On Thanksgiving night, I was in my bed, cozy and thankful, my tummy still full of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and wild rice. As I thought about the calendar turning to December and the Advent season, I asked God how I could share these four weeks of Advent with my four grandchildren (and with you!). He said to my heart, “Share your favorite Bible verses with them.” So, that’s what I’m doing.
Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas and means ‘Coming’ in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. I wanted to use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to share my love for each grandchild (and for you!) and help us remember the real meaning of Christmas. God’s LOVE coming to us in Jesus. Advent is a time of expectant waiting, knowing fully the amazing gift God is about to deliver and yet, at the same time, a period of slowing down to savor the season. It’s an opportunity to set aside special moments to fully experience the joy and the miracle of Christmas, to focus on Christ’s birth.
These are my special moments for my four grandchildren: Advent “messages”:
December 3. Week One: You are strong.
You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Philippians 4:13
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10
The Lord is your strength and your shield; your heart trusts in him, and he helps you. Psalm 28:7
December 10. Week Two: You believe.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope. Romans 15:13
You believe in him. You are filled with a joy that cannot be explained. And that joy is full of glory. 1 Peter 1:8
Jesus said to him. “All things are possible for the one who believes.” Mark 9:23
The Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Romans 10:11
December 17. Week Three: You are prayed for (by Jobu!)
This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more. Philippians 1:9
I haven’t stop praying for you, asking God to give you a wise mind and spirit. Colossians 1:9
I know your soul is doing well and I pray that you are doing fine in every way. 3 John 2
I can’t stop thanking God for you, every time I pray, I think of you and give thanks. Ephesians 1:15
December 24. Week Four: You are loved. (by God!)
God says, “I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with a kindness that never fails. Jeremiah 31:3
God’s love has been poured into your heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to you. Romans 5:5
But God is rich in mercy, and he loves you very much. Ephesians 2:4
Lord, show your love to us as we puts our hope in you. Psalm 33:22
As I cherish each of my dear grandchildren, may they (and YOU!) cherish these Advents messages with scriptures which I so cherish.
