ADVENT DEVOTIONAL Within the busyness of Christmas, it can be easy to lose the true reason we celebrate. We invite you to set aside time each day and join us as we explore a few of the names of Jesus and howHe is the perfect healer of our broken world. Each week will focus on a name from Isaiah 9:6 and we look forward to sharing each day’s devotion with you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate thebirthof Immanuel.Wewill alsobe lightingan Advent Candle each week during our services. Our celebration will culminate with special Christmas Eve Services at both campuses. THE KING OF KINGS HAS COME
WEEK ONE | NOV 27 - DEC 3 Wonderful Counselor Hope/Prophecy Candle WEEK TWO | DEC 4 - 10 Ever last ing Father Love/Bethlehem Candle WEEK THREE | DEC 11 - 17 Pr ince of Peace Peace/Angel Candle WEEK FOUR | DEC 18 - 24 Mighty God Joy/Shepherd Candle Visit our Advent page for Christmas playlists, activity guides, and more! waysidechapel.org/advent
WEEK ONE In our first week of Advent, we are lighting the Hope/Prophecy candle and focusing on how Christ is our Wonderful Counselor. In both Old and New Testament passages, we see how this name of God can give us comfort today. He is our Wonderful Counselor. - He is the author of wisdom, and the One we can fully rely upon no matter what we face. Day One | Romans 15:13 Day Two | Hebrews 2:17-18 Day Three | Isaiah 11:2 Day Four | Proverbs 2:6 & 3:5-6 Day Five | Jeremiah 10:23
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteousman anddid not want todisgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Nowall this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall nameHim Immanuel,” which translatedmeans, “Godwithus.”AndJosephawoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus. 2 Sunday Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
2 FAMILY ACTIVITY GUIDE If you are looking for some great ways to incorporate creative elements with your kids into the Advent celebration, check out our digital guide online! waysidechapel.org/advent
Over the next few weeks, we are going to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season by focusing on Advent. Preparation is really important because it signifies worth and value. If you prepare for something, it shows you really care about it. The Old English word for worship is ‘worth-ship’. When we worship God, we show Him how valuable and worthy He is to us. And that’s the purpose of Advent. Observing Advent creates an atmosphere of preparation, so we can worship Christ intentionally during this season. If you are not familiar with Advent, it comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means ‘arrival’. And if you study church history, you’ll find that the early church traditionally observedAdvent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The purpose of Advent is to intentionally position our hearts to remember the birth of Jesus, to remember His coming, His arrival. And as we remember what God has done in the past, we joyfully anticipate what He is going to do in the future. NOVEMBER 28 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. ROMANS 15: 13 “
That’s Christmas. Joyfully remembering His appearing and joyfully anticipating His coming. And so, Advent purposefully slows us down so we can intentionally take time to ponder deeply upon the significance of this season and not miss it by getting caught up in the busyness and chaos of the season. Our prayer is that we would resist the temptations to go through the motions and rather that we could take time for reflection and worship as we contemplate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and who He is. And as we do so, we pray Romans 15:13 would become a reality for us this Christmas. • During this season of remembering, what should we be reminded of? • During this season of anticipation, what should we be anticipating? • How can you stay intentional about worshipping Christ during the Christmas season? We’re so glad you’re joining us on this Advent journey! 6 Jason Uptmore Associate Pastor
Amonth intomy marriage, I received a life-altering call from my mom. She’d just been given a terminal diagnosis due to the recurrence of a cancer that she previously fought 20 years earlier. Her doctor had given her 6-8 months to live. Three months after that call, my mom passed away. As you can imagine, I was overcome with feelings of pain, loss, and grief. In that time of great grief, many people reached out to me. I was surrounded by a loving wife, supportive family, and sympathetic friends. They came alongside me, expressed sympathy for me, and yet there were still many times when I felt incredibly alone. I’m grateful for all those people, but none of them could really comfort me because none knew what it was like to lose a parent. There was only one person who really understood what I was going through. That person was my sister. She lost her mom too. She cried the same tears I cried. She shared in my suffering in a way that no one else had, and her shared experience of pain and loss gave her a power to comfort me in ways others couldn’t. NOVEMBER 29 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. HEBREWS 2: 17-18 “
