Advent Day 25 - Birth of Christ - Luke 2:11-20

Luke 2:11-20

The Message (MSG)

An Event for Everyone

8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

Advent Day 24 - The Manger - Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7

The Message (MSG)

The Birth of Jesus

2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

Advent Day 23 - God with Us - Matthew 1:20-23

Matthew 1:20-23

The Message (MSG)

20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).

Advent Day 22 - Mary - Luke 1:28-35, 38

Luke 1:26-35, 38 

The Message (MSG)

1 26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:

Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.

29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.

He will be great,
    be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
    the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
    no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

34 Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”

35,38 The angel answered,

The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
    the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
    will be called Holy, Son of God...

And Mary said,

Yes, I see it all now:
    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
    just as you say.

Then the angel left her.

Advent Day 21 - John the Baptist - Matthew 3:1-3

Matthew 3:1-3

The Message (MSG)

Thunder in the Desert!

3 1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”

3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy:

Thunder in the desert!
Prepare for God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!

Advent Day 20 - Zechariah & Elizabeth - Luke 1:6-8, 11-17

Luke 1:6-8, 11-17

The Message (MSG)

A Childless Couple Conceives

5-7 During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest assigned service in the regiment of Abijah. His name was Zachariah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Together they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old.

8-12 It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense...

8-12 It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.

13-15 But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He’ll achieve great stature with God.

15-17 “He’ll drink neither wine nor beer. He’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother’s womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.”

Advent Day 19 - Habakkuk - Habakkuk 2:1; 3:17-19

Habakkuk 2:1; 3:17-19

The Message (MSG)

 What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst.
    I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon.
I’ll wait to see what God says,
    how he’ll answer my complaint...

17-19 Though the cherry trees don’t blossom
    and the strawberries don’t ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
    and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
    and the cattle barns empty,
I’m singing joyful praise to God.
    I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God’s Rule to prevail,
    I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
    I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

Advent Day 18 - Esther - Esther 4:10-16

Esther 4:10-16

The Message (MSG)

9-11 Hathach came back and told Esther everything Mordecai had said. Esther talked it over with Hathach and then sent him back to Mordecai with this message: “Everyone who works for the king here, and even the people out in the provinces, knows that there is a single fate for every man or woman who approaches the king without being invited: death. The one exception is if the king extends his gold scepter; then he or she may live. And it’s been thirty days now since I’ve been invited to come to the king.”

12-14 When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”

15-16 Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: “Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die.”

Advent Day 17 - A True Fairy Tale - Micah 5:2-4

Micah 5:2-4

The Message (MSG)

2-4 But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
    the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
    who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
    His family tree is ancient and distinguished.
Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes
    until the birth pangs are over and the child is born,
And the scattered brothers come back
    home to the family of Israel.
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
    centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.
And the people will have a good and safe home,
    for the whole world will hold him in respect—
    Peacemaker of the world!

Advent Day 16 - Turning Around - Jonah 1:1-3, 17; 2:10; 3:1-3

Jonah 1:1-3, 17; 2:10; 3:1-3 

The Message (MSG)

Running Away from God

1-2 One day long ago, God’s Word came to Jonah, Amittai’s son: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.”

3 But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get...

17 Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly three days and nights...

10 Then God spoke to the fish, and it vomited up Jonah on the seashore...

1-2 Next, God spoke to Jonah a second time: “Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.”

3 This time Jonah started off straight for Nineveh, obeying God’s orders to the letter.

A Christmas To Remember

Photos in this post by Bea Hufman Photography

I sure hope you have been enjoying the Advent posts...I have really enjoyed writing them. They have helped keep me accountable and I feel like this is one of the first Christmases that my heart has truly been in a state of advent.

This week is busy with last minute shopping, wrapping, list-making, holiday celebrations and packing for our Christmas vacation. And as I sat here trying to figure what to right for tomorrow's post I felt myself getting stressed.

I never want my posts to be forced - I don't feel you can force God's words into your heart and out of your fingertips onto the page. I want to make sure everything I write comes from a place of authenticity and not because I'm a "blogger" and "this is what I do."

