Do you hate to wait? Whether it s instant oatmeal, high-speed Internet or the express lane at the grocery

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2 2 017 A D V E N T P R AY E R J O U R N A L

3 Do you hate to wait? Whether it s instant oatmeal, high-speed Internet or the express lane at the grocery s t o r e, w e w a n t i t n o w. A n d t h e w e e k s l e a d i n g u p t o C h r i s t m a s o n l y a c c e l e r a t e t h e p a c e o f l i f e. Ye t t h e rhythm of real relationship with the God of eternity cannot be rushed. This year we hope you ll join us on an advent prayer j o u r n e y. L i k e t h e w i s e m e n o f s c r i p t u r e w h o f o l l o w e d t h e s t a r i n s e a rc h o f t h e C h r i s t - c h i l d, we l l s e e k t o personally encounter the King. The centuries-old practice of Advent invites us to embrace the waiting as we align our hearts to the true north of Christ s coming. I n t h e s e p a g e s y o u l l fi n d a t h o u g h t a n d a s c r i p t u r e f o r e a c h d a y. T h e r e s s p a c e t o j o t d o w n w h a t e v e r G o d b r i n g s t o m i n d a s y o u t a l k w i t h H i m. We t r u s t t h a t t h e L o r d w i l l meet us in transformative ways as we spend a few m i n u t e s e a c h d a y r e fl e c t i n g a n d p r a y i n g t h r o u g h t h e s e t h e m e s. We k n o w C h r i s t m a s i s a s p e c i a l t i m e f o r c h i l d re n, s o a t t h e e n d o f e a c h we e k we ve a d d e d a f u n advent activity to do with the kids in your life. This year as we wait in expectation for the arrival of Christ, let our souls join the refrain of God s people throughout the centuries proclaiming, Come, Lord Jesus. Come.

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5 TRUST Dec.3 God s word invites us to trust Him to place our lives at His mercy and surrender our own agenda. It can be a scary thought. But because in Christ, God became one of us, fully experiencing the hurts of h u m a n i t y, w e c a n b e s u r e t h a t w e h a v e a S a v i o r w h o is worthy of trust. Write down a circumstance where you need to more completely trust God. Invite Him into this part of your life. Tr u s t i n t h e L o r d w i t h a l l y o u r h e a r t a n d l e a n not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

6 Dec.4 MAGI The Bible tells us of Magi who came from the east, f o l l o w i n g t h e s t a r i n s e a r c h o f a n e w b o r n K i n g. We g e t j u s t a g l i m p s e o f t h e i r s t o r y, b u t w e k n o w t h e y acted with wisdom, foresight and perseverance to achieve their God-ordained purpose. Are there life-situations where you need supernatural wisdom? Write a prayer asking in faith for God to provide it. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

7 SLOW Dec.5 Tr a d i t i o n h o l d s t h a t M a r y r o d e t o B e t h l e h e m o n a d o n k e y. H o w e v e r t h e y t r a v e l e d, f o r J o s e p h a n d M a r y t h e j o u r n e y m u s t v e s e e m e d t o l a s t f o r e v e r. E v e n through uncertain circumstances, they had no choice but to practice patience and let events unfold in God s timing. How will you intentionally slow down and wait on Christ this advent season? Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be r e g i s t e r e d w i t h M a r y, h i s b e t r o t h e d, w h o w a s with child. Luke 2:4-6

8 Dec.6 S E R VA N T Mary was forced to find her way through a maze of d i s m a y i n g c i r c u m s t a n c e s. Ye t i n t h e m i d s t o f t h e unknown, she chose to serve the Lord through her faith and obedience. As you prepare for the coming of Christ, the ultimate servant, ask God where you can serve in obedience in the days ahead. And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:38

9 ETERNITY Dec.7 God is the creator of time and He stands unbound b y i t. We a r e t r a p p e d i n s i d e a f ini t e n u m b e r o f d a y s. Ye t G o d, i n t h e p e r s o n o f C h r i s t, s t e p p e d i n s i d e t i m e, m a k i n g a w a y f o r u s t o j o i n h i m i n e t e r n i t y. Ask God to give you a focus on things that matter f o r e t e r n i t y t h i s d a y. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man s heart... Ecclesiastes 3:11

