Christmas 2023

 

Advent 2023 - December 24th

 

Advent 2023 - December 23rd

The Legend of the Poinsettia 

It was Christmas Eve in Mexico when many traveled to the nearest chapel to worship and lay their gifts before the Christ Child in the Nativity.

Pepita and her cousin Pedro joined their families as they traveled down the dirty road.  Pepita held her head low with such a sad look on her face for she was too poor to buy a gift. 

Pedro tried to encourage her saying that even the smallest gift given in love would be happily accepted by Christ.

Pepita's eyes glanced about and landed on a field of flowering weeds along the roadside.  She knelt and gathered several making them into a simple bouquet. 

As she looked at the flowers, her disappointment returned for they were in no way a worthy gift for anyone, much less the Son of God.  A small tear fell from her cheek and landed on the dusty path leaving a dark spot behind.

As they neared the Nativity, Pepita bowed her head low and drawing courage from Pedro's words - "even the smallest gift given with love will be accepted," she stepped inside the little chapel and approached the Nativity scene.

As she knelt there, it is said a miracle took place! The scraggly petals of those weeds changed into beautiful scarlet red blooms. Pepita's face also bloomed with a smile sensing the love her Savior had for her - a poor little girl with nothing to give but herself and her love.

From this time on the poinsettias became known as the Flores de Noche Buena - "Flowers of the Holy Night." 

-Mexican Folktale

 

Advent 2023 - December 22nd

 

Advent 2023 - December 21st

 

Advent 2023 - December 20th

 

Advent 2023 - December 19th

 

Advent 2023 - December 18th

 

Advent 2023 - December 17th

 

Advent 2023 - December 15th

 

Advent 2023 - December 14th

 

Advent 2023 - December 13th

 

Action Step:

"This Christmas, when we gaze at the Christmas lights on trees and houses, in garland and wreaths, let’s remember that God can do the impossible in our lives.  Talk to God, the One who can do the impossible, and ask for His help. Write down your prayer with the date and tuck it near a Christmas light in your Christmas tree to remind you that God can accomplish what is impossible for us. When he answers, write the answer on the paper – it could even be a new tradition to tuck prayers and answered prayers into our Christmas trees each year!"

Advent 2023 - December 12th

 

Today's scripture is 2 Corinthians 9:15.  "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift."  The devotional writer reminds us today about the story of the Candy Cane.  

A candy cane is not an ordinary treat,

It holds a Christmas message of love that’s oh-so-sweet.

The cane reminds me of a shepherd’s staff,

A way provided for eternity, on my behalf.

Turn the cane around and a “J” you will see,

Jesus, my Savior, was born to set me free.

The red is symbolic of the blood Christ shed,

The price for my sin that He bore instead.

The white represents a life made new,

God’s gift through Christ’s birth, for me and you.

Action Step:  Every time you see a candy cane, thank God for His indescribable gift! Maybe get a few candy  canes and give them out while sharing the best Gift of all with others.  Better yet, attach a tag  to a candy cane with the Legend of the Candy Cane & randomly place it on someone's windshield when you go shopping today.   Google "Legend of the Candy Cane" and go to a website that offers a free tag to print out.

 

Advent 2023 - December 11th

 

Advent 2023 - December 10th

 

Advent 2023 - December 9th

 

Advent 2023 - December 8th

 

Advent 2023 - December 7th

 

Advent 2023 - December 6th

 

Advent 2023 - December 5th

 

We are the children of the Most High God, heirs in this royal bloodline.

 

The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until tribute comes to him;

and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Genesis 49:10

Advent 2023 - December 4th

 

Action Step:  Reflect on the idea that we are blessed. Blessed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Even if life is tough right now, we are still blessed beyond measure. We are blessed so that we will be a blessing to those around us. What way can you bless someone today?

Advent 2023 - December 3rd, 1st Sunday of Advent

 

Today is the first day and first Sunday of Advent.  I am going to be following "Gnome for the Holy Days - An Advent Series" by Amanda of Devotion in Action.  This Advent Series has a scripture, a graphic resource, a video, an action plan, and a prayer for each day.  Some days I will comment on the daily devotional or share other activities I've done for that day.  But mostly I will be using the template above and write out the scripture for the day.  This is a daily discipline that many people don't use very often.  For those who are kinesthetic learners, this is an excellent way to remember scripture verses.

So during this season of Advent, I invite you to do your own personal journaling and use Amanda's daily devotional as your guide.  I hope you'll join me on this journey to meet the newborn Child.