Advent Christmas Eve/Christmas: CHRIST—Preparing for CHRISTmas 2020

The final candle of Advent—representing Christ—is lighted on Thursday, December 24 or Friday, December 25 Christmas Day.

 CHRIST—Jesus embodies the hope, peace, joy, love of the other four candles…and is the reason for and source of each. John refers to Him as The Light of the World (John 1:9-14) and Jesus refers to Himself in the same terms (John 8:12; 9:5). On this dark December night, we welcome His Light—dispelling the darkness. The Christ Candle is typically set in the center of the circular Advent wreath, is larger than the other four and is white—representing the Jesus’ holiness and purity.

 To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously. --Pope John Paul II

 Advent allows us to recover during this four-week journey. It begins four Sundays before Christmas all the way up to Christmas. It lets us breathe in those moments of faithfulness and helps us recognize that God is working. --Louie Giglio

 Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor. --Charles Spurgeon

 Spend time on Christmas Eve/Day reflecting on

        The Lord’s HOPE--that does not disappoint—that looks back and forward to God’s unwavering faithfulness.

        The Lord’s PEACE—a perfect peace that transcends all understanding, seen most fully in our Prince of Peace, Jesus who came to establish His Kingdom here on earth, is bringing about His purposes, and who will return.

        The JOY of the Lord—“our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), Jesus is both our joy and the Source of our joy. We rejoice that He has come…is here with us now…and will come again.

        The LOVE of God—God is both LOVE and the Source of our love. Jesus is the full representation of that love.

 Readings for this week--reflect on God’s character, His faithfulness, His reign, His promises—which are all “YES” in Jesus.

 Scripture readings

Joshua 21:45

Joshua 23:14

1 Kings 8:56

Psalm 145:13

Nehemiah 8:10

Isaiah 63:7-9 Praise and Prayer

Psalm 148

Matthew 2:1-2 The Magi Visit the Messiah

2 Corinthians 1:20

Revelation 11:15

Revelation 19:6

Reflect:

Take a moment to reread one of the nativity stories from a previous study guide. Marvel at what God has done for you in Jesus.

I hope it’s been useful to take time to intentionally prepare yourself for Jesus’ coming—His first coming (Christmas) and His future return.  May this be a season of eager anticipation, remembrance, wonder, expectation, and awe as we welcome Emmanuel—God with us. May you know His Presence WITH you always.

 “Christmastide” begins from Christmas Eve, December 24, until Epiphany [or Three Kings Day], January 6.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.  Contact Shirley.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, All Rights Reserved.