Preparing for Christmas

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus who forgives our sins, Jesus who will come again, Jesus the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the very Son of God! How silently, how silentlyThe wondrous gift is given!So God imparts to human heartsThe blessing of His heaven.No ear may hear His coming,But in this world of sin,Where meek souls will receive Him still,The dear Christ enters in. Almighty God, you have given…

Take a look at this picture and reflect on the following: 17th-century painter Rembrandt van Rijn is best known now for his paintings. However, in his day, his prints and etchings were more highly regarded. The Adoration of the Shepherds: With the Lamp shows how he could create light and shade through the use of different line sizes. Notice the placement of Joseph in the foreground, his arms open and extended toward the shepherds as they press in to see…

An Advent Prayer by Maria Kane From the deepest exhale of your being, you brought forth creation. We yearn for your Word to set us free — free to laugh, to sing, to give thanks for the dawn of a new day. May the oil of gladness flood the sorrow of our longest nights. We long for the Light of the World to cast away the hidden shadows of our lives. Just as you calmed Mary’s fears and gave her…

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior! from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

Author and pastor Alan Fadling, who wrote the book, An Unhurried Life – Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest, created a Top 10 list of ways to have an unhurried Christmas season. Fadling wrote, “These suggestions are not meant as more items for your already too long holiday todo list. These are ways to approach these upcoming weeks from a different spirit – with a more unhurried, relaxed, and peaceful heart.” Top 10 Ways to Have an Unhurried Christmas…

Listen to this beautiful worship song “Let Us Adore” by Elevation Worship. 

Take a look at this picture and reflect on the following: Saint Joseph in the Carpenter’s Shop by Georges de La Tour pictures for us Jesus as he watches his earthly father work. As the young Jesus holds a candle, we imagine he understands his future as the Light of the World. Take in the painting. Notice the structure, placement of people and objects, the use of light and shadow.  What catches your attention? What do you think a conversation…

Read Matthew 1:18-25 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the…

An Advent Prayer by Maria Kane We have hung stockings, mailed cards, and decorated the tree,but our hearts remain restless for your coming. We hear the voice of your prophet, O, Lord: Cry out! Prepare the way!How, God, do we prepare for the birth of a king, the Prince of Peace?Do we bow at his feet? Do we hide our faces in the presence of such glory? In a world searching for easy answers and quick fixes, remind us of…

“For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2 (New International Version) Begin praying for who you will ask to join you at one of the two Ashworth Christmas Eve services at 4:30 PM and 6 PM.

If we aren’t careful, Christmas becomes a frantic mess leaving you feeling cheated and unable to enjoy the holiday. Here are some ideas to help you create space to actually enjoy Christmas this year. Make a fun Christmas appointment. Do at least one fun Christmasy thing. Go skating outdoors at the Brenton Skating Plaza. Drive through Jolly Holiday Lights. Tour the Salisbury House. And of course, spend an evening watching the Ashworth Church Celebration of Lights from 5-9 PM. Enjoy…

Listen to the song “Peace Has Come” by Hillsong Worship. Reflect on the lyrics and reflect on an area of your life where you need the peace of Christ to come.