My Favorite Gift

I have no gift to bring...

   that's fit to give a king...  but...

 

When you give to the least of these, you have given to me. (Matt 25:40, paraphrased)

 

 

They flocked to them.  The least of Jesus' brothers crowded around my son and my husband.  For a plastic bag with a little food, some water and a toothbrush. And there was one for each of them. Because weeks before, a few families offered their bread and fish in faith.  And that kind of offering is always more than enough.

This.  This was my favorite gift this Christmas.  Given to Jesus "in disguise".

Happy birthday, Jesus!

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?"
1 Chronicles 29:14

He Had in Mind

One of our family’s Christmas traditions is to read about the Messianic prophecy and its fulfillment over the Advent season.  We take roughly four weeks to camp out in Scripture as it relates to the foretelling of Jesus’ birth and then the fulfillment on that Holy Night in Bethlehem.  Each night, we take a little bite sized piece of Scripture and chew on it a bit, explain things to our kids, try to understand it ourselves, ponder things, wonder what it must have been like back then, what it would be like for God to call us to something so important, how we would have reacted to Gabriel’s appearance.  I think we all agree that our reactions would not have been as calm or collected as Mary’s.  Because when you start with “Do not be afraid”, well… it’s like saying “Don’t look down”.

Anyway…

When we start reading on the first Sunday of Advent, our family’s nativity scene sits in its traditional place… empty.  And as we move through the story, as we wonder together as a family, as the greatest story ever told unfolds with each verse, as Mary obeys and sings her song, as Joseph wrestles with this unbelievable scenario, as each nativity player appears in Scripture, he or she appears in our stable.  And it’s a tangible way for an 8 year-old and a 6 year-old to literally anticipate the Christ child coming.  Ok, it might work for the 30-somethings in the group as well.  And I’ve started to notice something.  You can really get the lay of the land when you camp in one spot for a while… and wait.

First, Mary came on the scene as Gabriel appeared with a positive pregnancy test. After 400 years of still quiet, God whispers into the heart of a virgin. And she says simply, “I am the Lord’s servant.”  And I wonder… was she skipping and spilling with joy on her way to tell Joseph.  Was she biting her fingernails wondering his reaction?  God had a plan for her and I’ve been in that place before… not the “pregnant-with-the-Savior-of-the-world” place but the “I’ve-clearly-heard-from-the-Lord-and-can’t-wait-to-tell-my-husband” place.  I wonder if she got the reaction she was expecting… or did she keep it all to herself and wait.

A few days later, Joseph appeared as we read about him in Matthew 1:18-25.  

 

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:18-19)

 

Something tells me this was not the response Mary was looking for, but I wonder.  Was she discouraged?  Did she doubt?  Did she even know the thoughts he had in mind? Did her opinion of her soon to be husband waiver? Or did she wait. And trust. And hope… while Joseph had things in mind knowing God still reigned on high.

 

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:20-21)

 

There we go.  Joseph is now on board.  His very own dream.  His very own appearance. From the very same angel.  Now Mary and Joseph can compare notes and move forward.  Knuckles, Mary.  Let's do this!

 

Something as huge as the birth of the Messiah… and God didn’t send Gabriel to the chosen couple.  It would have been more efficient to do it that way.  Right?  I can almost hear Gabriel.  “Oh, good. You’re both here.  I’ve got some news…. Oh, yeah.  Do not be afraid.” 

 

But that’s not how it went down.  God sends Gabriel to Mary first.  Mary.  Betrothed to Joseph.  With news that was devastating in outward appearance for the day and time.  A woman who had a lowly position in the culture hears the message.  First. Alone.

 

And when Mary discloses her news, we read about what Joseph, the household leader, the protector, the provider, had in mind.  To sneak out the back.

Mary responds to Gabriel with, “I am the Lord’s servant”.  And Joseph responds with thoughts of a quiet divorce.   Two different reactions.  Two different heart conditions.  So there needed to be two different visits. Because Joseph still had to prepare Him room.

Huh.

