Sunday, November 30, 2014

Advent Calendar


Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the celebration of Jesus's birth. The word, advent, means "coming" or "arrival." God's prophecies in the Old Testament prepared the way for a Savior. 

Each year, believers participate in Advent as a way to hit the "pause" button in a busy life so as celebrate Christ's birth and prepare for His return. 

The following is a guide that combines Advent verses and daily challenges.  I put this guide together for our family.  I stole the concept from a friend who has been doing with with her boys for years.  It's a way for our family to prepare for the Christmas season even though we are in different cities and on different schedules. 

The verses were chosen because they focus on hope/encouragement and thanksgiving. Likewise, I added a challenge (which I found on the Internet) to each day to try to reinforce the verses.  If you would like to "steal" this calendar, have at it. As I did last year, I am challenging myself to write and reflect on each day's verses. Rather than just read the verses, I am hoping to immerse myself in God's Word  and prepare my heart for Christmas. 

December 1:

Isaiah 41:10 “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Challenge: Each day until Christmas, write down five things that you are thankful for.  It’s best to do it in the morning, so you can think about it all day.  Either way, always find five specific things for which you are thankful. 

December 2:

Deuteronomy 31:6  “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Ephesians 4:7  “However, he has given each one of us a special gift [talent] through the generosity of Christ.”

Challenge: Hold the door open for someone today. It is a polite and thoughtful act you can easily do. Those around you will certainly appreciate your good manners.

December 3:

Micah 7:7 “As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.”

Psalm 75:1 “We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.”

Challenge: Call someone whom you have not talking with in a while. 

December 4:

I Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Lamentations 3:23 “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Challenge: Eat a meal with someone new. Wherever you are, you may have a specific group of people who you enjoy hanging out with at lunch, between classes, after school, or on the weekends. Who can you invite to join you?

December 5:

Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Isaiah 12:4 “In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!”

Challenge: Let someone go in front of you today. Nearly every day we encounter a situation where we are required to wait in line. It can often be a frustrating and tedious situation that causes people to become irritable and impatient. Being patient and letting someone go first makes that person’s day a little better, and is simply a considerate gesture.

December 6:

James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Challenge: Send a note of appreciation. Take a few minutes out of your day today to write a note of appreciation to someone you haven't thanked in a while- anyone who you feel needs a bit of a pick me up.  Once you’ve brainstormed your thoughts, write them neatly in card you’ve chosen, or just send an email. 

December 7:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Psalm 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

Challenge: Start a piggy bank for a specific cause. Keep your spare change in a piggy bank and when it is full, donate it to a cause or charity of your choice. Throughout the day it is common to accrue spare change that usually ends up in the bottom of your pockets or bag. At the end of every day, gather your spare change and store it in a piggy bank or jar. A few coins here and there don’t seem to be much, but over time, it can really add up. When your piggy bank is full, take the money and donate it to a good cause or charity organization.

December 8:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

Challenge: Ask if you can help. Many people find it quite difficult to ask someone for help. They feel that they are inconveniencing the other person or "unloading" on them. The next time you see someone who looks down or frustrated, offer to help them. Simply ask how you could help make a situation better.

December 9:

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 2:14-15 “14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Challenge: Do something anonymously. Perform one act of kindness but nobody can know you did it. You may not tell anyone and if someone finds out you did it, it doesn't count and you have to do something else. You learn not only charity and kindness but humility as well.

December 10:

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Psalm 121: 1-2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Challenge: Pay it forward. Keep extra change in your car - 99 cents to $2.00. That’s typically how much a small frosty or shake is. Local fast food places will like it because it helps promote their items. That’s just one example.  Whatever you do, do it with no strings attached.

December 11:

John 14:27 “27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Matthew 28: 18-20 “18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Challenge: Help a co-worker. If you know that one of your coworkers has a huge work load or big project to finish, offer to help. You will be amazed how quickly the work will get done with both of you working on it!

December 12:

Romans 8:38-9 “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

James 1:17 “17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Challenge: Leave a book for someone else.  It should be a book you have read and enjoyed.  Leave it for someone else to enjoy; perhaps, even write in it that you have left it for them and they should leave it when they have finished.

December 13:

Isaiah 40:31 “But 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 faint.”

I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Challenge: Be a grateful person today. Thank five people today for something specific, even for the little things.

December 14:

John 14:1-3 “14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Psalm 40:1-2 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

Challenge:  Smile at five strangers today. A sincere smile can really make a positive difference in someone’s day.· Without saying a word you are letting that person know that you see them and that they matter. People appreciate being noticed and acknowledged! ·As Plato once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Encourage five strangers today by giving them each a smile!

December 15:

Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;”

John 11:41 ““Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”

Challenge: Study with a classmate. School often can be very stressful. Finding the motivation to study or trying to score high grades can be a challenge. Studying with a friend can be a great solution and much-needed encouragement.

December 16:

John 16:33 “33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Challenge: Compliment someone. Whenever you see someone wearing a nice outfit or jewelry, give her/him a compliment. This always brings a smile to their face and gives you a nice feeling. It's a little thing but can really light up someone's day when they are feeling down.

December 17:

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Acts 20:35 “35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Challenge: Call a grandparent. Spending time with a grandparent is a great way to learn about your heritage, your family history and even about yourself. You don’t have to live nearby to have a strong relationship with grandparents either. A simple phone call or a letter every now and then can be a way to stay in touch, even if you live far away from them.

December 18:

Romans 8:31 “31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Challenge: Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life. "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer. Has someone made a difference in your life? Maybe it’s a teacher or professor who made a difference in your education; a coach who believed in you and inspired you to do your best. Maybe that person is a grandparent who raised you or a mentor who helped you choose your career path. Why not tell that person in a letter or card how they have inspired you?

December 19:

Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Colossians 3:17 “17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Challenge: Leave a confidence sticky note. Leave sticky notes with inspirational messages on them in random places, such as a grocery store shelf, the mirror in a public bathroom, or on a car's windshield.

December 20:

Hosea 12:6 “But you must return to God; maintain love and justice, and wait for God always.”

Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

Challenge: Bring your co-workers a special treat. Small surprises and tokens of your appreciation spread throughout the year help the people in your workplace feel valued. Surprise your coworkers with donuts, cookies or a homemade treat.

December 21:

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Challenge: Be someone’s cheerleader today. You can always see someone who needs encouragement.  Be the encourager.

December 22:

Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 39:7 ““But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

Challenge: Share something today with someone else – even and especially if you don’t want to.

December 23:

Matthew 11:28-30 “"Come 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 light."

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10 “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Challenge: Do the task no one else wants to do.  There is always one.  A servant’s heart is invaluable.  Not only does it teach humility; it also shows others a better way to live.

December 24:

Psalm 16:11You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Philippians 1:9-11 “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Challenge: Be in the moment all day today.  Hug, listen, laugh, and celebrate.  There will never be another day or another moment just like this one.









 


 






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