10 Dec.8 ROOM When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the baby s arrival was imminent. They searched the bustling town for a place suitable for the coming Messiah, but there was no room to be found. This advent season, how will you make room for Christ to come and dwell? She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped h i m i n s w a d d l i n g c l o t h s a n d l a i d h i m i n a m a n g e r, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

11 FOLLOW Dec.9 O u r s o c i e t y l o o k s u p t o l e a d e r s. We r e i n u n d a t e d with books, podcasts and conferences on how to l e a d. B u t w e d o n t h e a r m u c h a b o u t f o l l o w i n g. Ye t Christ calls us to follow Him. Following can mean surrendering our plans and our comfort. Ask God t o d a y f o r w a y s t o b e t t e r l i v e l i f e a s a f o l l o w e r. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets & followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

12 CHRISTMAS STAR FOR KIDS Christmas is a wonder-filled time for children. Whether you re a mom or grandpa, or a babysitter fo r yo u r n e i g h b o rs, e a c h we e k we l l s h a re a kid-friendly craft or idea to help introduce the littles in your life to Advent. Let s get to it for week one. W H AT Y O U L L N E E D Christmas Star template download at bit.ly/homefrontstars Ya r n o r t w i n e ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 5 f e e t f o r e a c h s t a r ) Cardboard, cotton balls or batting, glue gun & glue sticks, hole punch, scissors W H AT Y O U L L D O 1. Download and cut out the Christmas Star template. 2. Tr a c e t h e s t a r o n t o c a r d b o a r d a n d c u t a r o u n d t h e e d g e s. 3. If you re using batting, cut two pieces of star-shaped batting per ornament. 4. Make a hole in one of the points of the cardboard star with the hole-punch. 5. Loop a small piece of twine through the hole. This will b e y o u r o r n a m e n t h a n g e r. 6. Hot-glue the batting or cotton balls to both sides of the star-shaped cardboard. 7. P l a c e a s m a l l d r o p o f h o t g l u e o n t h e t i p o f o n e t h e s t a r points to attach one end of the twine or yarn and begin w r a p p i n g t h e s t a r. 8. C o n t i n u e w r a p p i n g t h e s t a r, p e r i o d i c a l l y p l a c i n g h o t glue in spots where the twine or yarn may slip. 9. O n c e t h e s t a r i s c o m p l e t e l y w r a p p e d, u s e a s m a l l d r o p of glue to secure the end of the twine or yarn. M o r e i n f o a n d i d e a s a t w o o d m e n v a l l e y. o r g / j o u r n a l Used with permission from HomeFront Magazine

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14 Dec.10 P R AY I f G o d w a s o n l y l o f t y a n d H o l y, w e d w o n d e r i f H e could empathize with our longings and sorrows that are part of what it is to be human. If He was merely a man, we would doubt His power and authority over circumstances that overwhelm us. In Christ, He is fully God and fully human, so we have a sovereign and friend with whom we can trust our d e e p e s t p r a y e r s. Ta l k t o H i m t o d a y. I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, t o r e v i v e t h e s p i r i t o f t h e l o w l y, a n d t o r e v i v e the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15

15 WAIT Dec.11 A child awaits Christmas day with an expectant heart, anticipating joy and good things to come. When the day finally arrives, it is made sweeter by the waiting. As you wait this advent season, write down a few things you re eagerly hoping and anticipating that Christ will bring to pass. Invite the Lord to encourage your heart in the waiting. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Psalm 31:24

16 Dec.12 LIGHT The Bible talks a lot about light. God is light and as His people we are carriers of that God-light. There are many ways to spread His light. This week, one way could be to invite friends or family to church on Christmas Eve to experience the light of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit who He might lead you to invite t o j o i n y o u i n w o r s h i p t h i s y e a r. T h e n m a k e t h e invitation and trust God with the outcome. Yo u a r e t h e l i g h t o f t h e w o r l d. A t o w n b u i l t o n a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

17 STAR Dec.13 Wa s i t a c o m e t, a n a l i g n m e n t o f p l a n e t s o r something entirely supernatural? The Bible doesn t give us the astronomical details, but we know that God chose a light in the night sky to herald the birth of His Son. The book of 1st John tells us God Himself is light. What areas of darkness in your life need to be illuminated by His light today? For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

