December 9

A trip to the book store or a scroll through podcasts will show lots of tips about how to lead. We look up to leaders. We don’t hear too much about following. Yet Christ calls us to follow Him. Following sometimes means yielding our plans and our comfort. Ask God today for ways to simply follow Him.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers … And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets & followed Him.  Matthew 4:18-20

December 8

When Mary and Joseph finally reached Bethlehem, they searched for a place suitable for the coming Messiah. His arrival was imminent but there was no room to be found. How will you make room for Christ to come and dwell during this advent season?

She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Christmas is a wonder-filled time for children. Whether you’re a mom or grandpa, or a babysitter for your neighbors, each week we’ll share a kid-friendly craft or idea to help introduce the children in your life to Advent. Let’s get to it for week one.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Christmas Star template download here
Yarn or twine (approximately 25 feet for each star)
Cardboard, cotton balls or batting, glue gun & glue sticks, hole punch, scissors

WHAT YOU’LL DO

1. Download and cut out the Christmas Star template.
2. Trace the star onto cardboard and cut around the edges.
3. If you’re using batting, cut two pieces of star-shaped batting per ornament.
4. Make a hole in one of the points of the cardboard star with the hole-punch.
5. Loop a small piece of twine through the hole. This will be your ornament hanger.
6. Hot-glue the batting or cotton balls to both sides of the star-shaped cardboard.
7. Place a small drop of hot glue on the tip of one the star points to attach one end of the twine or yarn and begin wrapping the star.
8. Continue wrapping the star, periodically placing hot glue in spots where the twine or yarn may slip.
9. Once the star is completely wrapped, use a small drop of glue to secure the end of the twine or yarn.

December 7

God is infinite. Our Creator is unbound by time. He placed us in the world with a finite number of days. In an incredible act of humility, God stepped into time and made a way for us to join Him in eternity. Prayerfully seek an eternal perspective. Ask God to give you a focus today on things that matter for eternity.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart … Ecclesiastes 3:11

December 6

Young Mary was unwed and pregnant. We don’t have to look too far through the lens of history to understand she was in a desperate circumstance. Mary made a choice to serve the Lord in faith and move forward in obedience. Ask God where you can serve in faith as you you prepare for the coming of Christ.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38