Daily Dose For December 31

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Proverbs 25

“Each day we awake to a world that appears more confused and disordered than the one we left the night before, Every time we think we've found a way out of a crisis, something backfires.  The powers that be continues to address the problems at hand with solutions that create even greater problems than the ones they were meant to solve.” Jeremy Refkin Entropy pg 3

Today, you are half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment most Christian have not done! Well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're half-way there!

Jesus, we are forever grateful of the continued reminders everyday that no matter the world noise, nothing can take our everlasting relationship and life with You!  So this day, we pray, Your Love for all we cross paths with, be such a strong pull for us to share!!  Everlasting Life...Praise You, Jesus!!!  Amen (Prayerscross)

Daily Dose For December 30

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 51,52:12 Proverbs 24:23-34

“This is the rule of most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking of the common good. For nothing can so make a person an imitator of Christ as caring for his neighbors.” John Chrysostom

In two days, you will be half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment most Christian have not done! Well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're half-way there!

Lord, make us a refuge to the poor. Help us prepare a feast for the hungry. Teach us to wipe away the tears of those who mourn, even as you shelter us, feed us, and wipe away our tears. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose For December 29

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 50, Proverbs 24:1-22

The proud man and the covetous man never have rest, but the meek man and the poor in spirit live in  great abundance of rest and peace." Thomas a' Kempis

In three days, you will be half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment most Christian have not done! Well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're half-way there!

Lord, what you call compassion, others call weakness. What you call conviction, others call dissidence. What you call love, others call mixing with sinners. We pray that we too might be found weak, dissident, and in bad company, especially if it means we are closer to you. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose For December 28

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 48-49, Proverbs 23

I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong. Leo Rosten

In five days, you will be half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment most Christian have not done! Well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're half-way there!

Lord, receive our prayer of tears and sorrow over those children consumed by a world that holds no regard for them. We pray for children left hungry and thirsty, left to fend for themselves on the streets, left to be abused by poor, twisted souls. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayers of intercession for children around the world. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose For December 27

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 46-47, Proverbs 22:17-29

Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. Lucinda Franks

In five days, you will be half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment! Most Christian's have not done, so well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're almost there!

Lord, we do not always rush to do your will. Often we tiptoe our way into obedience, dragging old habits and mindsets with us. Help us to delight at your voice and to trust that your calling is always good news. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose For December 26

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 44:24-45:25, Proverbs 22:1-16

In five days, you will be half-way through our two-year journey to read the Bible in its entirety. That is an accomplishment most Christian have not done, so well done! A 2016 LifeWay Research study found 1 in 5 Americans said they had read all of the Bible at least once. However, more than half said they have read little or none of it. So, keep it up. You're almost there!

If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: 'God with us.'  John F. MacArthur

Thank you, Lord, for the signs that confirm you are indeed sovereign and your kingdom will always prevail. May these signs encourage us to persevere in working toward justice for all who have reason to question its possibility in this world. Amen. (commonprayer.net)

Daily Dose For December 25

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 44:1-23, Proverbs 21

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Emmanuel means “God with us.” It’s a word we sing about at Christmastime, but for believers, it’s a loving reminder that He remains “with us” always. 

If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: 'God with us.' John F. MacArthur

Father, Today we are taking the time to prayerfully thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate Christmas. May we remember Christ in a special way throughout the day. You love us so much, God, that You made a way for us to be close to You, and eventually with You in heaven, forever. And that way …is Jesus. It’s hard to understand Your great love for us, but that will not stop us from being grateful for it each and every day. Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 24

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 42-43, Proverbs 20

“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 worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” - Matthew 2:10-11

The wise men studied and followed the star that led them to Jesus. Along the way, they encounter King Herod, who told them to report the child’s location back to him. Warned in a dream to return home, they did not inform the king.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of hope that led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations, the success of their expedition. Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope, and this star pointed to our only source for true hope: Jesus Christ.  D. James Kennedy

Father, The wise men followed the star faithfully, not knowing where it would lead them. Help us to follow You faithfully, not knowing what we will have to go through in this life, but knowing we will eventually be with You eternally in heaven. Help us to fix our eyes on You, Jesus, to bow down and worship You in awe as these three kings we read about today did. Let us offer the best of ourselves, as they presented you with gifts. This Christmas, as we exchange presents with each other, help us to remember that You, Jesus, are the greatest gift …of all time.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 23

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 40:12-41, Proverbs 19

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” - Luke 2:21

God knew all of us before the day we were born. The Bible says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries. George W Truett

Father,  Just as Jesus was with You in the beginning, so You knew us before we breathed in our first breath of earthly air. Your purpose for us is good, because You are good. Help us to remember that we are known to You, special to You, and purposed by You to do great things. Let us celebrate Christmas! Because of Jesus, we can live the full life You designed for us. You know and love us, Father, so much. Thank You. We love You. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 22

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 40:1-11, Proverbs 18

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19

The observance about Mary in this verse is repeated in Luke 2:51 after Jesus is found at the temple. 

Maybe your life resembles a Bethlehem stable. Crude in some spots, smelly in others. Not much glamour. Not always neat. People in your circle remind you of stable animals: grazing like sheep, stubborn like donkeys, and that cow in the corner looks a lot like the fellow next door. You, like Joseph, knocked on the innkeeper's door. But you were too late. Or too old, sick, dull, damaged, poor, or peculiar. You know the sound of a slamming door.  Max Lucado

Father, The way You have created us is complex and wonderful. Full of thoughts and brimming with emotion, help us to remember the special moments we experience You in our lives. Like Mary preserved certain moments in her heart as she had the privilege of raising Jesus as her earthly son, let us not take for granted any of things or opportunities we are blessed with in life. May we hold Your love especially close, and top of mind, as we reflect on this Advent season. Help us treasure the good news for us in our hearts today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 21

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 38-39, Proverbs 17

Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” - Luke 2:15

In their travels to see Jesus, the shepherds spread the word of what had happened.

What good does it do me if Christ was born in Bethlehem once if he is not born again in my heart through faith? Origen

Father, We are called to “go” and “tell” of the good news of Jesus. Just like the shepherds on the night of our Savior’s birth, we are called to go shine light in dark places by speaking of Jesus, and living in such a way that our lives reflect his glory at work in us. But Father, it costs us to follow Christ, and we often lack courage. Give us a boost of bravery when we need it, to remember the shepherds awe and how they couldn’t help but spread the good news of Christ’s birth. Let us be so full of Your love that we cannot contain it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 20

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 36-37, Proverbs 16

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” - Luke 2:13-14

The angels sang praise to God in heaven, and of the unique peace believers in Christ experience in mind, body and soul.

You keep us waiting. You, the God of all time, Want us to wait. For the right time in which to discover Who we are, where we are to go, Who will be with us, and what we must do. So thank you … for the waiting time.”  John Bell, quoted in The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers, compiled by Dorothy M. Stewart

Father, Glory to God in the highest! Oh, Lord, how we want to experience your glory to the full, because there is nothing that compares to it. Nothing on earth, no person or accomplishment, can satisfy our souls completely. We were made to enjoy you and glorify you. Today we declare your glory! We see it in all the beautiful decorations of the season and the cheerful faces around us. We see your glory in all you have created. Help us glorify you today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 19

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 34-35, Proverbs 15:30-33

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. - Luke 2:20

“In this day, this season, miracles will grow within, unfurl, bear fruit. And the heart that makes time and space for Him to come will be a glorious place. A place of sheer, radiant defiance in the face of a world careening mad and stressed. Because each day of Advent, we will actively wait. We will wait knowing that the remaking of everything has already begun.” - Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift

Father, We praise You for giving us signs and wonders! For communicating to us through prayer and miracles. Help us to see your hand in this world, Father. You are always with us, guiding us, providing for us, and embracing us in your perfect love. We are the ones who get sidetracked by life and it’s distracting circumstances. May we stay focused on you intently this Advent season and beyond, knowing and trusting in Your work in our lives. Help us see the everyday miracles of your presence and provision in our lives.  In Jesus’ Name,  Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 18

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 32-33, Proverbs 15:1-29

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11

The angel echoed Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.” 

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.  Marianne Williamson

Father, Fill our hearts with the truth of the angel’s words. Because of Jesus, as believers we never have to be apart from you again. Thank you for giving us the gift of your Son. Jesus, thank You for taking on all of our sin by way of the cross. Thank you for walking the earth so you could understand how we feel, and comfort us the way no one else can. You truly are, a joy for all people. Let us not forget the joy and peace you give us through our salvation. Don’t let the weight of this world and the everyday stress of life cause us to forget it… or you.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 17

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 30-31, Proverbs 14

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’” - Luke 2:10

The fear the shepherds felt was the same fear that struck Zechariah when the angel visited him. God’s holiness creates a reaction of awe when we are in the presence of his glory.

"For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself." Charles Dickens

Father,

Many times, you tell us not to be afraid. Help us to understand the difference between fear of the things of this world, and fear in respectful awe of you. We want to fear you, God, meaning to be in awe of who you are and your love for us. Remind us that other things threatening to scare us will pass away. You promise to defend us, provide for us, and love us eternally. Jesus’ birth on earth and death on the cross is the greatest expression of your love for us. This Advent, let us be in awe of the plan you put in place to save us from our sin. A baby, born in a manger. your Son. Jesus Christ.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 16

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 28-29, Proverbs 13

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” - Luke 2:8-9

“Shepherd” was not a glamorous job. Shepherds were dirty and smelly from tending their sheep, and a lower class in society. Yet the angel appeared to them! Who in your communities are the ones who are looked down on, to whom the glorious good news might have come to today?

God has entrusted us with his most precious treasure - people. He asks us to shepherd and mold them into strong disciples, with brave faith and good character.  John Ortberg

Father, 

The care and compassion to allow shepherds, who were not looked upon very highly in their day, to witness an angel and Your glory, teaches us You value all of us no matter what we do and how looked down upon we may be. This Advent season, open our eyes to see the “shepherds” in our lives and communities, and to love them as we would any other. Create in us hearts of compassion, and like the shepherds, hearts filled with awe of who you are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 15

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 26-27, Proverbs 12

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” - Luke 2: 6-7 

The simplicity of Jesus’ birth circumstances tells us a lot about Him. He didn’t come into this world in a palace, but in a stable …some say a cave used as a stable. 

“Into this world, this demented inn, in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited. But because he cannot be at home in it, because he is out of place in it, and yet he must be in it, his place is with those others for whom there is no room. His place is with those who do not belong, who are rejected by power because they are regarded as weak, those who are discredited, who are denied the status of persons, tortured, exterminated. With those for whom there is no room, Christ is present in this world. He is mysteriously present in those for whom there seems to be nothing but the world at its worst.”

Thomas Merton, “The Time of the End Is the Time of No Room” in Raids on the Unspeakable, pages 51-52

Father,

Praise, glory and hallelujah for the birth of Christ our King! Help us to learn from the humble circumstances Jesus was born unto on earth. The lack of room for Mary and Joseph did not delay You from coming to earth to be with us. Immanuel means, “God with us.” You are a God of purpose, intention and perfect timing. Allow us to discover who you are through the birth of Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 14

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 24-25, Proverbs 11

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” - Luke 2:4

Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census decreed by Caesar for the entire Roman Empire, however, their location fulfilled Isaiah 9:7, “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom …”

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” —Anne Frank.

Father,

Every part of Christ’s birth story reflects a prophecy fulfilled. The faithfulness of Joseph and Mary is inspiring, and we pray to be obedient as they were. Life didn’t stop for them because You chose them for this important mission. They still had to go to Bethlehem for the census decreed by Caesar. But God, your purposes were greater, then and now. Help us to remember, when life is unfair and hard, you are still at work in our lives. And nothing can stop the work You have started.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 13

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 21-23, Proverbs 10

Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph didn’t want to embarrass Mary, but he did not believe her at first and was still planning on divorcing her quietly before the angel visited him. 

The proper response, as Hanukkah teaches, is not to curse the darkness but to light a candle.” —Rabbi Irving Greenberg.

Father, 

We remember Joseph today, and realize in a new way what courage it must have taken him to marry Mary! He didn’t believe her at first, Father, and nor do we believe people who are speaking truth to us sometimes. As the angel visited Joseph to clarify the truth and assure him the child was from the Holy Spirit, we pray to be able to hear Your voice clearly through whomever you choose to speak through in our lives. As we follow Christ in our daily lives, we pray to be obedient to you. In Jesus ‘ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 12

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 18-20, Proverbs 9

The waiting of Advent teaches us to live in increments, in small pieces rather than large chunks. Waiting also teaches us to measure our progress slowly. Alcoholics and addicts know this more than most of us. They measure their recovery in single days. They know their waiting and recovery takes place one day at a time. (Holly Whitcomb)

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, and to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” - Luke 1:76-79

“Zechariah’s Song” (Luke 1:68-80) is recorded after John the Baptist’s birth. When Zechariah obediently agreed his name should be John, and not a family name, his trust in God restored his speech! 

Father,

Advent is a special time in which we prepare for Jesus’ birth. Even the birth of John, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus, was special. And how compassionate was your heart to restore Zechariah’s speech, giving him another chance to be faithful! Nothing you do, Father, is a coincidence. We love discovering you in the Christmas story of Jesus. Help us to remember that your work in our lives is just as special and specific.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 11

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 14:28-17, Proverbs 8

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” - Luke 1:47-48 

“Mary’s Song” (Luke 1:46-56) begins with her sheer joy over the fact that God had noticed her. He is a personal God, and notices all of His children. 

