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.

Luke 1:34-38

34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.

37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Devotional

During the season of Advent, which leads to Christmas, this passage of scripture will be read countless times. There is a lot we can learn from Mary. An angel appears to her and offers her news that will not only change her life, but also change the world! Have you ever really pondered what Mary truly said?

She said: I understand that my future husband can choose not to marry me because many people will think I have been unfaithful, but I wasn’t. I understand that some of my neighbors and friends will think I betrayed my promises to my future husband, but I didn’t. I understand that many people will believe I am not being truthful if I tell them my pregnancy is a miracle, but I am not. This would seem to have been a really difficult decision for Mary to make. Her faithfulness to God wouldn’t be praised by those around her.

Mary isn’t someone we should worship, but she is a true example of how to live out a simple yet confident faith.

Prayer

Loving and gracious God, enable us to imitate Mary’s faithful and loving example. May we steadfastly bring peace and justice to our world. Amen.

Children’s Corner

The Candy Cane

Read the first four verses of Psalm 23 together as a family.

  1. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

  2. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.

  3. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

  4. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Jesus is our shepherd and protector. Just like the shepherd’s staff is used to move sheep out of trouble, Jesus guides us every day. When we have Jesus in our lives, we do not need to be afraid. He is always with us. 

Listen to the Read Aloud of “The Legend of the Candy Cane” together. Just press play below.

To keep this story alive in our hearts and minds, we invite you as a family to share the legend of the Candy Cane with those around you. Maybe you can share with a friend at school or a neighbor down the street? Find someone in your life that you can share the love of Jesus with.

Download this poem to attach to candy canes to give to friends and family.