Christmas means that God came down to earth to live the life we live, and to suffer the things we suffer. Christmas means we have a Wonderful Counselor in Jesus who’s been through what we’ve been through. He’s not like an ancient sage who brings wisdom, but is distant from us and our experience. Instead, as Hebrews 2:17-18 said, he is a brother who truly understands us because he’s walked through all the suffering and temptation that accompanies life in our world. Have you ever been betrayed? Or felt incurable grief, rejection,or loneliness?Jesuswaswell acquaintedwitheach of these. Have you ever felt the frustration of unanswered prayer? Or felt abandoned by God? Jesus has felt those things too. Christmas means that God became flesh to suffer with us and for us, and it means that Jesus defeated the source of all suffering. Because of Christmas, Jesus has the power to comfort and strengthen like no one else. He’s our Wonderful Counselor because He came to us, to go through what we’ve been through, to listen, to comfort, and to give us hope. This Christmas, trust in Him and rely on Him. He understands you and can comfort you from inside your own experience. • For what do you need comfort and strength this Advent season? • How can Jesus as Wonderful Counselor be an encouragement to you for those things this Christmas? 8 Steven Villacin Community Pastor
I’m a fan of music and I’m very much a fan of Christmas music. The problem is that so much of the old “standards” are overplayed, especially by the all-Christmas-musicall-the-time station on the radio or streaming service. As a result, I’m constantly looking for something that hasn’t grown old to my ears. I’m always looking for music that captures the mystery, the quiet, hard-to-understand part of Christmas. I’ll take time to ponder, think, and try to understand. It never gets old. It’s always fresh. This is something that never fades for me: wonder. Read Isaiah 11:2 There is something about the Messiah that lies beneath the basic meanings of the words in this prophecy. He is going to be unique. He is going to be special. He is going to be outstanding among the others. He is going to be wonderful. NOVEMBER 30 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. ISAIAH 11 :2 “
He is going to have all of the understanding, wisdom, counsel, and knowledge of God. He is going to see the world differently. He will see it in a way that we struggle to see it. He is wonderful. So when I see all the special parts of Christmas, including the music, I don’t want any of it to grow old. I try to enjoy all of the Christmassy things because they ultimately point us to celebrating the Messiah. I want to maintain a sense of wonder because the best Christmas times are focused on the One who is beyond our understanding. He is wonderful. • Do we struggle to see how certain things point us to the Messiah because we don’t understand or because we aren’t looking? • How are you “wondering” in this Christmas season? 10 Tim Nowell High School Pastor We encourage you to take time to worship and thank God for His faithfulness in being our Wonderful Counselor! You can find a Spotify playlist of songs on our website at waysidechapel.org/advent.
When God gave us Jesus, He gave us wisdom. We don’t usuallyassociatethebirthof ChristwithwisdomatChristmas, but the birth of Christ is wrapped up in the wisdom of God. It is so intertwined in the wisdom of God that the apostle Paul could say, “Christ is the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:24. How could this be? Paul taught us that through Jesus, the fullness of God’s right actions toward mankind are on full display. While the Law showed us God’s moral standard and through it our sin, God’s justice was never satisfied through the Law and its sacrificial system. Complete forgiveness was “put off” as God lookedover thesinsof thepeople through thesacrifices made. But when Jesus came as a baby in Bethlehem that first Christmas morn, God’s righteousness would soon be on full display as His justice and His mercy would finally and fully be met in the person and work of Jesus. Paul could say by God’s doing, we “are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord” 1 Cor. 1:30-31. DECEMBER 1 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; PROVERBS 2:6 “
Thewisdomof theworld could never lead us toGod, but the wisdom of God gave us Jesus who truly is our “Wonderful Counselor.” 12 Stephen Lay Pastor of Men’s Ministries, Connect, & Leadership Development • Have you ever thought about Christmas and the wisdom of God at the same time? How does seeing Christ as the wisdom of God change your view of Christmas? • Reflect upon the finality of God’s actions by sending Christ to us. If God has completely and fully displayed His right actions toward you in Christ, what will your response to Him be this Christmas? • The Proverbs call us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” How does seeing Christ as the wisdom of God help you trust Him daily? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. PROVERBS 3:5-6 “