18 Dec.14 WORSHIP When the wise men set eyes on Christ, they immediately fell into a posture of worship. Their long-awaited moment of worship came at a personal price. They carried lavish gifts, traveled far from h o m e a n d r i s k e d d e f y i n g a n e a r t h l y r u l e r. T h e i r story reminds us that prioritizing worship often involves sacrifice. As you anticipate the birth of Christ, how will you make worship a priority even if it carries a cost? T h e y s a w t h e c h i l d w i t h M a r y h i s m o t h e r, a n d they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

19 WITH Dec.15 What s in a name? One of the names given to Christ in the scriptures is Immanuel, which comes from a Hebrew phrase meaning, God with us. This name conveys the miracle that in Christ, the creator of the universe chose to come close, to dwell with you and me. Write a prayer inviting God to be present with you in the joys and suffering you will f a c e t o d a y. "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel." Matthew 1:23b

20 Dec.16 A R R I VA L Through Advent we look back at Christ s coming as a B e t h l e h e m b a b e. Ye t a t t h e s a m e t i m e, w e l o o k f o r w a r d t o H i s s e c o n d c o m i n g. L e t u s w a i t e a g e r l y, e x p e c t a n t l y f o r a g l i m p s e o f H i s c o m i n g g l o r y, l i k e a child trying for a peek at her presents before C h r i s t m a s m o r n i n g. R e f l e c t o n C h r i s t s r e t u r n t o d a y. Thank Him in anticipation for what is to come. So Christ, having been offered once to bear t h e s i n s o f m a n y, w i l l a p p e a r a s e c o n d t i m e, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28

21 KIDS CHRISTMAS C A R D P R AY E R S 1. Find a spot to display Christmas cards from friends and family as they arrive. Spend time enjoying and reading the cards with the kids. 2. Ta k e t h e c a r d s d o w n i n J a n u a r y w h e n t h i n g s a r e n t s o b u s y. P l a c e t h e m i n a b a s k e t o r n a p k i n h o l d e r w h e r e y o u w i l l s e e t h e m d a i l y, p e r h a p s a t t h e k i t c h e n t a b l e. 3. With the children, pick one card or letter each day and p r a y f o r t h e s e n d e r. 4. Optional: Send a note, text, or to your friends and let them know you and the kids prayed for them. Don t let this step keep you from praying if you don t have time to write a note! 5. A s k G o d w h i c h p e o p l e o r s i t u a t i o n s H e s l a y i n g o n yo u r heart. In addition to praying, is there a way to include the k i d s i n p r o v i d i n g h e l p, l e n d i n g a l i s t e n i n g e a r, o r s h a r i n g the joy with your friends? 6. I n c l u d e t h e k i d s i n t h a n k i n g G o d fo r t h e p e o p l e H e s brought into your life! Used with permission from HomeFront Magazine C h e c k m o r e i d e a s a t w o o d m e n v a l l e y. o r g / f o l l o w t h e s t a r

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23 LOVE Dec.17 In the stable where Christ was born, it s likely that there was blood dripping to the ground. At the cross where he gave his life, blood was there too. The life and death of Jesus are marked by sacrificial l o v e. We r e c a l l e d t o e m u l a t e H i s e x a m p l e. A s k G o d if there are new ways He might call you to love in ways that are uncomfortable or sacrifical in the days ahead. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

24 Dec.18 THANKS How do you express gratitude when you receive a Christmas gift? Sometimes heartfelt words are best, o t h e r t i m e s p e r h a p s a h u g o r a T h a n k Yo u c a r d a r e c a l l e d f o r. C h r i s t i s t h e f r e e l o v e - g i f t f r o m G o d t o us. As we prepare to celebrate this precious gift, what are some ways, through your thoughts, words and actions, that you can begin to express thankfulness for this ultimate gift? For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

25 WORLD Dec.19 Christ drew in his first breath in Bethlehem more than two millennia ago. Although His life on earth was rooted in a specific time and place, His grace and love cover all of humanity throughout all time. We r e c a l l e d t o r e f l e c t H i s c a r e f o r p e o p l e a l l o v e r the world. Ask God to give you a heart for people across the globe and ways to actively demonstrate His heart for them. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17