 

And just like that, on a December evening two thousand years from the stable, gathered with my favorite people in my favorite room reading a story I’ve read a hundred times, this detail-oriented God who created the heavens and commands the waves unwraps a little more of the marriage mystery, reveals more of Himself and His perfect ways.  Helps me understand a little deeper the need to prepare Him room for this season of Advent, "the coming".   And shows me that our union doesn't unite our timing. 

Marriage.  It is such a gift.  And for all the wonderful things about marriage, it’s also equally hard.  Because sometimes we’re the Mary being coached by angel armies.  And sometimes we're the Joseph with our own things in mind. When there are two, there may be one flesh but there are still two faith walks.  And so we must wait... on God to align our steps.  And trust... that God will do what He promised.  And hope... because the Christ child IS coming!  Do not be afraid.

A Christmas Pondering

 

 

I love liking all the positive, encouraging pastors, ministries and Christ-centered organizations on Facebook.  Because my newsfeed is filled with positive, encouraging, Christ-centered messages throughout the day. Today, a pastor posted this prompt:

 

“Share your best family traditions to keep Christmas Christ centered.”

 

And I really liked this request.  It stopped me in my tracks as I read it in the midst of cleaning the tops of my kitchen cabinets so I could adorn them with our Christmas village.  And as I looked around the room with Christmas decorations literally overtaking my house as I try to dress it for “The Season”, I pondered.  What do we do during this season as a family that keeps Christ in the center? Because the truth is, the ugly truth of it all is, I couldn't care less about decorating for Christmas.  I really find it a nuisance I don’t enjoy even when it’s done.  I do it for someone else.  It means something to the Chef so because of that alone it means something to me.  But I could go the whole year without one hall decked to the nines in red and green.  But I will say the joy it brings my children and my husband does make it worth it.  Mostly. 

 

And we are in memory making years, tradition establishing territory.  Our kids are young and we’re trying to set precedents.  And Pinterest makes me feel like a failure before I’ve even begun.  What are my kids going to remember about their childhood Christmas seasons?  And what do I really want them to remember?

 

So back to the question at hand.  What do we do to center this season around Christ?  Because that is the only thing I want my kids to remember.  That there was no hoopla, only Christ. 

 

And in that very moment, I realized I was trying so desperately to squeeze in all these things to keep Christ in the center that I squeezed Christ right out.  So on the third day of December, I decided to simplify all my plans.  The day after Advent began, I realized that “the Coming” is the only thing that matters and maybe it’s in emulating the character of Christ that helps us anticipate Him the most.  Because when we try our best to love our neighbor, to be humble, to be patient, to give beyond ourselves, to bind up the broken hearted and set the captive free, we fail miserably compared to Him.  And so the waiting for His presence is so much more anticipated and we watch the clouds with a deep longing, alert and ready for Him to fill in our weaknesses with His strength, our failings with His grace.

 

I mean numbered doors are nice, tinsel and lights are pretty, but the the Babe tells us what He wants. “Give unto the least of these and you have given to me.  Love your neighbor as yourself. Pick up your cross and follow me."  Can this be stuffed behind doors or must it be cultivated in hearts?

 

This time of year isn’t really a time to ramp up but to slow down, to be watchful and to wait for His coming.  His presence coming into our lives in a new way.  Because we stopped.  And we watched.  And we expected.  And we believed. And He was pretty clear about that, too. “Your faith has healed you.  Get up and go. Because of your faith, you now can see.  Because of your faith… Just believe.”  I think my faith tends to get tangled in the tinsel this time of year. 

So for the next 22 days, we will unfold the Christmas story slowly.  It's in the slow that family memories are seared into hearts. And the wonder will come not from anything that is seen but from all that is yet to come.  And we will wait… expectantly, as a family.  And we will prepare our hearts room to “believe the unbelievable”, as a family.  And as we wait for the Messiah to come, to reveal Himself to us in a new way, we will focus on showing those around us, including each other, what we already know by the way we live, by the way we love, as a family.  The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.  Full of grace and truth.  A Savior, born in a manger to die on a cross… for all the people, all for love.  Unbelievable?

