My 12/13/15AM devotional from the end of the children’s Christmas program was entitled Christmas Bursts Expectations from 1 Samuel 16:1-13. I tried to make some connections between Samuel going to find a king in Bethlehem, who ended up being a shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over his flock to the King that was born in Bethlehem and announced to shepherds in Luke 2. It’s truly amazing to watch God burst our expectations of how we would fix a broken world. And, He does it in a way that is not only effective but lasting. So, I hope this thought is encouraging to you.
Gospel Friday – His Name Is Jesus…
What encouragement was Joseph given from the angel about this baby in Mary’s womb:
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Today, then rest in this amazing news that God sent a rescuer for you.
Gospel Friday – Savior of the World
As you think about Advent and the coming weekend (or even your day today), take heart because…
The Father has sent
The Son to be
The Savior of
The World. (1 John 4:14)
Some Advent Resources
There are many (free) advent resources that are helpful. Here are some resources I enjoy…
Good News of Great Joy (an Advent devotional by John Piper)
The Village Church’s Advent Guide for 2015
On the musical front (not necessarily free):
As well as anything by Folk Angel
My Favorite Christmas Cookie? Chocolate Crinkle
My Favorite Christmas Blend? While Starbucks is great, I like Roasterie’s Holiday Blend best
What else? Ever read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote?
How about Luke 2:1-20? or Matthew 1:18-25?
Have a great celebration of Advent this month!
Being A Godly Husband During Advent
Traditionally, we (men) view the Christmas season as a time for our wives to shine. So, we leave the tree trimming, baking, holiday decor and family environs to our wives to accomplish. After all, fluffy trees and baking may not be strong suits for us. But, what if we viewed this through a different lens? There are countless opportunities during the holidays to model what loving, sacrificial leadership looks like in our homes. It can be a special time to die to our selfish desires and serve those we claim to love supremely.
So, here’s a list of 10 things that I’d challenge you with to stretch you that may very well have a profound impact on your family…
1) Ask your wife what you can do to help her in the kitchen.
2) Initiate a family game night with your family.
3) If your family is setting up the tree, make this an exciting time by drawing out stories and memories that come with ornaments.
4) Explain to your children what a joy it is for you to celebrate the holiday season with them.
5) Prioritize moments where your family will be able to worship with other believers during Advent.
6) Plan a surprise date night for your wife and take time to drive around town and look at Christmas lights, just the two of you.
7) Surprise your children by picking them up from school to do a fun holiday activity together.
8) Take steps for your family to serve others in some way.
9) Plan a family movie night and don’t hold anything back.
10) Draw your wife and kids close and read them the Christmas story from Matthew 1 and Luke 2.
What other ways can you think of that might serve your wife and kids? Wives, what impact would this have on your home?
I hope this Advent season brings the joy of Christ radiating through godly husbands.
Weekend Recap – 12/22/13
My 12/22/13AM sermon, God-Centered Christmas from Luke 2:1-7, is now online. The sermon sought to showcase how God and Christ are seen in the Christmas story so that we might believe and worship God for His amazing plan in sending His Son. I hope it does this for you and you spend time this week marveling at God becoming man.
Christmas In Dark Places
Video and Poem by Glen Scrivener:
HT: JT
Weekend Recap – It’s Time
My 12/15/13AM sermon, In the Fullness of Time, from Galatians 4:4-5 is now online. We had a great morning singing songs of our Savior’s coming to save, Children serving the congregation by presenting the Song of the Stars musical and lots of energy. My sermon got at how God sent His Son to redeem and adopt sinful humanity. I hope it served everyone well.
Hope you had a great Sunday, too.
Music Review – Folk Angel’s All the Earth Rejoice
Been listening A LOT to Folk Angel’s All The Earth Rejoice. If you don’t know Folk Angel, according to their website, they “write and rearrange traditional Christmas songs, and through that creative process, retell the Gospel story that illuminates all things.” I have most all of their projects, but this most recent one has been getting a lot of play, mainly because I enjoy the stylistic diversity. There are traditional songs redone in fun ways, new songs that help us glorify Christ and songs that I anticipate using in the local church. My favorite track features Isaac Wimberley and is entitled He Knows.
I can’t say enough to recommend this to you. But, don’t just take my word for it…go over to the All The Earth Rejoice page and sample each of the songs. And, then, give them support by purchasing it for your holiday worship and enjoyment.
Folk Angel is also on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Ladies Christmas Tea Video
Here’s a video by Elizabeth Wood for our 2013 Ladies Christmas Tea. This, in particular, is a worshipful trip into Christ’s glory…
2013 Christmas Tea from Phil Auxier on Vimeo.
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