Advent. The season we journey through with anticipation of the first coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A season where we focus on hope, peace, joy, love, and the birth of our Savior. It is easy to rush through to Christmas morning.
But as we go through each week living into the promise of hope, peace, joy, and love that this season brings, we are also walking through a time of darkness—a time before our Lord walked the earth over 2000 years ago in human form. Today, a time as we remember His first coming in anticipation of the second. There are so many things during the Christmas season to celebrate and participate in, but when it comes down to it, we focus our hearts and minds on the hope found in Jesus.
We all know how different this year has been. Some of us or our friends have been walking through some dark times in 2020. We, as believers, find hope in Jesus. But those that do not know the Lord may feel even more isolated and alone during this time. This week, take time to be in prayer for those that may not see the hope that comes through salvation in Christ.
Hope keeps us moving forward when we are unsure where we are or where we are going. Hope begins to bring light into the darkness we are wandering in. Hope brings life and reason to press forward. The hope and belief that Christ will come again keeps us moving day to day into a deeper relationship with Him. Because of our hope, we share Christ with others so that all may know the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Christ.
Here are some scriptures to Finding Joy in the Journey:
December 1 – John 1:1-5
December 2 – Isaiah 9:2-7
December 3 – Isaiah 11:1-10
December 4 – Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 5 – Luke 1:5-10
December 6 – Luke 1:11-17
December 7 – Luke 1:18-25
Consider doing a Reverse Advent Calendar this year. Each Day, add an item to a box. On Christmas Eve, donate the contents to a food bank. Here is a list below, but you can also check with your local food bank or food ministries to see what items they need and accept.
Dec. 1 – Box of Cereal
Dec. 2 – Peanut Butter
Dec. 3 – Stuffing Mix
Dec. 4 – Boxed Potatoes
Dec. 5 – Macaroni and Cheese
Dec. 6 – Canned Fruit
Dec. 7 – Canned Tomatoes
Dec. 8 – Canned Tuna
Dec. 9 – Dessert Mix
Dec. 10 – Jar of Applesauce
Dec. 11 – Canned Sweet Potatoes
Dec. 12 – Cranberry Sauce
Dec. 13 – Canned Beans
Dec. 14 – Box of Crackers
Dec. 15 – Package of Rice
Dec. 16 – Package of Oatmeal
Dec. 17 – Package Pasta
Dec. 18 – Spaghetti Sauce
Dec. 19 – Chicken noodle soup
Dec. 20 – Tomato Soup
Dec. 21 – Canned Corn
Dec. 22 – Canned Mixed Vegetables
Dec. 23 – Canned Carrots
Dec. 24 – Canned Green Beans