Intro

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Intro

What is Advent?

November 26, 2023 • Kevin Barra • Isaiah 7:14

What is Advent? Our word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” or coming. Advent is the period of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Over these weeks, we will prepare our hearts and minds for the most significant arrival in human history, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ arrival changed everything! Isaiah 7:14 describes, “God with us!” The Gospel of John describes Jesus eternally existing with God and stepping into human history. Jesus lived a perfect life on earth, died an innocent man, and resurrected from death. People around the world celebrate Advent in honor of Jesus’ life and the gift of eternal life He extends to the world.

Jesus came some 2,000 years ago, but He can impact your life today. Reminding ourselves of Jesus’ first coming prepares us for His second coming when He will restore this broken world. Whether you have known Jesus for many years or are discovering Him for the first time, we encourage you to use this resource to prepare for the arrival of Jesus Christ! We know it will provide hope, joy, peace, and love this season as we reflect on Jesus, the Lord of all!

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

ISAIAH 7:14

The Birth of Jesus

December 25, 2023 • Luke 2:1–21

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. THE SHEPHERDS AND THE ANGELS 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Lord of All

December 24, 2023 • Kevin Barra • Colossians 1:15–20

There is something powerful in a song. The energy of the beat, the rhythm of the rhyme, and the truth in the lyrics make a dynamic impact. Scholars believe Colossians 1:15-20 was composed as an early Christian hymn to communicate deep truth in a memorable way. Norman Geisler writes, “No comparable listing of so many characteristics of Christ and His deity are found in any other Scripture passage. Christ is the supreme Sovereign of the universe!” Jesus is Lord of all! In these few stanzas, we discover Jesus’ sovereignty as the perfect picture of God, His supremacy as the firstborn, His creation of the cosmos, His leadership of the church, His defeat over death, and His reconciliation of all creation. Have you considered the fact that Jesus rules over every facet of the universe? Everything rests under His loving control. There is no situation too complex, no affliction too overwhelming, and no reason to fear. What concerns do you carry with you? What feelings overwhelm you? Read these lyrics about your sovereign King Jesus and find rest for your soul! He is Lord of all! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - What characteristics surprise you about Jesus from this passage? - What is one quality about Jesus that brings you the greatest hope? - Memorize the verse to carry with you! PRAYER Jesus, thank you that you are Lord of all! There is nothing outside of your strong and loving control. Though my fears overwhelm me and my concerns consume me, I can trust in your sovereign hand. Here are my fears. I give them to you. I trust you to work them out and guide my steps to follow you. Written by Kevin Barra

Jesus Our Love

December 17, 2023 • Cody Andras • John 1

I’m immediately struck by the consistency of the disciples’ responses to meeting Jesus in John 1: they wanted to be near Him. They encountered a stranger and recognized His worth. They desired His presence. In John 1:37-38, two disciples began following Jesus, and He turned to them and asked, “What are you looking for?” They responded that they were looking for where He was staying. They sought to remain near this long-awaited One. “‘Come, and you’ll see,’ [Jesus] replied” (John 1:39, CSB). It happened again and again. Andrew. Peter. Philip. Nathanael. They saw Jesus and longed to be near to Him. In perhaps the most shocking twist, the Son of God welcomed them into His presence, invited them to walk with Him, and delighted to dwell with them. The very presence of Immanuel, ”God with us,” declares God’s love for us. He desires our nearness as we long for His. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, CSB). The God of all creation sent His Son to die so that we might come to Him and live. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Think of someone you love. How do you feel about spending time with and being around that person? - In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent – Jesus Christ.” How does this expand your understanding of the familiar words of John 3:16 and confirm God’s love for you? - It’s really easy to believe that God tolerates us out of some sense of obligation. How does the idea that Immanuel (God with us) desires to be near you change your understanding of His love for you? PRAYER Lord, may we catch sight of You like those early disciples caught sight of You, in a way that stirs in us a longing to be near You. May we worship You this Christmas as people who glimpse Your glory and sit in wonder that You have called us Your own. May we know the depths of Your love for us, and may we love You in return. Written by Cody Andras