One summer, my family and I were hiking in the mountains of Colorado. The trail we were following was supposed to connect to another trail to get us to our destination. We walked and walked and walked through increasingly difficult terrain until we finally realized that our trail was not connecting the way we thought it was. We no longer had any hope of making it to our destination, so we turned around and made our way back down the mountain. We later discovered that the maps used to plan our hike were not accurate, and the trail we thought we were going to find no longer existed. Without someone who knows where you are going, it is difficult, if not impossible, to reach your destination. And without hope of reaching your destination, hiking on mountainous trails is not fun. That ill-fated hike is now the benchmark in our family for other hikes. We often ask, “Is this really the way or is this going tobe like our hike inColorado?” In Jeremiah’s day, the people did have an accurate map of how they should walk. God had given them very specific instructions to follow, but they refused to listen. Jeremiah warned the people of the destruction that was coming should they continue to follow the nations around them instead of following God, but the people didn’t listen. They were content to walk their own path. DECEMBER 2 I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. JEREMIAH 10:23 “
But Jeremiah knew God’s judgment was coming. Jeremiah knew that God’s Word would prevail. If the people of Israel had repented and gone back to worshipping the One true God, their enemies would have had no power over them. When we trust that God’s way is best and that He has a plan for our lives, we can have hope for the future. When I think about the Christmas story, I always think of Mary—a young girl whose life was turned upside down.Mary had a plan for her life. She was engaged to be married, and was ready to start a traditional life. But then God sent an angel who gave her a message that complicated her simple life. Mary could have fought against God’s plan, but instead, her response was much like Jeremiah’s words. Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Mary trusted that God’s plan for her life was the best, and because of her obedience, she became part of God’s plan to bring hope to the whole world. • Is there any place in your life where you are not following God’s path? • In what area do you need to trust that God’s plan for your life is what is best? 14 Michelle Jenkins Director of Kids Ministry - Stone Oak
WEEK TWO | BETHLEHEM This week we are lighting the Bethlehem candle and are reminded that God often chooses the least as the recipients of His love. At the root of God’s promise of a savior is His love for us. Without God’s love being shown to each of us, Jesus would not have needed to be born and die for our sins. We invite you to join us this week as we ponder what it means to celebrate this season and truly know the love of God. “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 Day One | Micah 5:2 Day Two | Luke 1:26-55 Day Three | Matthew 1:18-25 Day Four | 1 Samuel 16 Day Five | 1 John 4:7-9 WEEK TWO In the second week of Advent, we are lighting the Love/Bethlehem candle and focusing on how Christ is our Everlasting Father. In both OldandNewTestament passages,Godshows up over and over as the loving Father who never leaves us or changes.We canholdfirmly to this promise - He is our Everlasting Father. Day One | Romans 8:15 Day Two | Psalm 103:13 Day Thr e | Exodus 15:18 Day Four | Micah 5:2 Day Five | 1 John 1:1-2
14 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 16 Sunday Passage: Luke 2:1-7
Tim Nowell | Pastor of High School Ministries
18 Paul tells us in the book of Romans that those who are led by the Spirit are the sons and daughters of God. We are adopted into God’s family. At Christmas, we worship God as the Everlasting Father. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will always love us. How do we know? Because of the testimony of His love at the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. With that fact in mind, Paul reminds us that if we believe in Jesus, we do not possess a spirit of slavery, leading to fear. Because of the work of Christ, we are not slaves, but sons and daughters of an Everlasting Father. Just like a loving, earthly father, we can speak to God with the same kind of intimacy. We still revere and respect Him, He is the sovereign creator of the universe. But because of our position in the family, we can come boldly before Him and ask Him for help as His children. • This is a time of giving and receiving. Your Everlasting Father is waiting for you to ask. What do you need most right now? Pray to God in the confidence that you always have an audience with Him. You are His child after all. DECEMBER 5 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ROMANS 8: 15 “ Doug Hurt Pastor of Student Ministries - Stone Oak
I remember this time coaching basketball, where I had this one player whose dad was a very intense man. Every time this kid made a mistake on the court, his dad would obnoxiously and loudly ridicule him from the stands. His son would then look in the stands, acknowledge the words of his father, and then immediately hang is head low in discouragement. One night after our game I could tell this kid was feeling down, so I went to him and asked what was wrong. With big tears in his eyes, he said, “I think my dad is disappointed in me.” For many of us, we struggle with those same thoughts towards God. Because when we think of our God as father, we can easily hang our head low assuming the worst. For many, we are tempted to believe that God must be looking down on us as a disappointed dad because of our sins. And guilt can easily fill our minds as we assume how disappointed God must be with us. But that’s not the picture painted for us in Scripture when God is described as a Father. The Bible declares that our God is a good and strong father, who compassionately cares for His children. DECEMBER 6 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. PSALM 103: 13 “