26 Dec.20 PEACE We l i v e i n a w o r l d w h e r e c o n f l i c t s e e m s c o n s t a n t a n d p e a c e s e e m s f a r a w a y. Ye t G o d s Wo r d intertwines the idea of peace on earth with the announcement of Christ s birth. What reassurance does this bring to your heart? As a disciple of Christ, how might this influence your actions and attitudes? "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:14

27 FEAR Dec.21 Angels changed the shepherds world that night with the headline: The King of Love is coming! The angels opened their speech by telling the shepherds not to fear and the book of 1st John declares that G o d s p e r f e c t l o v e c a s t s o u t f e a r. W h a t f e a r s i s t h e Lord calling you to cast aside this advent season? Write a prayer inviting God to take them from you. T h e y w e r e f i l l e d w i t h g r e a t f e a r. A n d t h e a n g e l said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:9-10

28 Dec.22 GATHER When we think of the church, we often think of a building. But a clearer picture of the church is s i m p l y t h e p e o p l e o f G o d g a t h e r i n g i n c o m m u n i t y. C h r i s t i s w i t h u s e v e n w h e n j u s t a f e w o f u s g a t h e r. Perhaps the Magi worshipping Christ was the first Christian church service messy and unconventional as it probably was. As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas, how will you focus on gathering with God s people? For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20

29 REFUGE Dec.23 Christ was born in a barn and buried in a borrowed tomb. Mary gave birth in Bethlehem because an o c c u p y i n g e m p i r e f o r c e d h e r t o m a k e t h e j o u r n e y. L a t e r, t h e i r f a m i l y f l e d t o E g y p t a s r e f u g e e s. To d a y there are people in our city and around the world who are oppressed, poor and marginalized. Pray for them and ask God how He would have you intervene in their plight. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Rise, take the child and his m o t h e r, a n d f l e e t o E g y p t, a n d r e m a i n t h e r e until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. Matthew 2:13

30 Dec.24 MANGER Christ could have come to earth as a conquering w a r r i o r o r a n e m p e r o r w i t h r i c h e s a n d f a m e. Ye t H e chose the path of a peasant, helpless and humble. In our culture, too often we find ourselves thirsting for prestige and drowning in comparison. Ask the Father to show you how you can emulate Christ s humility this Christmas. A n d t h i s w i l l b e a s i g n f o r y o u : y o u w i l l find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths a n d l y i n g i n a m a n g e r. Luke 2:12

31 FOLLOW THE STARS W H AT Y O U L L N E E D Glow-in-the-dark stars; Bible; Nativity set that includes M a r y, J o s e p h, a d o n k e y, o t h e r a n i m a l s, a n a n g e l, a shepherd, wise men, and baby Jesus; a cake with a candle PREP 1. When the kids are in bed, make a trail of stars from their rooms to the Christmas tree. 2. Place different pieces of the nativity set along the path, ending with baby Jesus. 3. Place a cake (maybe angel food!) with a candle on top near the end of the trail. CHRISTMAS MORNING 1. When the kids wake up, help them follow the stars like the wise men did. 2. A t t h e f i r s t s t o p, f i n d M a r y, J o s e p h a n d a d o n k e y & r e a d Luke 2:1-5. Collect the figurines as you go to the next stop. 3. Continue following the trail of stars to the animals and r e a d L u k e 2 : Find the angels and shepherds at the next stop and read Luke 2: Follow the trail to where the wise men wait and read Matthew 2:1-2, Approach the tree and have the kids focus on baby Jesus as you light a candle on the cake. Remind the kids that Jesus is the light of the world and that His birthday is the reason we celebrate. 7. F i n i s h t h e s e a r c h w i t h w o r s h i p b y s i n g i n g S i l e n t N i g h t o r Happy Birthday to Jesus. Then blow out the candle and enjoy the cake. Used with permission from HomeFront Magazine C h e c k m o r e i d e a s a t w o o d m e n v a l l e y. o r g / f o l l o w t h e s t a r

32 Follow T he S t ar wit h u s on C hris t mas Eve Wo rs h ip s e rvice s a t a ll t hree cam p uses 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm