Christmas is almost here! Whether this season fills you with excitement or disappointment, know that the truth of the message of Christmas remains the same:  God came to earth in the form of a baby, the long-awaited answer to the problem of sin, death and destruction.

The Advent season invites us to slowly move through the four weeks before Christmas. We start by recognizing all that’s wrong in the world—the reality of the darkness--what sin (yours and mine) has done to God’s good creation. We then acknowledge our longing for the return of the true Judge and King who will one day set things right.

We recognize that our only hope, our only peace, and our only comfort comes from the King who humbled Himself in order to show us His love, grace and mercy. So as we reach Christmas, we do so rejoicing in the truth that Jesus is the One who saves! He brings hope to the darkest of circumstances. He is worthy of all praise!

So this, the last week of Advent, take time to rejoice in His grace. No matter what you’re going through in this season or how difficult your circumstances, thank Jesus for making it possible for you to have eternal life. Joy to the world -- the Lord has come! 

Scripture

Read the following from Luke 1:46-55:

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Further Reading

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Questions to Consider

Where do you find yourself emotionally as we near Christmas?

What is something you can rejoice in today? 

Activity Suggestions for Week 4

Listen to the song, “Here Comes Heaven” this week. Which lyrics stand out to you and bring you hope?

Consider inviting people who don’t know Jesus to our Christmas Eve service this week. Share the light of Jesus with them! 

With family or friends this week, spend some time thanking the Lord for His blessings and faithfulness. On a text thread or in your home, encourage each person to share something they are thankful for each day. 

Watch a Christmas movie this week or drive around and look at Christmas lights. Begin celebrating that the Light of the world has come!

During the season of Advent, we get to remind ourselves of what is true about God, no matter how our year has gone. So while we recognize the darkness of the world and all of the ways sin affects things, we also have hope because “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). What good news this is!

When Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, God Himself stepped into humanity. Jesus showed us what it meant to live as God wants us to, and He willingly died, a God who humbled Himself for our sakes in order to bring us salvation. The Word became flesh and kept all of the promises of God. 

Today, whatever your situation, you should know that God keeps His promises, He made a way for you, and He will come again. During the season of Advent, we are reminded that we need to be ready for His return. If you are still in darkness—if you’re not sure who Jesus is or what to do with Him—ask Him to come near to you. Pick up your Bible, start in Luke chapter 1, and read about the answer God sent in the flesh—His Son, Jesus.

Scripture

This week read the following from Zephaniah 3:14-20:

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.

On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

“I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.

At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame.

At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

Further Reading

Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

Questions to Consider

How has God kept His promises in your life?

Are you ready for His return? If you’re not sure, please contact us at the church. We would love to talk to you more about Jesus.

Activity Suggestions for Week 2 of Advent

Take time this week to write down any questions you have for God. As you ask these questions, ask God to bring to mind Scripture and worship songs that remind you of His answers, of His truth.

As you prepare for Christmas this week, take time to listen to all of the verses of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” What truths can you learn about the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us?

Who do you know who is not ready for the return of Jesus? Make contact with that person this week. Remind them that you care and that you’re always willing to listen. Encourage them with truth about who Jesus is and what He has done.

 

During Advent, we recognize our deep longings for Jesus to come and make things right. We acknowledge that humanity and all of the creation are groaning under the burden of sin and death.

During the second week of Advent, the Scriptures point us to John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus. “He came as a witness to testify concerning the light so that through him all might believe” (John 1:7). 

Jesus’ first arrival brought the Light into the world -- the One who could save us from our sins and restore us to right relationship with God. And when He returns one day, He will bring those who have trusted in Him for our salvation into His kingdom forever. 

As we watch and wait for the return of the King during the season of Advent, we also recognize those around us who are in darkness and need the Light of life. Like John the Baptist, who heralded the coming of the Messiah, we can take on the responsibility of telling others the good news about Jesus and inviting them into eternal life through Him. 

Scripture

This week read the following from Luke 1:68-79:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Further Reading

Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
Malachi 3:1-4

Question to Consider

John the Baptist pointed people to the coming King. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you reach out to them this week? 

Activity Suggestions for Week 2 of Advent

Make an effort to reach out to someone who is in darkness this week. Bring them coffee, invite them on a walk, call and chat--do something to bring the light of Jesus into their lives. 

Listen to part 1 of Handel’s Messiah. This piece uses words straight from the Scriptures associated with Advent. In it, you’ll hear the prophecies about the Saviour who is coming as the One who restores us to right relationship with Him.

Consider calling a seniors’ home this week and asking how you and your family might bring a blessing to the residents. Visiting during Covid might not be possible, but perhaps you could put together gift bags or send messages or do some outdoor caroling in front of people’s windows. Find some way to bring joy to those who might need the light of Jesus during this season.

 

The very first event on the Christian calendar—the beginning of the year—is the season of Advent. Advent, which is observed throughout the four weeks in the month of December, means “coming” or “arrival” in Latin. It is a time meant to help us prepare for Jesus’ return and remember His birth.

Advent reminds us of the darkness of the world as it is, and gives us hope for the world as it should be—restored and filled with the Light of Life once Jesus returns. Advent reminds us that we live in the time in between Jesus’ two arrivals, and it asks us to prepare our hearts and then act in order to bring others out of the darkness and into His glorious light! 

Scripture 

This week read the following from Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19:

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?  You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Question to Consider:

 What are some of the difficult things going on in your life or in the lives of those close to you? 

Take some time to ask for God to bring His restoration and to shine His light on the darkness. 

Activity Suggestions for Week 1 of Advent 

Create an Advent playlist that includes songs like, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” If you’re looking for more Advent music, consider the following:

Advent Songs by The Porter’s Gate

Waiting Songs by Rain for Roots

Family Christmas Album by The Oh Hellos

Consider planting an amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus bulb in a pot. Put it by a sunny window. As you water it throughout the month, consider how God brings hope and life. Your plant should be ready to bloom by Christmas.

If you have a nativity set, don’t put all the pieces up at once. Start by placing Mary and Joseph on their way to the stable, with the shepherds in a different spot, and the wise men far away. Each day move them a little closer to the nativity. Don’t put Jesus into the scene until Christmas Day. If you have children, you may even want to hide the figures around the house and have your kids search for them. As you find and move the pieces closer to the nativity each day, talk to your kids about how because of Jesus, we can have light in dark situations.

During the Advent season at CrossRoads in recent years, Pastor Denise has made it a practice to provide a booklet full of resources, articles and activity ideas. This year, we invite you to use this web page (crossroadschurch.ca/advent) to access this material. Or, visit our Advent Experience in the our building's foyer for printed copies of these materials. If you would like to receive the materials as an email each week, please use the form to the right and check the "Advent" option. 

On Sunday, November 28, we will enter into the Advent season with a message from Pastor Dan titled "Before Bethlehem" which is based on John 1:1-2.

Our prayer is that, during this season of Advent, we who have been in a season of a particular sort of darkness, will begin to see the Light that came to Bethlehem so long ago. And, as we anticipate the arrival of Christmas day, we also anticipate with you the arrival of the Light who will one day come again.