As we consider our Eternal Father in Heaven, here are characteristics of His Fatherhood we see in scripture: He listens to us (Proverbs 15:29). He’s patient with us (Psalm 103:8). He’s committed to our good (Philippians 1:6). He delights in us (Zephaniah 3:17). He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5). He’s able to meet our needs sufficiently (Philippians 4:19). He’s wise (Romans 11:33). He’s able to keep us safe (Psalm 23:4). He forgives us (1 John 1:9). He loves us (Ephesians 3:18). That’s the type of Father scripture paints of God. And the message of Christmas is this: God desires to be our Father. Which is why Jesus came to earth. Jesus came in order to purchase us back to the Father. That’s why Jesus was born, that’s why He died, and that’s why He rose again. So He could pay for our sins and grant us a loving relationship with God the Father for all eternity. What thoughts come to mind when you think of a Father? When you consider God as a Father figure, what do you picture? • What does a good father do for us? • What fatherly characteristics mentioned above do you need to accept and apply to your life more? 20 Jason Uptmore Associate Pastor
I just went and visited a place with really old buildings. It was neat to walk in buildings five and six hundred years old! It’s odd to see things that are still hanging around that long. We don’t really have a lot of things that last for hundreds of years. The houses we live in now probably won’t be around in a hundred years. Some of the landscape around us is changing. Even the mountains and valleys around us can change! Buildings will be torn down to make room for new ones. Hills will be leveled to let a road go through it. Rivers and oceans will slowly move beaches and shorelines over time. The people around us will change too. Old friends will pass on, new friends may come and go depending on the circumstances of life. But how wonderful that no matter how old things may get, how often things change, and how unsure we might be about our future, Jesus will always be on the throne. He reigns forever and ever! DECEMBER 7 The Lord will reign forever and ever. EXODUS 15: 18 “
• What things in your life do you worry over? • Will they still be here in a hundred years? Ronald Long Pastor of Middle School Ministries 22 What have been your takeaways as you’ve pondered what it means for Jesus to be your Everlasting Father? We’d love to hear what God has shown you! Tag us on our social channels @waysidechapelsa and use #waysideadvent
When my first son was born, I felt a new type of love. I felt, for the first time, the love that a father has for his child. Paternal love rushed in like a flood crashing through the narrows in a gorge. Even with nine months of anticipation, I hadn’t expected the river of emotion that would accompany his birth. I had heard of paternal love and received it, but I had no idea what the experience would be like to be the source of it. I didn’t know that I’d meet a new treasure to cherish, or that I’d feel such a deep devotion for the wellbeing of another person. Of course, I don’t always express this or behave like this. I have two kids now, and I am far from a perfect dad. In fact, I am a broken dad, and I’ve asked for their forgiveness many times for the wrong that I’ve done. Christmas means there is another who loves my kids even more deeply than I do, who doesn’t make the same mistakes I make. Christmas means that someone loves you and me more deeply and more perfectly than any parent can love their kids. In Jesus, we have an Everlasting or Eternal Father. DECEMBER 8 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. MICAH 5:2 “
Micah tells us that Jesus’ coming forth is from old, from ancient days. We learn from the prophet that Jesus has always existed. There has never been a time when Jesus wasn’t around. This means that Jesus as the Everlasting Father has always loved His people like a dad loves his kids. In other words, father-like love is not new for Jesus. He has and always will love you like a treasure He cherishes. He has and always will be deeply devoted to your wellbeing. Christmas means that He loves you so dearly that He was born for you, to die for you, and to offer you the ultimate good of eternal life. No matter how insignificant you might feel, or unlovable, or unworthy, Jesus loves you like a perfect father. Believe and rest in this truth this Christmas. • What lies do you believe that make you feel unworthy to be loved the way that Jesus loves you? • Who in your life needs to know about the type of love Jesus offers His people? Steven Villacin Community Pastor 24
