Here is a simple prayer to read when you light the fourth candle on your Advent wreath. You can download it and print it (including a simple summary and a coloring picture for children) Advent Week Four Read the bold print in unison. Today we’re reading the familiar story of Mary and Joseph, the couple God … Continue reading A prayer service for the fourth week of Advent: Mary and Joseph
Something to read when you light the third candle on your Advent wreath
Last week we read God’s promises to Abraham that he would bless the whole world through one of Abraham’s descendants. Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to speak his promises, often to prophets—people he chose to proclaim his message. One of these prophets was Isaiah. God gave Isaiah many warnings to share with his nation … Continue reading A prayer service for the second week of Advent: Isaiah
…Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths. (Isaiah 2:3)
Last week we looked briefly at the spiritual discipline of discernment: being aware of God and his guidance as we choose what truly matters. Today as we consider Mary the mother of Jesus, we see another spiritual discipline: surrender. This is accepting God’s plan and moving into his will—which often involves letting a few things … Continue reading Advent Week 4, Day 1
Today we’re looking at John the Baptist’s description of Jesus. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, … Continue reading Advent Week 3, Day 4
As you read, choose a verse or phrase to carry with you all day long. If you've joined our facebook group (Light for a Dark Season Discussion Group), share it with us! Isaiah 12 This is our psalm today, a song of praise and thanksgiving. You can read all the scriptures right here. Zephaniah 3:14-18 … Continue reading Advent Week 3, Day 3
Look for a verse or phrase to treasure as you read today's scriptures. They're all here. Psalm 126 Isaiah 61:1-11 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 18-28 Notes Psalm 126: This psalm of lament remembers a former time of God’s mercy, and calls out to him to once again deliver his people. Isaiah 61: When Jesus … Continue reading Advent Week 3, Day 2
John the Baptist spent several decades—in fact, most of his life—waiting for God to tell him that now was the moment to declare the Messiah had arrived. The Bible doesn’t tell us anything about John’s growing up years. We see him as a tiny baby in his father’s arms and then quite suddenly he is … Continue reading Advent Week 3, Day 1
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) These are familiar words. Let’s define them. (See end of post for sources) Wonderful: admirable, distinguished. Every time this word is used in scripture, … Continue reading Advent Week 2, Day 4
Light for a Dark Season 