Paused, Pondered & Prepared

Diane and Bernice would like to thank you for joining them for this Advent Study and Advent Calendar project.

We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and with God as you have paused, pondered and prepared.  You can see our last posts at Adore Him Creations and NewlyCreative.

If you have enjoyed being part of a Christian creative project and community then why not join with us at His Kingdom Come where you will find more of the same.

At His Kingdom Come you will find two new projects for 2015

Take Me Deeper

 Logos365

We hope you will join with us for 2015.

Diane & Bernice

Day 25: The Saviour Reigns

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”   Titus 3:4-5

You’ve probably all heard the following lyrics: “He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.” Santa has become known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad. After all, this is the way the world works and Santa is a very worldly guy.

Fortunately, Jesus doesn’t work that way at all! Scripture tells us that, apart from Jesus, “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). If our salvation depended on the theory of Santa, then no one would be saved ... because no one could ever be good enough to earn salvation on his or her own merit. Jesus saved us because He is merciful, not because we deserved it. Jesus knows exactly how full of sin we are, and yet He came to save us at great personal cost. No wonder Paul tells Titus about the “kindness and love of God our Savior.”

Santa might be a symbol for kindness and generosity, but he can’t compare to Jesus. You can truly put your faith in Jesus and never be disappointed.

Prayer
Happy birthday Jesus! Thank you for coming into this world to save me from sin and destruction. I celebrate the changes you make in my life daily as I surrender to your will. I ask that you help me to remain focused on your will and ways and not those of the world that seek to defeat me. You are my Lord and savior. I am so grateful for your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Ponder
As you take a few moments on this busy day to reflect on Jesus’ birth, have you felt his presence and the peace this Advent season? You can give Him the gift of seeking His face, focusing your hearts, and finding His purpose for your life as you end Advent and head into a new year.


Worship Video



Christmas Story
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.


Bible Verse
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.

Day 24: The Greatest Gift

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”   Luke 2:10-12

Today we celebrate the long-expected promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Love was born at Christmas, and there is no greater gift than the joy that comes from knowing that Christ our Savior was born for the forgiveness of our sins. The Good News is that the birth of Jesus brings salvation for all who believe.

How sad though those worldly gifts remain the focus for so many. They miss the joy in the beautiful words of the angel that the Savior is “for all the people.” It may indeed be news that a Savior has been born, but unless you believe in Him as your Savior, it is not good news. Nothing could please Jesus more than to have everyone come to know that He has saved us from the dreadful punishment for sin ... and that is exactly what He has done for you.

Our joy is the gift of God Himself born to us, wrapped in cloths and laid in the manger. He is the greatest gift given to all people, and for those who believe, He is the greatest gift received.

Prayer
I give thanks to you God, with a grateful heart for the precious gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. I celebrate this day that Jesus, our promised Savior, has come to save me. Amen.

Ponder
This is the eve of something wonderful- the eve of celebrating the nearness and closeness of Immanuel. It may not be a silent night outside or a silent night in your life, but can you find a silent place in your heart as you reflect on this Holy infant so tender and mild? If you have focused on His love peace and joy, then all is calm and bright tonight in your heart.



Worship Video



Christmas Story
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.


Bible Verse
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.

Day 23: Prince of Peace

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   Isaiah 9:6

So often we, His children, are fearful in allowing Him full access to our lives. Yet, if we could fully understand His promises to us, in allowing Him to be our Lord, we would discover the wellness and wholeness He intends for each of us. Peace, true peace.

Inner peace in the midst of even the greatest of storms. Because we trust this One ... this Prince of Peace in our lives, we have an inner assurance that He is in control, and will bring to pass, the very best in, and for our lives. His peace in our lives, will keep us "sound", meaning: unshakable, thorough, complete, unbroken, undisturbed, free from moral defect, upright, levelheaded. content and complete (taken from American Heritage Dictionary). His peace will bring quietness to our lives. "Quietness" from the American Heritage Dictionary means: Calm and unmoving; still. Free of turmoil and agitation; untroubled, restful; soothing. We will also find ourselves to be content, as we walk in His peace. Content from the American Heritage Dictionary means: Desiring no more than what one has; satisfied. This is so, because you'll find your contentment in "HIM", and not in the things and/or circumstances taking place in your life. "HE" is and will be your contentment.

Such promises are here for us to reach out and take. He desires that we continually walk in such a precious and wonderful state of peace (His peace), however, we must allow Him such liberty in our lives.

