BRIARCLIFF CHURCH 2016 Advent Devotions

December 4, 11, 18 & 25

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Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and

filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied

about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who

preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds

for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:8-13

Introduction & Meaning The Advent season officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues until Christmas Eve or Day. There are a variety of ways to celebrate the Advent season, depending on tradition and background. Many people use an Advent calendar, typically made up of 24 “windows” containing Scriptures, stories, poems or gifts, to count down the days until Christmas. As each window is opened and the final day draws closer, expectation increases. This reminds us of the hopeful yet anxious waiting God’s people experienced as they longed for the promised Savior to come. Another popular tradition is marking the progression of the season through an Advent wreath made up of five candles. This symbol is borrowed from the emphasis throughout Scripture of Jesus Christ being the Light of the World (Matt. 4:16; John 1:4-9, 8:12). Each week a new candle is lit in anticipation of Christmas Eve. The last candle, called the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Eve to represent Jesus’ first advent. Through this theme of ever-increasing light penetrating the darkness, we see a picture of the gospel. Regardless of the tradition, Advent is a significant time in the life of the church. It’s an opportunity for believers to remember God’s promise to send One who would overcome sin and death forever. God promised a Savior, and He kept that promise perfectly.

Using the Advent Devotion This guide contains material for individual study and family devotion. The family portions are designed to work for families of all shapes and sizes and do not require extensive preparation. Either portion of the guide can also be used to facilitate discussion within your Home Group or with friends, roommates or other community.

Even if you know the Advent narrative well, don’t rush past what God has for you in this season. For many, this may be the first time to consider all that God is saying through the birth of His Son. For others, it will be an opportunity to rediscover the way God intimately works in the details of life for His glory and the good of man. For all of us, may this season be one marked by hope, expectation, remembrance and worship. The King has come and is coming! There is much to celebrate.

A Note for Families Advent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus. But especially for families, this time of year can be filled to the brim with activities and obligations. Before the calendar begins to overflow, set aside a few minutes to consider what you want this season to be for your family. Then make a plan so that lesser things don’t swallow up a time intended to remember and celebrate.

Helpful Resources Jesus Storybook Bible Reading Plan The Jesus Story Book Bible My Utmost for His Highest The Mockingbird Devotional The Advent Jesse Tree Good News of Great Joy

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WEEK ONE: PROMISE

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

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:1-4

Savior of Promise You know the underdog story. The team that’s not supposed to win yet prevails. The student least likely to succeed but somehow does. The Bible can seem like an underdog story. After all, God chose what is weak in this world to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:27). However, the Bible is not an underdog story. The Bible is a hero’s story turned upside down – the rescuer has no cape or swagger and the distressed and doomed are oblivious to the dilemma.

God comes to us as Jesus Christ in the forgettable town of Bethlehem. But, even as a baby, Jesus is not entering into our history as a far-flung superhero. He is resurging into his story of redemption as the one and only redeemer. The story of redemption began from the foundation of time. The plot of Jesus’ redemption is oddly providential. From nothing, God crowns his creation in Adam. From an outsider he makes his people and nation in Abraham. From an overlooked sheepherder comes an earthly king for Israel. Such an unconventional approach to salvation, don’t you think?

The prophet Isaiah tells us that Jesus came to proclaim freedom to prisoners, comfort those who mourn and make righteousness the wicked. And, he did just that. Just like he promised.

As many who experience rescue, we can forget how and why the rescue began. Jesus enters unassumingly. In a shoot from a branch (Is. 11:1), and a despised man (Is. 53:3) we find our all-powerful savior.

The moral of the story (as they say) takes the closest attention. In the incarnation Jesus identified with man so that he may show us all, not primarily how to live, but why. Jesus embodied perfection, defeated sin and overcame death to save us from

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what we cannot do, not show us what to do. Throughout the Bible we see God rescuing those in impossible situations. That’s, in a sense, common. That’s what a hero does. The panicked masses crying to be saved from certain destruction are swept up without a moment to spare so they may go about their lives. This is not God’s story of redemption found in the Bible.

