Youth Advent 12/12

Posted on Dec 12, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Twelve: Hope in the Humble Birth of a King
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form
of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the
form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled
himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” — Philippians 2:5-8
 
Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time? This means He felt all the emotions—both positive and negative—that we experience, too: sadness, joy, anger, happiness, pain, confusion, excitement, you name it! Jesus understands what we feel because He experienced it Himself while on this Earth. He understands that life is hard and that sadness and disappointment are part of our human experience. Jesus is more than a rescuer; He is Emmanuel, God WITH us. He is the One who created us. He is the One who knows us. He is the only One who can provide us with true life, joy, and forgiveness. He is the One who we are invited to come and behold.

The Christmas hymn, “O Come, Divine Messiah,” serves as a reminder to all people that the invitation to come and behold this promised Savior is still as wide open now as it was on the night when Jesus was born. In His full humanity, Jesus has firsthand knowledge of our human experiences, frailties, temptations, and feelings. But as the King, Son of the Father, Word of God now in the flesh, He is also the only one who has the power and the authority to bring us hope for when we experience these things and to make whole again what has been broken.
 
So, the invitation is open–come and behold Him. Come and behold the light and the hope of the world! Come and behold the One who came once before and lived like us, but who will return in His full glory as our Redeemer King! Come one, come all. Come, let us adore Him!
 
Questions:
1. How does it make you feel to know Jesus experienced the feelings we experience?
2. Are the words of this hymn encouraging to you? Why or why not?
3. This Advent season, how can you choose to come and behold (experience) the joy, salvation, and hope that Jesus brings?

Youth Advent 12/11

Posted on Dec 11, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Eleven: The Manger of Hope
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be
registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of
Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house
and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while
they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them
in the inn.” — Luke 2:1-7
 
Could you imagine this happening? Think back to a time when you traveled a far distance, perhaps on the way to vacation or moving to a new city. When you got to your destination, was everything how it should have been, or did things not go according to plan?
 
Joseph and Mary didn’t have time to plan for the worst because they entered Bethlehem by decree, hoping for a place to rest once they arrived. After all, Mary was not far from giving birth to Jesus, and traveling can wear you out! Their hope faded as they found no rooms available that night, but what came from this event was hope for the world as Jesus was born in a humble manger away from the crowds.
 
The Christmas hymn, “Away in a Manger,” details their experience like this:
 
“Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay”
 
It was a simple and peaceful nativity scene, emphasizing the humble beginning of Jesus’ life in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Through this, we can be reminded of the hope that God offers in both the planned and the unknown!
 
Questions:
1. Why do you think God chose Jesus to be born in a place like a manger instead of a grand palace?
2. What lessons can we learn from Mary and Joseph’s faith and trust in God’s plan despite their challenges?

Youth Advent 12/10

Posted on Dec 10, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Ten: The Shepherds’ Response to Hope
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us
go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to
us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And
when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these
things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for
all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” — Luke 2:15-20
 
Every good moment needs a hype person. When you’re playing your favorite sport and crushing the other team, how great is it to see your friends and family cheering you on from the sidelines? As you work up the nerve to talk to someone who interests you, isn’t it a great feeling to have your best friend giving you an extra boost of confidence? Of course! Hype people make awesome moments even better.
 
After hearing the Good News from the angels, the shepherds immediately travel to see baby Jesus and His parents. Overwhelmed with excitement over this newborn King, they spread the Good News about Him to anyone who would listen.
 
The shepherds’ willingness to follow God’s command is documented in the Christmas hymn “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow.” One line says, “You’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds; rise up, shepherd, and follow.” The author of the Scripture this song was written on does not specifically say if the shepherds took their flocks with them on their search for baby Jesus. However, this song lyric provides a poetic way to think about the shepherds’ dedication to the Savior. Shepherds were known for their deep care of their
flocks. To either leave their flocks behind or take them on a long journey to see Jesus illustrates how important He is to them above all else.
 
Naturally, these shepherds are hype men. As soon as they meet Jesus face-to-face, they can’t help but tell everyone they see the amazing news that we have a Savior who is always worth celebrating. The exciting part is that we can be hype people, too! After experiencing what Jesus has done for us and knowing Him personally, we can share this amazing news about our Savior.
 
Questions:
1. What is something you are passionate about sharing with others?
2. Who are a few friends that you can share the Good News of Jesus with this week? Write their names down in a journal or on the notes app on your phone. Then, spend a minute praying that God would give you the courage to share with them this week.

Youth Advent 12/09

Posted on Dec 9, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Eight: Mary’s Song of Hope
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” — Luke 2:8-14
 
Most people love an underdog or an outcast story. Take The Lion King, for example. Scar convinces Simba that his dad’s death is his fault and that he should leave forever. Simba leaves his home and teams up with two outcasts, Timon and Pumbaa. In a way, Simba becomes an outcast himself. Of course, it’s easy to cheer for Simba and his new friends. We want to see Simba back with his people and ruling over the Pride Land. We hope that the underdog is the “winner” in a story.
 
