Welcome to the first week in a five-part Advent series. The four weeks prior to Christmas are called Advent. Advent means “the coming” and refers to Jesus coming in the flesh 2000 years ago, and his promise to come again in the future. This Advent we invite each of you to give a gift to the Lord. It is also a gift to yourself!
Prepare Him Room: How it Works
Join us for an abbreviated read of our popular Military Bible Challenge. We selected five Scripture readings each week that point us toward our Savior Jesus Christ whose birth we are preparing to celebrate. Check out the readings below or follow us on social media as we post the readings each day!
Fifth Challenge Week:
The Epistles: Discern the character attributes God desires from us (His church) to live honorably.
At the conclusion of Advent, a Christ candle is commonly lit in church to symbolize the light that has come into the world – JESUS! The Apostle John described it like this: “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:3-5)” The word used here translated as ‘shines’ is present tense. This means that the light of Christ is still shining. Nothing could or can stop it.
How does John describe the role of Jesus in Creation? What does it mean that Jesus is both life and light to all people? How powerful is the light of Christ? Are you living more in the darkness of the world or in the light of Christ?
This final week we invite you to spend 5 days studying Mail Call. Here you will read select portions of personal letters written by Apostles to various Christian churches and individuals. The New Testament includes 20 of these letters to encourage the Church. Their general intent was to provide guidance for Christian living, to warn the Church about false teachings and to encourage Christians in tough times. The vital guidance given to those churches is timeless; it grows our understand of Jesus and provides practical application for how He wants us to live.
Father, over these past few weeks I have learned much about you, and about me. I pray that your Son will always shine through me, and that I will always choose you over the temptation of darkness. Amen.
Selected Readings for this week:
Monday (Day 1): Aim High (attitude gives altitude)
Tuesday (Day 6): Personal Courage (Freedom worth fighting for)
Wednesday (Day 8): Battle Rattle (prepared for the fight)
Thursday (Day 11): Loose Lips (no insubordination)
Friday (Day 14): Mission Ready (conduct on the battlefield)
Follow Along this Advent:
You got this. It’s easy to lose focus and be distracted during the Christmas season. Don’t forget to follow us on social media (Facebook or Instagram) for daily reading prompts and encouragement through the Advent season!