The Bible tells us that Jesus saves the broken, hurting, sinful, prideful and hopeless people because that’s the only kind of people there are! Jesus came to identify with sinners (2 Cor. 5:21) – not merely to flex his might – to show us all who we are: sinners in need of salvation. Even in our sin he died for us (Rom 5:8) because his loves his own. Jesus came to show his people the depth of our despair and change our lives forever so we may experience the joy of knowing him … so that he may be glorified (Is. 61:4).

Reflection Read Micah 5:2 and Isaiah 61:1-4 and consider the prophecies. How do you identify with those in need of rescue? How do you see Jesus as the coming rescuer?

The Old Testament contains many prophecies pointing not just to Jesus’ birth but also to the salvation He would accomplish. Look up the passages below and see how they illustrate this truth.

OT Prophecy NT Fulfillment Genesis 3:15 Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 4:4-7; Colossians 2:13-15 Isaiah 9:2 Matthew 4:12-17; John 1:4-5, 12:46 Isaiah 53:10-11 Romans 5:1-2 Isaiah 53:4 Matthew 8:14-17 Isaiah 61:1-4 Luke 4:16-21

God reveals many things about His nature and character through the birth of His Son. What attributes of God do you see in this part of the Advent narrative?

Response As you make your list of people to buy gifts for, include someone who would never expect (or maybe even want) to receive a gift from you. Now, before you shop, use your list as a prayer list. Ask God to bless all on your list with knowing the joy of praising him. Think of the delight you feel in blessing them and consider the love in God’s heart as He sent His Son to die for sinners.

In prayer, thank God for His goodness in sending a Savior. Confess places where your confidence in His faithfulness is weak and ask Him for increased trust, belief and hope.

Prayer Jesus, thank you for your story of redemption. Please help me see how you save us from our present brokenness and to your perfect eternity.

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This Week’s Song of Christmas “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “O Come O Come Emmanuel”

Family Activity Options ▪ Individuals, groups or families can write or tell the narrative of Jesus’ birth in

their own words. Personalize your story telling how, “Jesus came to save me …” Spend time praising God for his mercy and redemption for all of your sin and the guilt it brings. Ask God to replace the guilt of sin with his joy of salvation.

▪ Trade your problems for God’s promises. Take small pieces of paper and write a promise from the Bible until you have several in a bag. Each person participating in the activity writes down a problem they are experiencing on a small piece of paper, wads it up and places it in the bag of promises. Exchange a problem for a promise and think to the promise of Advent and the Great Exchange Christ made possible for us.

▪ At the end of your family Advent time, promise your kids that you are going to do something special together to celebrate Advent—something they will love—but don’t tell them what or when. As the days go by, remind them of your promise and give them hints as to what it might be. Let their expectation and excitement grow throughout the week. Use this opportunity to remind them of God’s promise to send a Rescuer and the anticipation God’s people felt as they waited.

▪ Create an Advent wreath to use throughout the Advent season.

▪ Create a nativity scene to use throughout the Advent season. If you would like to make this activity last the entire season, consider creating just the stable, animals and Mary and Joseph this week.

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WEEK TWO: PEACE

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 1:1-4

His Word in Our Hearts The Christmas season stirs a heightened awareness. Our thoughts are captured by pageantry, messages and true meanings. As we focus on God’s gift of himself, our soulful ears perk and our hearts warm to a word God may whisper.

The first chapter of Hebrews tells us that God does speak; he always has. In Christ all creation was spoken into existence (John 1:3). In Christ the same creation will be rescued and redeemed (Revelation 21:1-5). The universe is upheld by the word of his power. It is this redemption through incarnation when God, in Christ, becomes man to which we turn our hope – hope found in his word.

This Christmas, when your mind is mush, soul is weak and heart is heavy – rest. Rest in his word of peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). Rest in the reality that a child was born in obscurity, after he laid the foundation of the earth. And (if not yet comfortably secure in his sovereignty) relax in the knowledge that when the heavens and all the work of his hands pass the Lord who was swaddled will roll up all the loose ends of the world and take home his children for eternity (Heb. 1:10-12).

