Advent 2020
As we end the 2,020th year after Jesus was born, I’m finding myself longing for Jesus’ return more than ever before. It’s been a tough one as the brokenness of humanity has been magnified and displayed-- broken bodies, broken relationships, broken worldviews, broken leaders. I have learned to grip my plans a little less, hold my loved ones a little closer, give thanks and celebrate good news a little deeper. At Christmas, we celebrate the good news of great joy that Jesus didn’t leave us in this mess. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim 3:15). He left his home in heaven, so we can come home for eternity. He was separated from the Father, so we won’t ever have to be again. Immanuel: God with us. Jesus came because He loves us and wants us to be free from brokenness and free for eternal delight through a perfect relationship with Him (Luke 4). What Jesus started at Christmas; He will bring to completion. Oh, how my heart is longing for this more than ever before. Bring on the eternal feast, bring on the joyful dance, bring on the everlasting celebration! Come, Lord Jesus--let’s party!
We have good news of great joy to celebrate, and I want this Christmas to be the most worshipful Christmas for me and my family. I want to say with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant...for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 2:46-50). Let us worship God together, Church! Let us marinate in his Word. Let us sing songs, celebrate, and lead our loved ones into that celebration.
Here are a few ways you can do that:
READ: Each family will be given a copy of The Christmas We Didn’t Expect and a Bible reading card. Each day, take time to read a short chapter and follow the story of redemption in the Bible.
SING: Sing and commit the hymn on the back of your Bible reading card to memory.
LISTEN: Listen, sing, and dance along to this Christmas Playlist on repeat!
LEAD: Parents, following along the Jesus Storybook Bible reading plan with your littlest ones. Lead them to see the good news that culminates in Jesus’ birth. For older children, encourage them to read the short bible reading each day and check them off on their own card or put together a paper chain as you read!
COME: Each Sunday of December and on Christmas Eve, we will be worshipping the great God, who is with us, so come and join in the celebration!
Merry Christmas, beloved City Church! May the Lord be so near and may this be the most worshipful Christmas, yet!
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14
Advent Book, Reading Card, and Family Activities
Advent Reading Plan
Click on card to download and print!