Prayer
Father, I come to You, in the most awesome name of Jesus, that name which is above "every" name. I thank You for the promise of Your peace, through the very Prince of Peace, Jesus. I ask Lord that You would help me to place my life in your care and keeping and that I would truly trust you in all areas of my life. Amen

Ponder
What keeps you from knowing Him as Prince of Peace? Are you allowing fear to rule in your life? Those very fears reveal a lack of trust in Christ's provisions on our behalf. As we trust Him, and believe that He means only good for us, we will enter into His peace, the very peace that passes all understanding.



Worship Video



Christmas Story
Matthew 2:9-12
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.


Bible Verse
Matthew 2:11-12
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.

Day 22: Three Gifts

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”    Matthew 2:11

Not much is known about these Magi (also called wise men). We don’t know where they came from, or how many there were. Tradition says they were men of high position. They traveled very far to see the King of the Jews and when they found him they responded with joy, worship and gifts. This is a different approach than most make today. Most people expect God to come looking for them to explain himself, to prove who He is and to give us gifts.

The three gifts that were given were symbols, gifts given to someone of importance. Gold was more valuable then than now; frankincense was sacred incense and myrrh was used to scent anointing oils. All were very special gifts for a king. Perhaps we can follow the direction of the magi and give only three gifts to our loved ones. A threesome gift idea is to give one prized, one practical and one gift of time.

Prayer
Father, thank you reminding me of the treasures you have bestowed upon me. Help me to worship You with joy, love and the gift of my obedience. Amen.

Ponder
The magi gave of their time, money and energy to find the King and to bow down and worship Him. Do you put in as much effort in your walk with Jesus as the Magi did?



Worship Video

Christmas Story
Matthew 2:7-8
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”


Bible Verse
Matthew 2:8
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.

Day 21: Star of Wonder

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”   Matthew 2:9-10

Many have tried to explain the “star of wonder” which guided the Magi to the young King. Was it a comet, the planet Venus, a supernova, a conjunction of planets, a pause in planetary orbit? But whatever it was hovering over the stable was definitely supernatural. But then again, think of all the supernatural miracles in the Christmas story, why does a supernatural occurrence created by God seem so contrived?

After all, “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name” (Psalm 147:4). Couldn’t the God who created and placed the stars in the sky also create a star of wonder to lead a group of men away from their past and toward a glorious new hope in Christ? What would be so difficult about creating a single star to guide seekers to the Perfect Light?

Prayer
Father, guide me to your perfect light. Help me to stay focused this season on the joy of the birth of Christ. Amen.

Ponder
The song “We Three Kings” reminds us of the perfect light. “Star of Wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to Thy perfect light.” Sing the song in your heart and be reminded of the truly unique occurrence of the star of wonder and allow it to lead you to Jesus. Have you felt overwhelmed by joy at any time during this advent season?



Worship Video



Christmas Story
Matthew 2:3-6
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”


Bible Verse
Matthew 2:5
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written”


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.

Day 20: Spirit Filled

Welcome to our 25 day Advent study and Advent Calendar which we are preparing through November to be able to use in December.   Each day has a Bible Study related to Advent, a worship video, a passage telling the Christmas Story and a Bible verse to ise on your Advent Calendar.  You can download the PDF with today's study and verses here.

Advent Study
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.”    (Galatians 5:22-23)

The holidays are filled with the words, “love, joy, peace” and yet, how do we attain these attributes? A dump truck full of these fruit of the spirit will not be unloaded into an unwilling heart. They are gifts from God for the prepared and willing heart of a believer. We can ask for the gifts of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control from the Holy Spirit. Isn’t it interesting how we pray to God for protections and we claim the name of Jesus, but we forget to address the Holy Spirit? I can tell when I haven’t asked for His empowerment because the fruit of the spirit are void in my life.

When our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit, we perceive things our human eyes cannot fathom. Energy, joy and the bubbly effervescence of His love rush out when our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit. What are you missing by not including Him in your spiritual life?

Prayer
Father, fill me with the presence of Your Holy Spirit. As I read your Holy word, may your Holy Spirit guide me and offer wisdom. May I be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ponder
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. What fruit is abundant in your life and what fruit do you want to grow?



Worship Video


Christmas Story
Matthew 2:1-2
The Magi Visit the Messiah
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”


Bible Verse
Matthew 2:1-2
Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”


You can see our creative responses at AdoreHimCreations and NewlyCreative.

Don't forget to share your work by adding a link to your page, flickr or blog using the linky below.