A joyous time at home.
This coming Sunday, November 27, marks the first Sunday in the season of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Christian calendar. It is the four week period that precedes the day set aside to acknowledge Jesus’ incarnation (December 25). In these four weeks, many Protestants historically have used this time to ponder the wonder of what we read in John 1:14, that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We recount the need for Jesus’ incarnation: to redeem a people to Himself and to defeat the work of Satan. We remember the prophecies that tell of His birth and how they have all been completely fulfilled. And we look forward in hope to His second coming, praying for the day when the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
As I type these words, I am aware that there are some who do not appreciate the church calendar. I used to be one of those. There was a time when I considered it only a “Roman” thing. Yet, over the years, I have come to see it as a helpful tool to teach our children about the life of Jesus throughout the year, and the redemption we have in Him. We use the church calendar in our home to augment our family worship. This is not a Roman thing. And the calendar does not bind us in our corporate worship. But in my home, we take time to teach our children about Jesus, His work, and His reign, using the church calendar as an aid. This is especially helpful during the season of Advent.
So, if you would like to use this time to focus your household on the work of Jesus during this season, consider using these readings below. I would like to thank my friends Dr. George Grant and Greg Wilbur of Parish Presbyterian Church for compiling these and making them available to the broader church.
First Sunday in Advent:
Genesis 3:1-15
The Fall of Man and the first promise of the Messiah is revealed.
Monday
Genesis 22:15-18
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed all nations of the earth shall be blessed.
Tuesday
Isaiah 7:14; 9:2-7
Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by the prophet Isaiah.
Wednesday
Isaiah 11:1-9
A rod shall come forth from the stem of Jesse.
Thursday
Micah 5:2-4
The glory of little Bethlehem is foretold by the prophet Micah.
Friday
Malachi 4:1-3
The Sun of Righteousness, the Daystar, shall arise.
Saturday
Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort ye my people.
Second Sunday in Advent
Luke 1:5-25
The birth of John the Baptist is foretold to Zacharias.
Monday
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel’s annunciation to the virgin Mary of the Incarnation.
Tuesday
Matthew 1:18-25
The angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream.
Wednesday
Luke 1:39-56
Mary visits Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
Thursday
Luke 1:57-66
The birth of John the Baptist
Friday
Isaiah 60:1-4
Arise, shine! For your light has come.
Saturday
Exodus 20:1-17
The Law of God that we in our own strength cannot keep.
Third Sunday in Advent
Luke 2:1-7
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
Monday
Micah 4:1-7
All nations shall find peace from the God of Jacob.
Tuesday
Luke 2:8-14
The angels proclaim the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
Wednesday
Psalm 98
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Thursday
Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.
Friday
Philippians 2:5-11
The humility of Christ.
Saturday
Titus 2:11-3:7
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
Fourth Sunday in Advent
John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.
Monday
John 1:15-37
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.
Tuesday
Revelation 5:1-14
John reveals the glory of the completed work of Christ—the exalted Lamb of God.
Wednesday
Luke 2:1-7
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
Thursday
Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.
And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.
