Advent reference

Now that the Christmas season is over, I'm moving this from the sidebar to here.

Jesus is Our Greatest Treasure!

(This is my adaptation of Noel Piper's Advent story. For more details of our Advent plans, read here.)

Start from the top and read it all every day. . . .


DEC. 1 - Jesus is the greatest Treasure of all. This is the story of how he came to us.

Long ago, God made a promise about a little town named Bethlehem. He said, “O Bethlehem . . . from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” Jesus is the King God promised to send.

One time, a long time ago, in Bethlehem there was a place called a STABLE...

DEC. 2 - In the stable there was a MANGER, filled with hay . . .
(and so on. Desiring God is so generous with their resources! Last year when they sent me the file with the story, they said that I could pass it on. Let me know, if you want me to email it you.)

Learning about Jesus

(These are our nightly lessons for the Advent season. We did the same thing two years ago. This is adapted from a similar list found in various places around the internet.)


1
25 kopecks! There are also 25 days until Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44.

2
Grape candy! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10.

3
A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Read: Matthew 5:14-16.

4
What a nice little boat! But would you want to be in it during a storm? With Jesus you would be safe. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27.

5
These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Read: Matthew 14:13-21.

6
You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37.

7
Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.

8
Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7.

9
A house! Jesus told us about a home that he is making for us. Read: John 14:1-6

10
It's soap. Do you like to wash? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7.

11
Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus gave us some commands about love. Read: Matthew 22:37-40.

12
We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Phillipians 2:1-11.

13
Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:13 and Colossians 4:6.

14
Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.

15
Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.

16
Raisins! They are made from grapes, which are a healthy and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.

17
Jesus told a story about seeds that a man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

18
Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! The angels also praised God when Jesus was born. Read: Luke 2:8-14.

19
A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do you know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.

20
Popcorn kernels to make popcorn! Jesus talked about corn and serving Him in this passage: John 12:24-26.

21
The mustard seed is the smallest there is. When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants. See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.
(Couldn't find the mustard seeds.)
Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.

22
We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.

23
This is soft and fuzzy like a sheep. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.

24
Воздушный шарик! Знаешь что ещё называеться шар? Земной шар. Наш мир. Бог создал мир, и Он любит всех в мире. Читать: Иоанна 3:16.

25
Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!