Hey Bethel,

I found this devotional guide for advent on the Desiring God website. Might be a good tool to help us study during the Christmas season.

Joel

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/free-advent-devotional-guide

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.

Posted by: Joel

At church last night I was greatly convicted by God (as were others) for neglecting to pray for our missionaries who we’re supporting and who are suffering for the gospel overseas (don’t want to give their name/location…you know who they are).  I want to commit to praying regularly for them.  I thought I would post their prayer requests from their most recent newsletter so that we can all pray effectively.

• More workers in the field. We need more team members to help in this huge calling.  There is so much work to do here and so few workers to do it.
• A Nanny.  We are still hoping and praying for a nanny who is willing to give up a summer, 3 months, 6 months or a year to help our church planting team.
• Interns.  Our hope is to be able to have interns with some IT experience and/or training and a heart for the world to help with the business as we grow.  This can be for any amount of time.
• Financial Support.  Over the past few months we have lost a number of financial supporters.  Unfortunately, this increases our struggle and leads our focus away from what we believe God is calling is to.
• Perseverance.  It is difficult to be away from our loved ones for such an extended period of time.  In addition, the long, cold winter is coming which seems to weaken our fortitude.