What we read above introduces us to a group of outcasts who are important to the story of Jesus’ birth. An angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds. As they are minding their business and taking care of their sheep, this angel announces that Jesus the Christ, the long-awaited Savior of the world, is here. These shepherds are expected to tell everyone they know about this hopeful, good news! These guys will eventually be the main people to spread the Good News about Jesus’ birth. Here’s the thing: shepherds were the outcasts in their culture at the time. So, it was a huge deal that God trusted them to spread the news about Jesus’ arrival!

The Christmas song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” celebrates this message from the angels. “Hark” is a command to listen, and a herald is a messenger. This old English hymn is basically saying, “Listen up everyone, these angels have been sent to tell you something amazing!”

The amazing news is that God and sinners are reconciled, meaning that Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection made a way for all people to be considered “good” with God. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to live apart from God because of our sins! That is worth celebrating.
 
Questions:
1. God chose shepherds to share the Good News with the world. What does that show you about who God is?
2. How do you feel about telling people about Jesus?
3. Who is one person you can share the Good News of Jesus with this week?

Youth Advent 12/08

Posted on Dec 8, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Eight: Mary’s Song of Hope
“And Mary said, “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 behold, from now on all generations will call me
blessed; 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. He has shown strength with his arm; he
has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their
thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich
he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he
spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” — Luke 1:46-55
 
The best songwriters in the world write from a place of passion or heightened emotion. Relationships, experiences, and the desire to tell a story (and more!) can all drive the songwriting process. Whenever something unbelievable happens, you can’t help but break out in song!

That’s exactly what happened to Mary when she learned that she would be pregnant with Jesus. Can you imagine what Mary must have been feeling at the time?! These verses are often referred to as “Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat.” Mary pours out her heart to God in worship. She recognizes that she is just a normal person who God has chosen to do something extraordinary, and chooses to praise Him even more. Mary gives all glory back to God. She knows that He is the one worthy of praise, especially for sending His Son into the world.
 
Many famous Christmas songs draw inspiration from Scripture. One particular hymn, “The Song of Mary,” is a song that puts music to The Magnificat, the verses we read above. The Scripture and the lyrics of this song help us understand how Mary was feeling. We can’t help but join in the song that gives all glory and honor back to God.
 
Questions:
1. Mary recognizes that God has done great things for her. In what ways has God done great things for you?
2. During this Christmas season, what’s one thing you can do to remember what God has done by sending Jesus to Earth?

Youth Advent 12/07

Posted on Dec 7, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Seven: Joseph’s Reassurance of Hope
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” — Matthew 1:18-25
 
There’s a common theme in the story of Jesus’ birth: angels. Anytime a theme is repeated in Scripture, we should pay close attention. Angels appeared to both of Jesus’ parents to tell them about His life. These angels were not sent by God to only deliver information. In their announcements of the Savior’s upcoming birth, they are filling hearts with hope.

Here, we read that Joseph is engaged to be married to Mary and already knows that she is pregnant. He decides that the best decision is to quietly end his relationship with Mary. However, an angel appears to him in his sleep, tells him to marry her, and that her pregnancy is fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about the Savior of the world. Joseph does what the angel says and continues to live with integrity toward Mary. Joseph was tasked with displaying a strong level of trust in God. Joseph was not biologically
related to Jesus but was still His earthly father. Joseph’s family line is also essential to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

The angel of the Lord reaffirms to Joseph the hope that is coming with Jesus’ birth. The famous Christmas song “What Child is This?” is a reflection of how wonderful it is that Christ the King was born. The words of this song display the beauty of Jesus being fully God and fully man. He is King, but He is also a baby needing to rest on His mother’s lap. Today, listen to this song and remember this wonderful hope we have in Christ.
 
Questions:
1. On a piece of paper or in a notes app on your phone, write down what hope means to you. 
2. Next, write down a few places, people, or things that you place your hope in.
Now, spend a couple of minutes in prayer, asking God to help you place your hope in Him.

Youth Advent 12/06

Posted on Dec 6, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Six: The Announcement of Hope
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 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. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” — Luke 1:26-38
 
Think about a time in your life when you felt truly scared. Take those emotions, multiply them by 100, and you can imagine how Mary likely felt when an angel told her that she would give birth to the Savior of the world.

In these verses, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, and understandably, she is “greatly troubled.” Seeing an angel can do that to a person! Gabriel tells Mary not to be afraid and that she has found favor with God. Since God delights in Mary, He chooses her to give birth to Jesus. Gabriel lays out a few of the details: this baby will be the Son of God, He will come from the line of David, and His Kingdom will never end.