In Isaiah 9:6 we see four descriptive names for Messiah that reveal His character: “And His name will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This title “Everlasting Father” is an interesting one. The Messiah is God’s Son and is distinguished in the Trinity from the Father. So how can the Son be the Father? Well, Jesus, being the second Person of the Trinity, is in very essence, God. He has all the attributes of God including eternality. God is One who exists in three Persons. Therefore, Messiah is God. And Jesus was the perfect God-Man. God taking on flesh is known as the Incarnation and it’s the reason we celebrate Christmas. When Jesus arrived in Bethlehem, He came as a helpless baby (fully human) and yet He was also fully divine. At Christmas, we not only remember Christ’s amazing birth, but His extraordinary life, His sacrificial death, His victorious resurrection, andHis glorious exaltation toheaven.And these are not just stories but historical events that were witnessed by others. DECEMBER 9 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us — 1 JOHN 1 : 1-2 “
Some of these eyewitnesses were also His disciples who spent three years following Him. Those like John, who wrote: “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” (1 John 1:1-2) Many of our Christmas memories and nostalgia surrounding this season are triggered by our senses. Perhaps when you hear a familiar Christmas carol on the radio, or see the lights in your neighborhood, you think of Christmas. For others, it might be the smell of a Douglas fir or the taste of a gingerbread cookie, or the feel of a familiar ornament you hang on the tree. But to those who lived at the time of Christ, it wasn’t these things that brought to mind the wonder of Christmas. It was hearing the cries of a newborn baby, the contented sighs of His mother, and the rustling sounds of animals as the Child is placed in a manger. And to those who witnessed His death and resurrection, it was the sounds of the nails piercing His hands and feet and the sight of the empty tomb that signified victory over death, sin, and shame, and the promise of eternal life to all those who trust in Christ by grace through faith. • What are some sights, sounds, and smells that remind you of Christmas? • What are some traditions that you have (or that you can establish) to center your focus and worship upon Christ? Will Davis Stone Oak Campus Pastor 26
WEEK TWO | BETHLEHEM This week we are lighting the Bethlehem candle and are reminded that God often chooses the least as the recipients of His love. At the root of God’s promise of a savior is His love for us. Without God’s love being shown to each of us, Jesus would not have needed to be born and die for our sins. We invite you to join us this week as we ponder what it means to celebrate this season and truly know the love of God. “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 Day One | Micah 5:2 Day Two | Luke 1:26-55 Day Three | Matthew 1:18-25 Day Four | 1 Samuel 16 Day Five | 1 John 4:7-9 WEEK TH REE In this third week of Advent, we light the Peace/Angel candle and are focusing on how Christ is the Prince of Peac . When Jesus was born, the Jewish people expected t ir Messiah to look very different. Jesus came to save humanity, and he brought true peace. As we reflect on this truth this week, where do you need the Prince of Peace in your life? Day One | Romans 5:1 Day Two | Psalm 29:11 Day Thre | Colossians 1:20 Day Four | Judges 6:22-24 Day Five | John 14:27
14 And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 28 Sunday Passage: Luke 2:8-14
In the cultures and contexts within which the Bible was produced, and in the pages of Scripture itself, the word “peace” is loaded with meaning. To the Jew, the word is not only reassuring, but also stirring and exciting. This might be surprising to English speakers since in our minds the definition is limited to mean merely an absence of conflict. Yet, when Old Testament saints spoke of peace, they meant far more. In theOldTestament,our EnglishBibles use theword “peace” to translate the Hebrew word “shalom”. The concept of shalom includes the absence of conflict—no war, no hostility, no fighting. But, it adds to that the presence of flourishing. Shalom is about harmony and happiness, fruitfulness and friendship, agreement and abundance. Among God’s people, the word shalom was more than a description of a tranquil state. It became a blessing. To wish your neighbor shalom was not just to say, “I hope everything is quiet and nonviolent at your home,” but instead to say, “May your home be blessed with bounty and beauty!” The blessing of shalom echoes the creation mandate given to humanity by God. “Be fruitful and multiply,” He said in Genesis 1. DECEMBER 1 2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ROMANS 5: 1 “