Reflection Read Hebrews 1:1—2:4 and consider true character and nature of Jesus. ▪ Have you ever felt like all the pressure of life is on you to “make it?” Hebrews

says, “Jesus holds up the universe by the word of his power.) (v.3) How can this reality readjust your holiday (and year-long) stress?

▪ Read Hebrews 1:1—2:4 a second time. Focus how the writer of Hebrews describes Jesus’ identity and majesty. Share or write one word that comes to mind when you think about Jesus in light of this passage.

Response Read Hebrews 1:1—2:4 every day this week. After you read the passage prayerfully consider one attribute articulated in the reading. Spend time in prayer praising Jesus for that element of his character.

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Prayer Thank you Jesus for the comfort, wisdom and direction of your word. Please help us pay close attention to your word that we my not drift from it.

This Week’s Song of Christmas “Silent Night”

Family Activity Options ▪ Discuss with your family a time and tool that would serve you well in daily

devotion together. Bring your selection or idea to your group/family and share your favorite story.

Suggestions: - The Jesus Story Book Bible - Sharing scripture memory together over a meal - My Utmost for His Highest - The Mockingbird Devotional - The Advent Jesse Tree

▪ Peace Mosaic Art Project: Shred up a magazine picture or newspaper photograph and tell the kids that this world is a broken place, just like this ripped paper. It is a mess. But there is good news. Jesus was born to bring peace to our world. He brings peace to us through the cross of His Son Jesus. And when God brings peace, there is great joy! Make something beautiful out of all of the ripped pieces.

1. Distribute the colored construction paper with the cross outline, glue, scissors, and newspaper and magazine pages.

2. Have the kids rip up the newspaper and magazine articles into small pieces and glue them into the cross outline.

3. For an optional challenge, have kids look for letters to spell “PEACE” and glue them somewhere on their page as well.

4. Have them write out John 14:27 on the bottom of their papers. Younger kids may need help with writing the words.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”

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WEEK THREE: SALVATION

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

Travel Weary and Rescued Traveling suits some better than others. For some just being on the road is a simple joy. For others traveling is tolerated for the sake of the destination. For many traveling is an unavoidable part (like it or not) of the holiday season. When we travel preparations abound – planning, packing, prepping, shopping, saving, spending, starting and stopping. It can feel like a lot.

Throughout the Old Testament God’s people seemed constantly on the move. Abraham became unsettled later in his life. Moses spent his retirement as a nomad. David didn’t sit still for much, and when he did it didn’t end well. Over hundreds of years of promises and prophets following the call of God was a mobile venture.

From the first moment of sin’s destruction all creation cried out for rescue, and redemption was at hand (Genesis 3:15)1. God’s people planned, hoped, prepared and trusted. They were mocked and mistreated, anxious and, at times, exhausted. It felt like a lot.

By the time the coming of Jesus is recounted in Luke’s gospel (chapter 2) God’s people had been waiting for so long that many of them were no longer waiting. Hope in salvation was abandoned for the immediate comfort of the sensible. The desperation deepened with the loss of hope (as is common to us all). The result was not a strengthened resolve for the coming Christ, but resignation to self-reliance.

We can all identify with helplessness and hopelessness. The hope and redemption craved by the ancient people of God remains in our hearts today. The story of Advent is the story placed in the hearts of God’s people. Jesus’ appearance as an infant identified him with our helplessness. And helplessness is an odd place to find rescue.

1. Scholars refer to Genesis 3:15 as the proto euangelion or the “first gospel.” From the first moment of our need for rescue, God’s promise was there. Before He addressed Adam and Eve, God turned to the serpent and announced that sin would not have the final say and that the schemes of the enemy would not prevail.

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The perfection of Emmanuel – God with us – is pure grace. The first Advent is such a radical departure from what we expect. A stark contrast to what we think rescue looks like. For those he calls to travel to him he has designed the blessing of salvation to come from the unexpected. So, as we look to Jesus we see one gift, one prize, one hope and one relief: Him. In Christ alone we have arrived.