With that said, I really feel like God has asked me to take these last 10 days or so of advent and focus on my family and truly taking a vacation.

I have already created posts for the rest of advent with your daily readings, however there will be no more "commentary" from me on each day's post.

I pray that you will keep seeking after the God-child in the days to come and that your walk with Him is richer and more vibrant because if it.

Thank you for reading. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happiest of New Years... Until then.

All is Grace,
Carie

Taking a break from sharing my heart with you so I can share it with these lovelies...

Advent Day 15 - Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

I know this is a repeat verse (and theme)...But I love it so much I figured another go-around would be good for the soul. Last time we focused on "A Candle in the Darkness." This time look for themes of peace. I know it is something I sorely need. There is something about this time of year that can suck the joy right out of us. The worries, to-do lists, bills and Christmas lists can pile up so high they hide the true meaning and source of our happiness. I hope, friend, you are able to see and experience His peace when you need it most. 

All is grace,

Carie

Isaiah 9:2-7

The Message (MSG)

2-7 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
    light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
    you expanded its joy.
Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!
    Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
    sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
    all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
    as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
    along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
    a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
    the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
    and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
    over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
    and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
    beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
    will do all this.

Advent Day 14 - New Creation - Isaiah 11:6-10

The end of the story will come as the beginning did... in Peace. 

Peace. 

Such a common word -- yet so often elusive.

Bookstore shelves brim with instructions for the seeking: "Look within yourself, look outside yourself, analyze your past, visualize the future, get help, find help, be help, self help...Try harder, do less, breathe deep, eat better, smile more." 

But for all our looking and analyzing and visualizing and meditation -- have we really attained more peace?

The God-child who became the God-man and died our Savior will return the Risen-King and restore the peace of the Garden...except this time there will be no snake to rustle through the grass and whisper lies. The world will be new and fresh and at peace once more, and the lion will lay next to the lamb and "the whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-alive, a LIVING knowledge of God -- ocean-deep, ocean-wide." 

The small glimpses of peace we get are but reflections of the Prince of Peace who came and will come yet again. Look for his fingerprints and small miracles in the everyday mundane. They are there if we will have the eyes to see them for what - and Who - they really are.

All is grace, 
Carie

Isaiah 11:6-10

The Message (MSG)

A Living Knowledge of God

6-9 The wolf will romp with the lamb,
    the leopard sleep with the kid.
Calf and lion will eat from the same trough,
    and a little child will tend them.
Cow and bear will graze the same pasture,
    their calves and cubs grow up together,
    and the lion eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child will crawl over rattlesnake dens,
    the toddler stick his hand down the hole of a serpent.
Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill
    on my holy mountain.
The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive,
    a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.

10 On that day, Jesse’s Root will be raised high, posted as a rallying banner for the peoples. The nations will all come to him. His headquarters will be glorious.

Advent Day 13 - Shoot from Jesse - Isaiah 11:1-5

          The theology of the Tree, of the Cross, always seeks the presence of God in the belittled gifts of the world.

          

          The small Babe of Bethlehem, the dismissed Son of God, the stripped and beaten Messiah hanging exposed on the Tree -- He begs us to spend the attention of Advent on the little, the least, the lonely, the lost.

         Because in the rush, in the hurry, in our addiction to speed -- it might just be a bit like stepping on the shoot that sprouts from the stump. 

  

         Advent, it is made of the moments.

          This slow unfurling of Grace...          (The Greatest Gift - Ann Voskamp, pg. 5)

All is grace, 

Carie              

Isaiah 11:1-5

The Message (MSG)

A Green Shoot from Jesse’s Stump

  11 1-5 A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump,
    from his roots a budding Branch.
The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him,
    the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength,
    the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.
Fear-of-God
    will be all his joy and delight.
He won’t judge by appearances,
    won’t decide on the basis of hearsay.
He’ll judge the needy by what is right,
    render decisions on earth’s poor with justice.
His words will bring everyone to awed attention.
    A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked.
Each morning he’ll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots,
    and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.