Fourth Sunday of Advent

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This week, we finish our advent journey with the angels and shepherds...and THEN we continue by celebrating the arrival of Christ!

Some passages to read this week:
  • Luke 2:1-20
  • Matthew 2:1-12
  • John 1:1-14
Two Things to Consider:
First, this week’s devotional brings us into the season of Christmas, but we still have some time left in Advent, so I’m praying that all of us will savor the anticipation (instead of rushing past these last few days of reflection and confession).

Second (looking ahead….) You know the song about the 12 days of Christmas? Well, did you know that the church calendar recognizes Christmas as an entire season, so there actually ARE 12 days of Christmas? From December 25th until Epiphany Sunday (Jan 5th), the church celebrates the coming of Christ into the world.

This may sound exhausting, (buying and wrapping presents for 12 days in a row? No thank you!) but recognizing Christmas as a season instead of a single day allows us to focus on the spiritual and theological importance of the event we celebrate. I personally find that the time after December 25th usually offers much more time for prayer and reflection than the weeks leading up to it (plus, I have time to enjoy and separate the secularized gift-giving traditions and the importance of the Christ-event).  When the stockings have been emptied and the boxes all unwrapped, it’s important to recognize that Jesus wasn’t merely born in the world. He also grew up in it. Thus, our journey to the manger continues...
Kids Corner:
We're almost there!Advent is about preparing for Christmas and getting ready for Christ to come into our own hearts and lives. Part of Advent means remembering the story of  when Jesus first came into the world (looking back to the first Christmas in the Bible). Another part means remembering Jesus’ promise to come again (looking forward to the kingdom of God). But it also means recognizing Christ’s place in our hearts and lives now.

  If you have a nativity set, continue building it with shepherds and angels—and know that the story isn’t finished yet. Another idea is to color or draw your own Nativity.

 


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