How are you preparing for Christmas? At a time of year when itโs often difficult to slow down, use these Scriptures and prayers to create space each weekโpause and remember the reasons we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
As you journey through Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas, beginning each week on a Sunday), enjoy the Christmas hymn โCome Thou Long Expected Jesusโ by Charles Wesley. Let these four phrases from the hymn help prepare your heart with anticipation and celebration.
Week 1: โBorn to set Thy people freeโ
People heard long before Jesusโ birth about a Messiah who would come and set captives free. This week, letโs celebrate salvation and the freedom we have in Christ because God sent His Son. Itโs through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection that we get to be with God forever.
Scriptures:
โThe Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisonersโ Isaiah 61:1 (NIV).
More to explore: John 3:16-17; Romans 6:22; Hebrews 2:14-15
Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. I celebrate the abundant life and freedom you give me in Christ. I remember when I surrendered my life to you and received Jesus as Lord and Savior. Thank you for the gift of salvation.
Week 2: โLet us find our rest in Theeโ
Would you say this season is more restful or restless? Often the things we think will bring us rest may only last temporarily. However, Jesus says to come to Him for rest. This week, ask Jesus about this rest and what it could look like in your life.
Scriptures:
โโCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is lightโโ Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV).
More to explore: Psalm 62:1-2; Hebrews 4:3,10
Prayer: Father, thank you for the rest I have in you. Will you show me how to find my renewal in you alone? I bring you those things in my life that feel so heavy. Show me how to give you my burdens.
Week 3: โHope of all the earth Thou artโ
Have you considered how Jesusโ birth was announced at night? Sometimes when things seem the darkest, God steps in with light and hope. How do you need God to step in and offer hope? Remember, this hope is not only for you, but for the whole earth. Consider sharing the hope you have in Jesus with a friend this week.
Scriptures:
โThe people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawnedโ Isaiah 9:2 (NIV).
โโฆbut those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faintโ Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).
More to explore: Luke 2:8-12; Ephesians 1:18
Prayer: Father, thank you for stepping in when everything seems dark, especially through Jesus. Forgive me when I struggle to place all my hope in you alone. Help me to be renewed by your hope and be a light to those around me.
Week 4: โJoy of every longing heartโ
We hear the word โjoyโ a lot around Christmastime. What does it mean for Jesus to be your joy? How does He fulfill your deepest longings? This week, explore with God how we have joy in Jesus today and also the ultimate joy weโll have when we see Him face-to-face.
Scriptures:
โThough you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your soulsโ 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV).
More to explore: Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 16:11; Philippians 4:4; John 16:22
Prayer: Father, thank you for your presence and how this is where I find true joy. Help me to understand how your joy outweighs my circumstances. Give me deeper insight into the joy experienced when I finally see you face-to-face and get to be with you forever.
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Jesus was not born in winter time? But in march was there even a calendar like we have now there is a Jewish calender but I do not know much about it. st nicolis gave gifts during winter time so it seems to be maybe why we think Jesus was born in winter time plus Mary and Joseph would not be traveling in winter probably to cold for them
You are correct, Robert. The most likely time was during the Feast of Tabernacles (late autumn โ Sep[t/Oct).The reason why we celebrate the birth of the Saviour in December is that we โtook overโ (or converted!) the pagan winter festival that was already popular.
Gwen is quite correct. The actual day does not matter too much! It is the fact that we celebrate that matters.
Tabernacles celebrates the time when the Children of Israel lived in tents, or โboothsโ during the wilderness wanderings. This was a time when YHWH dwelt with them โ as a fiery pillar by night, and a cloud by day. The Lord Jesus is Emmanuel โ โGod with usโ (Mt.1:23), and John uses a word that refers to YHWH dwelling in the tabernacle (Jn.1:14). Each of the major Jewish feasts shows a connection with the life death and return of the Messiah. It is a fascinating study!
Blessings, and shalom.
In our family we did not hold tightly to celebrating a birthday on the very day that was the date of birth, but to celebrate on a day that had been set aside for as many who could come could be there for the celebration. We have set aside December 25 to celebrate Jesusโ birthday and it is know around the world as the day to celebrate.
Did you know Jesusโ Birth was in March/April?