This was more than a command. It was an invitation to experience God’s blessing and a promise to provide everything humanity needed to fulfill our purpose. Yet, the peaceful and productive paradise, which God intended for humanity, was ravaged by sin when we rebelled against the Creator. Now, measure of peace on earth is only relative. True shalom was shattered as we made ourselves enemies of God. Peace was no longer the human experience as God intended but an echo in every human heart of the way it was supposed to be. We were doomed to live with the consequences of our sin.We long for peace, but our lives are full of painful reminders of our alienation from our Creator. And yet, God in His grace initiated a plan to rescue the rebels. The prophet Isaiah spoke encouragement to the aching human heart when he spoke of God’s promise to send a rescuer, a redeemer, a son who would restore shalom. And yet, when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, stepped onto the scene, another definition of peace was more prominent. During those days, Judea—and much of the western world— was under the domination of the Roman empire who had established Pax Romana. But this so-called “Roman Peace” was anything but peaceful. It was a coerced peace. It was peace with a price; peace at the point of a sword—a sterling example of peace through human efforts. We need a supernatural peace not made with human hands. And, praise God, He has provided that for us in Jesus. When Jesus spoke of peace he said, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you,” (John 14:27), and “I’ve told you these things so that in me you may have peace,” (John 16:33). The perfect peace, the shalom of God is made accessible once again. 32
And yet, the perfect peace of God also comes with a cost. Not a cost to us, but to God Himself. Jesus came to shed His own blood to reestablish the peace and flourishing we were made for. On the cross Jesus willingly endured the antithesis of peace and flourishing (death) for us. And, no, we didn’t deserve it! As Paul says, He died for us when we were still His enemies! And yet, our God is a God who makes enemies into friends. Because of Christ, we have peace with God. One day, we will experience that perfect shalom again. And, until that day, He offers us access to that peace which passes understanding. Let’s join together and cherish our Lord Jesus born the Prince of Peace. • How is God’s peace different from the peace humans can create? How can we, as believers, experience that peace thatpassesunderstandingeven inanxiouscircumstances? • How is our peace with God through Jesus a stabilizing power in your life today? Cameron Contrestano Pastor of College & Single Adult Ministries
34 When Christmas comes around, we usually think about gifts. Now you may be more spiritual than I am, that’s fine, but I normally think about what I might want and what I’d like to receive under the Christmas tree! You might think of years when you gave away some truly phenomenal presents. You might be thinking of a year when you didn’t really get all that much. Remember that our God is a Father who loves us and gives us good gifts. He gave us Jesus, the ultimate gift, to demonstrate His great love for us! Jesus is our Prince of Peace. What I love about knowing that Jesus is not only Peace Himself, He freely offers to give us peace. We’re reminded of this in Psalm 29. God wants to bless us with His peace. His peace is not something that wears out, breaks, or disappoints. • Do you need to ask Jesus to give you peace today? • What has Jesus’ peace looked like in the past for you? DECEMBER 1 3 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! PSALM 29: 11 “ Ronald Long Pastor of Middle School Ministries 34
The angel of the Lord announced to some sleepy shepherds in Luke 2:11,“For today in the city of David there has been born to for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Messiah had come! But how would the shepherds know that they had come to the right place and had found the right baby? The angel tells them in verse 12: “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” As we think about the arrival (or advent) of Christ, it’s hard to imagine amore humble setting than the context surrounding His birth in Bethlehem. This word for manger is found two other times in Luke 2 and it refers to a stone feeding trough used by animals. Jesus was and is the King of kings and Lord of lords so why was royalty placed in a trough? We see the reason in verse 7: “because there was no room for them in the inn.” This wasn’t some randommisfortune that they couldn’t find an available guest room. No, this was God’s plan from the very beginning. God took on flesh and this king was one who came not for the Pharisees or the spiritually elite. He didn’t come for the wise or the understanding, but to the humble in heart—the broken sinner like you and me. DECEMBER 1 4 ...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. COLOSSIANS 1 :20 “
We read in Colossians 1 that all of the “fullness” of God dwelt in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He came “to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:20) As we’ve seen in our sermon series in Philippians, Jesus “emptiedhimself, takingtheformof abondservant,andbeing made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7-8) • This humble Prince of Peace came to earth, not to rule and reign from a lofty place. But He went low to die for us and to restore us in a right relationship to the Father. He came to bring peace. • In the midst of a season that can bring about stress and anxiety, how can you rest in the peace of Christ? • Memorize Isaiah 26:3. How has Jesus been the Prince of Peace in your life? Will Davis Stone Oak Campus Pastor 36 We encourage you to take time to worship and thank God for His faithfulness in being our Prince of Peace! You can find a Spotify playlist of songs on our website at waysidechapel.org/advent.