 

What do you need to believe this Christmas season?  That with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)?  A baby can be born of a virgin and Light can overtake the darkness. Believe. And watch what happens in those hopeless, dark places as the Light of the world comes crashing in with power and glory.  It’s almost time. Come. Adore. 

A Savior is Born

This is the third of three posts summarizing the Truth in the Tinsel Advent study, which the children and I have been working through.  Click to find Week 1 or Week 2.  These posts summarize what I have learned, things that have jumped off the pages of Scripture to me as we have traveled through these 24 days. It's in the simplicity we can truly see the greatness of our God.

******************

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'" (Luke 2:8-14)

Well our Seeds of Kindness produced a lavish bed to lay the Babe.  The kids truly loved this, cutting the grass to lay in the manger.  And laying Baby Jesus on their kindness that bloomed love... dare I say more seeds have been sowed - into tiny hearts.  O, Lord... reap them for Your glory!

Our travels to the end really only mark the beginning.  A Savior is born to die so that we may live... abundantly, eternally.  The last Advent steps... walk with us to the end and find your beginning, which by God's grace has no end.


Day 15: Luke 2:1-7, MANGER
A Savior is born and laid in an animal's feeding trough, a manger.  A humble beginning for the King of Kings.

Day 16: Luke 2:1-7, CLOTHS
As a Baby, He was swaddled in cloths and as a Man He was wrapped in linens.  Even from the beginning, the end was the focus.

Day 17: Luke 2:8-20, SHEEP
"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. Praise the Lord from the Earth... wild animals and cattle." (Psalm 5, 7a, 10a) 

Day 18: Luke 2:8-20, ANGELS
Humble beginnings... well, except the Heavenly host singing and praising God for the Babe in the manger.  Yes, Jesus was laid in a feeding trough because there was no room in the inn.  And maybe the Baby-smell was overpowered by the animal smell.  But all of Heaven sang on this Holy Night. Glory in the highest. 

Day 19: Luke 2:8-20, SHEPHERDS
God whispers the Messiah's arrival to the lowly of society.  Because He has come for ALL the people.  He made that clear from the beginning.

Day 20: Luke 8:21-40, TEMPLE
Jesus is brought to the temple to be consecrated according to Moses' law.  Funny.  The Law fulfilled coming to the temple to fulfill the law.

Day 21: Matthew 2:1-12, STAR
The light in the darkness leads the way to the Light of the World. 


Day 22: Matthew 2:1-12, WISE MEN
These men offered gifts of gold and incense and myrrh, but their most notable and faithful gift was discernment of the Truth.  They protected the Baby's whereabouts from King Herod.  The war, started in the Garden of Eden, tredges on with new tenacity as God is wrapped in flesh to finish what He started.

Day 23: Matthew 2:1-12, GIFTS
Gold for the King of kings. Frankincense as a sign of worhsip, used in the temples during sacrifices under the old law. And myrrh which has healing properties.  By His wounds we are healed.  To the Gift-giver, the wise men gave gifts that declare the Messiah is here. The wait is over. Believe.

Day 24: Philippians 2:6-8, CROSS
Born to die. It was really this simple.  As a mother, my heart aches for Mary.  Does she know how He will save us all when she wraps him in cloths, her newborn Son.  Does she have any idea the horrendous death He must endure for it to be finished?  Mary, did you know?

We topped off our Truth in the Tinsel Advent study with Chris Tomlin's "My Soul Magnifies the Lord". It was AWESOME to see the kids picking out the Scriptures we had been studying for the last 24 days. An amazing Christmas gift sent straight to this mama's heart!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

10 Days Away!

We are only 10 days away!  This week gave us Joseph.  And, soon the rest of the appointed will arrive... but not yet.  Are your hearts full of anticipation? 

Here's a glimpse of where we've been the last 7 days in Scripture... walk with us.

Day 8: Luke 1:57-80, SUN

“Like the rising sun that shines, only You can raise a life, I feel a call and this is my… awakening. “ “Awake my soul and sing.”  I love the way the sun shines warm on my face, energizing me and overwhelming me with joy.  And I love how the Son can do that whether there is light… or darkness. 

