Daily Advent Reading
This is our Digital Advent Calendar for 2023. We would hope you could join in daily during the season of Advent. Every day’s Advent Gift box will have a new Scripture to read and reflect on. Every Thursday there will be a Children’s Ministry Activity for you and your children. Every Tuesday there will be a question for adults to enjoy and engage on our Facebook page.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Devotional
At every age we have unique traditions to live into at Christmas. But for children the season of Christmas brings all sorts of puzzling celebrations. Children try to wrap their minds around flying reindeer, who transport a man that slides down chimneys, and leaves presents under a tree that has been placed indoors. Curious? I would say so!
The truth is we may solve some of life’s great mysteries, even the ones that revolve around Christmas, but as we mature we learn the true reason for Christmas. Paul says it well in 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.”
As Christians, though, we know who we are. We are sinners—Paul says perhaps even the worst. But thanks be to God, because of Christmas, we are saved sinners. What a great reason to celebrate!