At the time of the angel’s visit, Gideon and the people of Israel were in hiding from their enemies. Judges 6:1 tells us the reason: “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.” Gideon knew this, and when he realized that the angel he was talking to was the Lord, he was afraid of God’s judgement. But these verses show us a fuller picture of God’s character. Yes, God is holy. Yes, God judges sin. God is the One true God worthy of all worship, but that isn’t all God is. In these verses, God reveals Himself as One who brings peace. In Judges 6:7, we read that the people cried out to the Lord. Even though God is the allpowerful creator, sustainer, and judge, He is also a personal God who cares about the needs of His people. When His people turned to Him for help, He chose Gideon to be the one to rescue them. Through this angel of the Lord, God showed Gideon that He would be with him through the process. Gideon could have peace, knowing that God would be with him. DECEMBER 1 5 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites. JUDGES 6:22-24 “
Many years later, a multitude of angels visited some shepherds tending their flocks at night to proclaim the birth of Jesus who came to bring peace to us all (Luke 2:8-14). The first peace Jesus brings us is when we trust in Him for our salvation, which repairs our relationship with God that was broken by sin. Once we are in right relationship with God, then we can have the peace in all situations that Jesus told His disciples about in John 14:27. Jesus told them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” After the angel of the Lord visited Gideon, he built an altar to the Lord and called it “The Lord is Peace”. Gideon built this altar to remember what the angel had told him and to remember the peace that God brings. When circumstances were hard and overwhelming, Gideon could look back on that altar and remember that God promised to be with him and bring him peace. • Where in your life do you need God’s peace? • How can you “build an altar” in your life to help you remember God has promised to be with you and bring you peace? Michelle Jenkins Director of Kids’ Ministries - Stone Oak 38
One of the most valuable gifts God gives believers is peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Every year at Christmas we are reminded that God sent His Son into the world as a baby—a small, helpless child whose conditions were not admirable at birth. As we drive by nativity scenes, we see Jesus, born in a manger with animals. God could have brought Jesus into the world in very different circumstances, but He chose to give us Jesus in very humble circumstances. The Lord Jesus became what he was not; flesh, without ever ceasing to be what He was: God. The manger scene seems peaceful, but it wasn’t. The lowing cattle and bleating sheep probably weren’t singing in unison as the Son of God made his entrance. The manger was in reality a makeshift inn for Mary to give birth. Unlike most nativity scenes today, it wasn’t likely a barn. The manger was more likely a cave, as people of Bethlehem were known to keep animals in caves during Jesus’ time. DECEMBER 1 6 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. JOHN 14:27 “
No matter the exact place, Jesus entered this world through the struggle of a birth that was not all Mary and Joseph hoped it would be. There was no room in the Inn, so they had to find a place, any place, to give birth. They found a cave and laid him in a feeding trough. What a picture of the birth of the “Prince of Peace.” It doesn’t seem like a likely scenario for someone who would come into the world with the pedigree of “God Almighty.” Yet, this is exactly what happened. Jesus came in the most unusual circumstances, and struggled all of His life.He never owned a home. His family called him crazy. His pastors and elders told himHe was of the devil. His disciples abandoned Him at the moment He needed them the most. Jesus’ birth, life, and death were all a struggle so that He could bring peace. He struggled so we would have peace…peace with God and peace with one another. Peace with God is the most valuable gift. This is what Jesus gives and why He is the “Prince of Peace.” • What is the difference between Jesus’ peace and the world’s peace? • Have you ever reflected on the reality of the struggle of Jesus, birth, life and death? How could he say, “peace I leave with you,” when His life was full of struggle? • What is it about the peace of Jesus that keeps our hearts from being troubled and fearful? 40 Stephen Lay Pastor of Men’s Ministries, Connect, & Leadership Development
WEEK TWO | BETHLEHEM This week we are lighting the Bethlehem candle and are reminded that God often chooses the least as the recipients of His love. At the root of God’s promise of a savior is His love for us. Without God’s love being shown to each of us, Jesus would not have needed to be born and die for our sins. We invite you to join us this week as we ponder what it means to celebrate this season and truly know the love of God. “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2 Day One | Micah 5:2 Day Two | Luke 1:26-55 Day Three | Matthew 1:18-25 Day Four | 1 Samuel 16 Day Five | 1 John 4:7-9 WEEK FOUR In this final week of Advent, we light the Joy/Shepherds candle and are focusing how the name M ghty God des ribes who Jesus s. Since the beginning of time, our God has shown His p wer and ability to do all things. Where in your life this week do you need to surrender to the Mighty God and let Him work on your behalf? Day One | Luke 1:35 Day Two | Luke 24:13-33 Day Thre | Zephaniah 3:17 Day Four | Colossians 1:15-16 & Mark 4:35-41 Day Five | Mark 6:2
14 “When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” 42 Sunday Passage: Luke 2:15-20