Day 9: Matthew 1:18-24, JOSEPH

Enter Joseph.  Everything inside him said run… his virgin wife impregnated.  Disgraceful, shameful… but God can redeem even this, Joseph… “Do not be afraid.”  Will I trust this God who is sovereign even in imperfect circumstances?

Day 10: Matthew 1:18-24, DREAM

Joseph doesn’t know what to do so God appears during his slumber and tells him what to do. In a dream He whispers, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.” And, Joseph obeys, right away.  The saying in our house, “Obey right away, all the way with a happy heart.”  I guess next time we have difficulty in this area, I can refer to Joseph.

Day 11: Matthew 1:18-24, JESUS' NAME

The power of a name… the name above all names.  One day every knee will bow and tongue confess this name… Jesus, “God saves”.   At this name, the enemy retreats, darkness flees, and all our fear and doubt crumble.  At this name, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus… Peace overcomes.

Day 12: Luke 2:1-7, CENSUS

They were called to their own town to be counted… so Joseph went to where he came from.  That is my deepest desire… that I am headed to where I came from…

Day 13: Luke 2:1-7, BETHLEHEM 

“House of Bread”… No detail was left to chance.  God, He wove this tapestry with great precision driven by His perfect love.  Even the name of Jesus’ birthplace would foretell of the Way, the Bread of Life that would satisfy our hunger…

Day 14: Luke 2:1-7, STABLE

Stable – generally defined as a building divided into separate stalls.  The One who came to tear the veil was born in a structure divided. But it’s only a matter of time… the walls are coming down!  The trail to the tree starts in a dirty barn filled with the world's stench.  Isn't this where we start too?

Gifts from the Heart

The Christ-child received three gifts on that Holy Night and He would take on the sin of humanity so we could live in freedom, in eternity, in relationship once again with our Creator.  A Christmas tree packed full of wrappings and bows for us every day folk seems… well...

This time of year, it seems to be all about the gifts.  The retail gluttony consumes the media waves and the everyday places and I find it hard to settle in the sufficiency of giving from the heart to recognize the ultimate Gift-Giver who loves and gives.  I find myself trying to stuff my tree with new, shiny packages, trying to fill expectations instead of hearts.  

Maybe if I wrote down the gifts I’ve counted on individual pieces of paper, and wrapped them, and set them under my tree, I could see an example of the abundance of gifts we each already have.  And whatever I choose to give, from the heart, well maybe that might be included in someone else’s accounting… of the gifts that fill their heart because they are really from His heart, the One who taught us to give.  Maybe…

And just when I’ve written and wrapped the last gift, the count, it doesn’t stop, because He never stops raining down the gifts of love from His heart… it’s only a matter of looking. 

#285. The sound of imaginations running wild in the dead of winter.

#286. Spending 24 days discussing our Savior’s birth… as a family.

#287. The wonder found in the barn on that Holy Night… they are young but they can already behold it.

#288. The Provider who always amazes us with the ways manna falls from the skies.  Daily. Bread.

#289.  A little boy washing his hair, mesmerized by the lather he creates… and the way he investigates when he thinks no one is looking. Abandoned.

#290. A lack of excess to see there is still an abundance.

#291. A big sister always seeking a companion to enter the dark places.

#292. A little brother who goes without question.

#293. Exchanging dreams over hot cocoa with marshmallows.

#294. Traditions, old and new – the way they pull out memories from the archives and log new ones.

#295. Hearts tied together in Christ.

#296. The tender, gentle way God answers the same questions over and over. 

#297. “What if” pondering with the kids over a meal I didn’t cook.  “What if this restaurant was totally dark?” “What if there were windows in the ceiling so we could see the stars?” What if…

#298.  A little girl who sees moments worth capturing... a budding photographer...

Seeds of Kindness

This month, we've been talking about anticipating the Savior... preparing our hearts for the Christ child. And I started thinking... As a mother, how can I guide my children to prepare for His coming? 

At this age, I think it involves practical application.  So...

We can read the story, again and again. From the beginning. See how every story whispers His name.  Wait as the barn slowly fills. Mary. Then Joseph.  It won't be long now.

