An Advent Devotion - 3

SCRIPTURE:
"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" ~ Matthew 2:5-6

REFLECTION:
The Lord is coming. Prepare the way of the Lord. We prepare for many big events in our lives. Weddings, births, funerals, moving day, our careers, etc. all involve some sort of preparation. Why do we prepare? If we don't prepare we could run into many problems. We prepare because we want the day to go smoothly; we prepare because we want to fully enjoy and appreciate the occassion. Just as we prepare for these major events in our lives, so we should prepare for Christmas. As we begin our prepartion for the birth of God's Son - Jesus, ask yourself how you can prepare to celebrate the Christ child: in your life, in your home, in your community.

PRAYER:
Loving God, we ask you to be with us in a special way during this time of preparation. Help us to prepare our hearts, as well as, our homes, gifts, and decorations for Your coming. Amen.

ACTIVITY:
Make and/or Send Christmas Cards.
Share the blessings of the season with others.

SONG:
Of The Father's Love Begotten
Aurelius C. Prudentius, John M. Neale, Henry W. Baker
© Public Domain

Of the Father's love begotten,
Ere the world began to be;
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He.
Of the things that are that have been
And that future years shall see;
Ever more and ever more!

O, ye heights of heaven adore Him,
Angel hosts; His praises sing;
Pow'rs, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Ev'ry voice in concert ring;
Ever more and ever more!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee;
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion
And eternal victory;
Ever more and ever more! Amen.

STORY/POEM:
The Wind in the Willows (Chapter 5 - Dulce Domum) by Kenneth Grahame

QUOTE:
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." ~ W. C. Jones

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