"I think that the call to receive Christ is more like Gabriel's visit to Mary where he asks us, will you carry the Christ, will you carry the salvation of the world?" Mike Wilkins

Father, On this day of Advent, we thank you for noticing us! Like Mary, we are blown away by the way you see all of us so personally. Jesus being born on Christmas means that our relationship with you can be personal through prayer, and your Word, and the Holy Spirit in us. Amazing is the way you created us and care for us so specifically. Like Mary, we praise you, Father, for WHO YOU ARE. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 10

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 13-14:27, Proverbs 7

“God has no fear of the slimy intimacy of touching his own creation.”—Kris Rocke and Joel Van Dyke, Geography of Grace

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’” Luke 1:41-42

Leaping was and is an expression of joy. Imagine, John in his mother’s womb divinely experiencing joy in the presence of Jesus!  

Father, The Advent season causes us to anticipate the joy of Christmas morning. Our prayer today is that the joy we feel at Christmas will last throughout the year! Will you bless our minds and hearts to remember and celebrate Christmas joy all year-round? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 9

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 11-12, Proverbs 6:20-35

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David.” Matthew 1:1 

Advent is patience it's how God has made us a people of promise, in a world of impatience.  Stanley Hauerwas

Father,

Only you could orchestrate forty-two generations of storied history and fulfilled prophesy leading up to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. We are in AWE of your great plan for us. Each name we read in Scripture has a story attached, to help us learn more about who you are and who we are as yours. This Advent season, grow in our hearts a love and appreciation for your compassionate heart toward us. Thank you for preparing the way for us, and sending your only Son, Jesus, to save us. Great are you, LORD. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 8

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 9-10, Proverbs 5-6:19

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” - Luke 1:30-33

The angel’s news fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and, will call him Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14

“To be human is nothing less than to be caught in the great congested pilgrimage of existence and to join ourselves freely to it in the face of the evidence of its never-ending troubles.” 

― Eugene Kennedy, Joy of Being Human

Father,  Today we remember the earthly mother of Jesus and thank you for her example of great faith and trust in you. “‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?” Let our response to impossible situations be like Mary’s, inquisitive, but not doubtful of what our great God is capable of. “For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:35). Lord, help us take hold of the same hopeful faith Mary had, when she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant …May your word to me be fulfilled.” For you have great things in store for those who say ‘yes’ to you, God!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 7

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 7-8, Proverbs 4:1-27

“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” - Luke 1:19-20

“First, I have not minded so much leaving the Garden because God, blessed be his holy name, has never abandoned us.” 

― Katerina Whitley

Father, Forgive us for our unbelief. We, like Zechariah, have a hard time believing things we cannot see or make sense of ourselves. Jesus said he came so that we would live life to the full (John 10:10), but we can’t experience that fullness when we doubt you and your ways. Help us to trust you, Father. Increase our faith! We want to live life to the full. Teach us, as we prepare our hearts this Advent season, how to embrace the truth of Christ in order to fully live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 6

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 6, Proverbs 3:1-35

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth with bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” - Luke 1:13

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. – Luke 1:41

This is the homely heart of Incarnation, this meeting of God in man with men and women, this simple face of divine graciousness in ordinary life rather than in the hymns of church fathers or in the dry elaborations of theologians.” 

― Eugene Kennedy, Joy of Being Human

Father,

It is a joy to discover the way You pieced together Jesus’ earthly family. He had brothers, sisters, and cousins, just like we do! Though Savior of the world, He experienced life on earth as we do. Because of this, we can relate to Jesus in a special way. He truly knows how we feel and understands both the best and hardest parts of living on Earth. We’re thankful that Jesus’ calls us friends, and that he has grafted us into his family. He is always with us. We are never alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)

Daily Dose For December 5

Memory Verse; He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 

Isaiah 4:2-5:30, Proverbs 2:1-22

“…I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning …” - Luke 1:3

Luke, a doctor, was familiar with investigating facts. His account, and many others, reveal that Jesus’ life not only fulfilled over 300 Biblical prophesies, but is historical fact. 

“Life in a prison cell may well be compared to Advent; one waits, hopes, and does this, that, or the other- things that are of no real consequence- the door is shut, and can be opened only from the outside.", Letters from Prison - November 21, 1943” ― Dietrech Bonhoeffer

Father,

The Bible is not just a bunch of stories. It is the truth. Help us to embrace the historical significance of Scripture, and strengthen our trust in you to explain the parts we don’t understand, in your perfect timing. Advent should create in us a hope rooted in Jesus Christ, as we discover who he is in the Bible. As we connect the Old and New Testaments of Scripture, knowing we can trust your Word as absolute truth, let Jesus come alive in us like never before.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (https://www.ibelieve.com/holidays/family-prayers-to-pray-each-day-of-advent.html)