We can emphasize parts of the story with activities, an attempt to wrap our little brains around the greatness of this God-love.  The Light of the World pierced through the darkness of sin like the smallest candle lights up our windowless, downstairs bathroom... and that small illumination lights up their small faces.  They are starting to see... 

This Advent season, we planted seeds.  One seed planted for every act of His love displayed to others to remind us how He displayed His love to all the people – from the barn to the tree. 

And when these seeds of kindness sprout love in full by Christmas Day, we will have a bed to lay a Babe, the Savior of the world.  "We're growing the hay for Jesus, Mama?" "Yes, baby, we're preparing for His coming." And her look says it all.  Preparing is an action... and I can grow a place for Him.

Don't all of these things and countless more help me prepare? When I turn my focus on Him and anticipate His work within, isn't this when He crashes in like a hurricane?  When I let the world fall right out of that heart space God has been waiting to consume? Because if I make space, isn't that preparing for Someone to occupy it? 

Oh, wait, though... this was about the children.  But, isn't this how they will learn to prepare? To see within my heart this authentic relationship with the Christ child that grows and stretches me to go and make disciples of all nations, beginning with my children.  How?  By investing in authentic relationships with these tender hearts from everyday moments to Christmas traditions.  By showing them the love of Christ, by harboring this deep-rooted desire to plant seeds of kindness in their little hearts and see what God can grow.  To anticipate His coming... not only in my own heart, but in theirs as well.

7 Days Closer

We have an advent calendar.  Last year we stuffed it with activities. And we did them.  Some were well received and some I would call flops. But we did them. As a family.  We brought food to our local food pantry, we drove around and looked at lights, we watched Christmas movies and drank hot chocolate.  None of these things are bad. Yet none were intentionally pointing little hearts toward Jesus, not in and of themselves. And all of them took careful planning and scheduling and orchestrating and frazzled this mama beyond recognition. 

As we approach the day that Love came down, I want the message to be clear and do my part to ensure the Truth isn’t lost in a bad case of the wants (mine and my kids) and expectations aren’t contained in boxes with pretty bows.  This year, I decided to be very intentional, to teach my children about expecting their Savior, their Hero. This year, I want to help my kids prepare for His coming.


I found this Advent e-book that is perfect! Age appropriate (preschool to early elementary) and engaging with daily crafts and Bible readings. So, this year our advent calendar is stuffed with a word, a clue to be found in Scripture.  It's like a scavenger hunt to engage little  ears as the Christmas story is played out over 24 days. After the reading and finding the clue word in the Word, shouting "The Christ child is coming!" 24 different ways, they use their hands so their heart can grip the Truth and take hold of the promise. 


We are 7 days closer to to laying the Babe in the manger!  Each of these 7 days has held anticipation and excitement. My kids can't wait to open the next door, find the next clue, see how much closer we are getting to the stable.  On Day 1, our stable was empty.  But with each passing day, we get closer to filling it.  Day 5 gave us Mary.  And as we placed Mary in our own empty barn here at home, I noticed how much more real it became to them... connections are being made.  I'll never really know the extent.  All I can do is trust the God who is leading me to teach them, intentionally. The same God who promises His word does not return void.


My kids hearts aren't the only ones gripping Truth and taking hold. The Scripture and clue words have caused me to ponder this miracle with the Giver...again. Here is a snapshot of where our hearts have traveled these last 7 days...

Day 1: Isaiah 9:2-7, CANDLE
The promise, part one. The Light of the world is coming. In it there is no darkness. There is only joy, unending joy.

Day 2: Isaiah 9:2-7, KINGDOM
The promise, part two. A perfect king will grow from the barn of humility to reign justly with righteousness, eternally.

Day 3: Luke 1:1-25, ZECHARIAH

The man who was silenced by God for his disbelief. Will I believe what God says with minimal questions?  Or will God have to hold my tongue so I can see He is trustworthy?

Day 4: Luke 1:26-38, GABRIEL

The time is near – prepare the way.  A baby to tell of the Way.  Then...

The wait is over – anticipate His coming. A Babe from the virgin’s womb.