Reflection Read Exodus 12-14 and consider the providence and provision of God’s rescue.

▪ Consider the pain and despair suffered by the Israelites in Egyptian captivity. How do you think they maintained hope?

▪ Other than the delivering hand of God, what options did the captive Israelites have? Does this seem kind or cruel?

▪ God often gives his people seasons of painful and/or prolonged waiting. How have you seen these seasons, in your own life, point to God’s glory and your growth?

Response Share or write down one hope you have for you, your family or your community in this Advent season. How can you serve to help make that hope a reality?

Prayer Pray for yourself and those around you that God would open your hearts and minds to the gracious truth of His arrival and rescue.

This Week’s Song of Christmas “O Holy Night”

Family Activity Options ▪ Parents, make plans for a fun Christmas activity next week that you know your

children will love. Perhaps it’s seeing a Christmas play or movie, decorating cookies together or seeing Christmas lights.

▪ Consider a way your family can serve in the community during the Advent season. Here are a few ideas: - Adopting an angel and shopping for them together. - Visiting an elderly care center and singing carols for the residents. - Serving a meal at a homeless assistance shelter. - Taking dinner to someone you know who is lonely or in need

▪ For younger children, a simple game of hide-and-seek can open conversations about how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Thank God for sending Jesus.

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WEEK FOUR: LIGHT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

No Do-Overs Do you remember “do-overs?” It’s a youthful way of expressing that, in some way, a person feels they have been cheated out of something deserved and the immediately preceding event needs to be done over. The beginning of John’s gospel can sound a bit like a “do over.” To tell of the preexistence and character of Jesus, John purposefully mimics the opening of Genesis (1:1-2) seemingly to tell us that Jesus is somehow a divine second chance we’ve all been given because the first run was all flubbed up.

The problem we face is second chances are not good news, because our real problem is sin, and sin will take as many chances as we give it. The everyday proof is the eventual conclusion to statements like, “I’ll never do that again …” or, “God, if you just get me out of this … “ or any statement that makes a vow toward a type of perfection we will not attain this side of heaven, but perfection we are granted when with him.

The message of the gospel is not that we have been given a second chance to finally do things right, but that God has come as the only chance to make things right. The gospel is not a fresh start at our efforts, but salvation through Christ’s perfect effort for us. That’s good news. The kind of news that’s so good it trumps the sweat of our brow and the force of our will (v. 13).

“Do-overs” are exhausting. Partly because they draw out something at which we obviously didn’t excel in the name of a perceived injustice. But, mostly because we knew we didn’t deserve the second try.

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John grabs the ears of all his readers because he proclaims grace to broken people walking in the dark. He proclaims grace to prideful people walking in arrogance. He proclaims to all people that the solution is divine substitution, not hopeless repetition – a proclamation full of grace and truth.

Reflection Read John 1:1-14 again. Ask God to bring to mind things you’re trying to “do over” because you don’t (or won’t) live in the grace and truth of what Jesus has done and finished for you.

Response This week make note of places you have found joy in realizing what Jesus has accomplished for you. For example,

You don’t have to be perfect because Jesus came to be perfect for you.

You don’t need to be noticed and praised because you are unconditionally loved by the only One worthy of praise.

Your joy is not based on circumstances in your life but that Jesus substituted his life so you may have life with God. Because, “In him was life …” (John 1:4)

Prayer Father, please give me the solid joy found only in placing my faith, hope and love in you.

This Week’s Song of Christmas “Joy to the World”

Family Activity Options ▪ John 1:4 tells us that Jesus is “life and the light of men …” With your friends,

family or roommates make a running list of things (that can be anonymous but viewable by all) that you look to for “life.” In what things do you place your hope for peace and joy? Is it something you are waiting on to arrive or pass? Is it something that you believe will make life more joyful when you have it? How can you turn your list into a time of prayer and worship?

▪ Spend time imagining what the “glory of the Lord” shining down on the shepherds was like. Draw what you think it looked like. Or turn off the lights and reenact the scene from Luke 2:8-20 with bright lights, flashlights, candles, props and loud singing.

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