight and life to all He bringsRis’n with healing in His wingsMild He lays His glory byBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn King

Verse 4Come Desire of nations comeFix in us Thy humble homeRise the woman’s conqu’ring seedBruise in us the serpent’s headAdam’s likeness now effaceStamp Thine image in its placeSecond Adam from aboveReinstate us in Thy loveHark the herald angels singGlory to the newborn KingCCLISongNo.27738©PublicDomainCharlesWesley|FelixMendelssohnForusesolelywiththeSongSelectTermsofUse.AllrightsReserved.www.ccli.com

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

CelebratethebirthofJesusbycuttingandservingthebirthdaycakeforJesus,givingandreceiv-inggifts,andrememberingtheGift-giverandspendingtimeworshippingandthankingHimfortheultimate Gift of His Son.

CHRISTMAS DAY

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anna montgom

ery

joni montgom

ery

ColoringActivity

Christmas Day Activity: See This Thing (Luke 2:15)Color Jesus, his family, and the animals

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Going Forward into 2012: See this Thing 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week, 365 Days a Year

ThePsalmistAsaphremindsusinPsalm81ofGod’spleatous:

I am the Lord God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

The past few weeks have offered us many occasions to taste and see the Lord more fully. There have beenopportunitiestocelebrateandbeginnewtraditionsthatfocusonHim.Youhaveheardpastorsandotherssharechallengesto“seethisthingthathashappened,”andperhapsyou’veengagedwithothersoryourfamilyandfine-tunedyourfocusforChristmas.

But, the point, really, isn’t just Christmas, is it?

Thepointofallthisisthatwewouldimbedinourlifestylesapriorityofdaily“seeingthisthingthathashappened.”TherealitiesofJesus,frombirthtodeath,donotwaxandwane.ChristmasshouldbeforusaspringboardtolooktoJesus.Whatwillyourdevotionallifelooklikein2012?Whatwillyourprayerlifeconsistofinthenewyear?IsthereagreaterresolvetoseektheLord,towaitupontheLord,andtolayholdofHimasyouapproach2012?

Thatisourchallenge.Jesusdoesn’tjustwantafewweeksattheendofyouryear.Hewantsyourentireyear.WillyourmouthbewideopenforJesusthisyear,ormightitbesatisfiedwiththetemporaltastingsofwhattheworldoffers?Willyoulookforsportstofillyou?Willyouopenyourmouthwideforentertainment?MightFacebookdrownoutyourcravings?Willyoulongforpeopletosatisfyyou,maybefamily,smallgroupmembersorchildren?Willyoupantformorebusiness,apromotion,orpos-siblyajobchange?JesuswantstofilluswithHimself.

ItisinterestingthatinJohn15,JesuscontrastslifeasabranchthatisabidinginHimwithwhatitlooksliketohatetheworld.IfweabideinHim,we’renaturallygoingtofalloutoflovewiththeworld,butwehavetoabideinHimfirst.Asthesongsays“turnyoureyesuponJesus;lookfullinHiswonderfulface;andthethingsofearthwillgrowstrangelydiminthelightofHisgloryandgrace.”LookfullintothefaceofyourSaviorthisyear.LetthethingsofthislifegrowdimasHebecomesoverwhelminglybright.

Ifwedothat(i.e.,everydayseektolooktoJesus),Hewilldailyshowus“thisthingthathashappened”:we will find that every day is Christmas.

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