Day 5: Luke 1:26-38, MARY

The girl who said yes to God.  Mary’s place in the stable is secured with a simple response. “I am the Lord’s servant.”

Day 6: Luke 1:39-45, MARY AND ELIZABETH

Elizabeth’s baby leaps for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. ‘Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Then. Not before John responded in the womb. Faith like a child – that spills joy and the Holy Spirit. Jesus would call us all to have faith like this that produces joy, uncontainable joy.

Day 7: Luke 1:46-56, SONG

Mary’s joy could not be contained and now the Holy Spirit revealed the Truth to Elizabeth. Mary could be free in her joy and so she sang, “My soul magnifies the Lord. He has done great things!” Imperfect circumstances for a perfect Lamb.  "He has done great things!"  Sing, clap your hands and shout for joy in all circumstances.  The Christ child is growing... we are 7 days closer!

The Truth has long been revealed to us.  Joy to the world. May my life be a beautiful song of praise and adoration, O Lord.  And may it spill over to those around me...

Anticipating the next 7 days...

Christmas Preparation

Christmas is coming faster than I’d like, and as a mom, I tend to see this season differently than my children. I see the baking to do, the halls to deck, the presents to buy, the advent calendar to stuff and the must-see sights of winter to fit in between Christmas cards and crafting until I’ve mod podged my hair to my apron. My kids? They see the wonder of Christmas lights splashing color in the dark of winter, the devotion of a family who delights in time together, the miracle of love in action as presents arrive on our doorstep, the anticipation of the next advent door.

And it makes me ask myself: Do I still see the wonder… of a Holy God who put on flesh and stepped into time? Do I grasp the devotion… of this relentless God-love? Do I understand the miracle… of love in action for me, for all the people? Do I anticipate… the Savior of the world, my Hero?

All those years ago, in a stable because there was no room in the inn, a young mother was full of anticipation. She was not focused on her circumstances but delighting in a Truth the world couldn’t possibly understand yet. She was not busying herself with activity but expecting the greatest Gift the world could never earn… destined to arrive just as God had promised, in a little town called Bethlehem, “House of Bread”. Through her womb the Bread of Life would stretch her and change her and scar her from the inside out and she would remember this Gift that came through her labor of anticipation and she would never be the same. She would come face to face with the God that gives and redeems and delivers, even in a barn. Mary anticipated a son, the Son. For nine months. She had conversations with God, and she bowed in humility to rise up in courage and deliver the Deliverer.

This side of Calvary, I understand too, but my children don’t, not yet, not fully. And still, they are full of anticipation. Intellectually, I know full well why we celebrate December 25th. My kids have only scratched the surface. “It’s Jesus’ birthday! How old will He be this year, Mama?” Only. the. surface. So, knowing what I know, seeing what I’ve seen, do I anticipate like they do? Do I even scratch the surface?

This Christmas, am I preparing my heart? Am I preparing a place for the Babe in the manger? So He can reach me? So, I can reach them? I understand so much more than my children could possibly grasp. Are they learning from me? If I am hurried how can my children ever learn to be still? If I am focused on the activity how will they ever learn about His love? If I don’t anticipate my Savior, how will they know they can? Shouldn’t everything I do this Christmas season point my children to the greatest story ever written, the Great Rescue that began that Holy Night? Immanuel, God with us, dwelling among us. The Word that became flesh. Shouldn’t any activity be fueled by the Love that couldn’t live without us, that gave us a reason to celebrate?

Maybe it’s time for this mama to let go of the grand plans of Christmas and delight in the simplicity and joy of pouring over this Christmas story with my family, of anticipating His arrival so desperately that He comes crashing into our hearts and changes us from the inside out.

Want to join me? I’ll be working through this amazing Advent calendar with my kiddos. Oh, it’s always fun to do things together!

If you don't have kids or this does not fit your kids’ ages, you can join me in this Jesse Tree Devotional, which is AmAzInG for your Christmas quiet time and follows the traditional Advent calendar! Advent officially started Sunday, November 27.

O Lord, we anticipate your coming… change us from the inside out, for your glory. Amen.