I’ve often wondered why we tend to celebrate Christmas as a much bigger deal in our church culture than Resurrection Day. Isn’t the resurrection, our Savior’s ultimate victory over sin and death, a bigger story than Jesus’ birth? That isn’t to say that both aren’t life-changing celebrations. I also think about the fact that we’re hardened to certain miracles. There are things in scripture that we can take for granted and it’s basically impossible to put ourselves in the shoes of those who experienced the miracles live and in person. How shocking and unreal the miracles must have seemed. There are a variety of reasons why Christmas is bigger than Easter, but the biggest explanation might be found in Luke 1:35. Read Luke 1:35 The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and explained that the Messiah was coming. She didn’t understand how she would become pregnant. The answer: Almighty God was going to do something mighty. The incarnation, God in flesh, is a powerful miracle. DECEMBER 1 9 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. LUKE 1 :35 “
See, once we’ve had God perform the miracle of taking on flesh, when the Messiah chose to give His life, the resurrection is easy. In fact, it’s a forgone conclusion. Maybe it wasn’t easy for those who waited three days for Jesus to return, but we know God couldn’t stay dead, or sin and death would win. We know the story too well. We can take it for granted. Imagine how Mary must have felt knowing the power of Mighty God. Either way, whether we are talking about the incarnation or the resurrection, the message is simple: nothing is impossible for God. We would all do well to respond as Mary did when she heard the news about Jesus. She said, “May it be done according to your word.” • Is God doing mighty things in our life that we struggle to see because they don’t look like we would expect? • Do we pray for God’s will to be done or do we pray for God’s will as long as it fits into a category we understand? 46 Tim Nowell High School Pastor
And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. DECEMBER 20 LUKE 24: 19-27 “
You may be familiar with the phrase “Six Degrees of Separation” — the theory that says any two people can find a connection within five acquaintances of separation between them. The idea behind this theory is that if you talk with someone long enough, you will eventually make an acquaintance connection. In our Scripture passage today, we read of a meeting of only one degree of separation between two people! The setting is on the road to Emmaus, a village located seven miles northwest of Jerusalem. The meeting takes place on the day of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Two men are walking along the road fromJerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus that had taken place just two days before and reports of His resurrection from the dead earlier that morning. A stranger approaches and joins them on their walk. Listening to their conversation, the stranger asks them a question, making himself appear to be ignorant of the events that have recently taken place in Jerusalem. The two men are sadly amazed that the stranger appears to have no idea of what has occurred. They begin to tell him about Jesus, describing Him to be “a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people.” (v. 19) “A prophet mighty in deed and word” is how they describe Jesus. The word mighty used here means powerful, having the ability to perform anything. Their proof is in His “deed and word”; the things that He did, backing up the things that He said. 48
John Gordon Executive Pastor It was both in Jesus’ words and in His works that He confirmed His identity as being one with God the Father; that He was in fact God come in the flesh. In His upper room discourse just three nights prior, He said to His disciples, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.” (John 10:25) The stranger then explains the Old Testament scriptures, revealing His identity as the resurrected Jesus. He is the mighty One sent from God, Israel’s long promised Messiah — the very One of whom they were speaking. It would not be until later that they would finally recognize Him, their one degree of separation! The two men initially did not recognize the stranger on the road as being Jesus, because they were prevented from doing so and they were not looking for Him. How many others fail to recognize Jesus because they are not looking for Him? Be sure to look for Jesus this Christmas, “that [you] would seek God, if perhaps [you] might feel around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us”. (Acts 17:27) • What does this passage tell you about God? • What does this passage tell you about yourself? • In what ways can you look for Jesus this Christmas?
We encourage you to take time to worship and thank God for His faithfulness in being our Mighty God! You can find a Spotify playlist of songs on our website at waysidechapel.org/advent.
One of the beautiful things about Christmas is the countless number of carols and songs that fill the air with love and joy through the holidays. Think of the song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. The words tell us to let our hearts be light, and that our troubles should be out of sight. If that is true, then why are so many people lonely and hurting? While Christmas is a time of celebration, the world is not exempt from sorrow during the season. For many, heartaches from the past or fears of the future are intensified. Disease and death do not cease to exist during the holidays. How is it that a hurting heart can have a merry, little Christmas? Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born, to us a son would be given, and one of the most amazing things He would be called was Mighty God. “Mighty” is a translation of the Hebrew word “gibbor”, which is defined as “strength, power, hero, warrior.” The fact that Jesus came from heaven and stepped into our time and space is proof that He is a Mighty God. Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby, but as He walked the earth, He revealed the heroic power of a Mighty God. DECEMBER 21 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. ZEPHANIAH 3: 17 “
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