Clearly, Mary is in shock over both seeing an angel and hearing that she will soon be a mother. She knows that this is physically impossible, yet, her faith tells her that nothing is impossible with God. She recognizes that as a servant of God, she will do whatever He asks of her.

There is an old Christmas hymn called “Gabriel’s Message” that puts music to the words
of Luke 1. Near the end of the song, the author writes: “Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was
born.” Mary gave birth to Jesus, also called “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” This is the
great hope that Gabriel was celebrating and the same hope that we can celebrate today!
 
Questions:
1. In what areas of your life are you not fully obedient to God?
2. What steps do you need to take to surrender those areas to the Lord?
3. Why is it important to cling to hope, especially when we feel scared?

Youth Advent 12/05

Posted on Dec 5, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Five: The Light of Hope
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” — Isaiah 9:2-7
 
Before reading today’s devotional, grab a flashlight and go to a room that can get fairly dark with the lights out. Turn off the lights in your room and get it as dark as possible. Then, carefully walk across the room, holding your flashlight and keeping it off. Once you reach the other side, walk back, but this time, turn your flashlight on to guide you.

What difference did you notice when trying to walk in the dark with a flashlight versus without one?

Now, keep your room dark and read today’s verses again using your flashlight. As you do, notice how crucial the light is to help you see in the darkness.

This passage of verses is an ancient prophecy by Isaiah written about the promised Messiah. This prophecy is of a great light shining in the darkness, fulfilling God’s promise to bring hope to those in darkness. Without Jesus, we live our lives in darkness, but His light can cut through any darkness and fill our lives with light.
 
Today, and as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ arrival into the world at Christmas, we can also celebrate this gift that Jesus gives us: the promise to be with us as our “Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The Christmas hymn, “Handel’s Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born,” puts these verses in Isaiah to song. Find this song wherever you listen to music. Then, listen to it today as a way to remember who Jesus is to us.
 
Questions:
1. How is Jesus described in this prophecy we read today?
2. Have you ever experienced Jesus in the ways Isaiah described?

Youth Advent 12/04

Posted on Dec 4, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Four: A Promise of Hope From the Town of Bethlehem
“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
 
Have you ever felt too young to do something that matters? Maybe you were told you were too little to understand something or participate in something. As humans, we tend to think that people who are older, wiser, or stronger than us are more capable of accomplishing big things.
 
But Christmas is proof that God often picks the young, little, or weak to be part of His plan. Jesus was born in a small town and in total humility. The King of Kings, born as a human baby. His mother, Mary, who was a teenager at the time, wrapped Him in cloths and placed him in a manger (feeding trough). While this might seem a small detail to us, the fact Jesus came to Earth as a baby in this way fulfilled the exact prophecy we read about in these verses!

The hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” describes the night Jesus was born. The lyrics of this hymn help us imagine Jesus powerfully entering the scene with His everlasting light on a sleepless night as a newborn baby born to accomplish a huge part of God’s plan. When you feel small, young, or insignificant, think about what God has done through Jesus at Christmas. Remember that God is in the business of doing great things through everyone, no matter how young you are!
 
Questions:
1. What’s one area or thing that you feel too young or insignificant to do in your life?
2. Spend two minutes in prayer, asking God to use you in those areas of your life this week.

Youth Advent 12/03

Posted on Dec 3, 2024 in Youth Advent 2024 |

Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
 
Day Three: Hope in the Righteous Reign of the Branch
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 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. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” Isaiah 11:1-5
 
Have you ever watched a competition TV show with judges? Maybe it was singing, or dancing, or a talent show. The judges are there to make sure that those who are talented make it through to the next round of the competition, and sadly, they have to reject those who are not talented enough to continue on. Although it’s hard, that’s what keeps the competition fair for everyone who is participating!
 
Just like these judges, in these verses, the Messiah, which would be Jesus, is referred to as a judge and a King. The author of these verses, Isaiah, describes the Messiah as someone filled with God’s Spirit – full of wisdom, understanding, and strength. He wouldn’t judge based on appearances but with righteousness and fairness, especially for the poor and meek.
 
In the Christmas hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, we sing of this prophecy from Isaiah. Just as Israel longed for their Savior to free them from captivity, we too long for Jesus to come into our world of brokenness. In this hymn, we recognize that Jesus came into the world at Christmas as “Emmanuel”, meaning “God with us.”
 
Thankfully, we have the opportunity to look back in Scripture at the birth of Jesus, His life, and all the prophecies He fulfilled, including this one in Isaiah. We get to celebrate the rescue offered to those who believe in Him and celebrate that Jesus is God with us!
 
Questions:
1. When you think about Jesus as a judge and a King, what qualities about Him come to mind?
2. What is one thing you can do today to celebrate that Jesus is “God with us”?

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