1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Studies reveal that every January, gym memberships increase significantly due to New Year’s resolutions. Advertisements for gym equipment, diet supplements, and work out clothing overwhelm us at every turn. According to ATH Nutrition, 45 million Americans put themselves on diets every year and spend billions of dollars. Even with all this spending, 4 of 10 Americans have obesity issues.
Paul instructs us in Corinthians to view our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to honor God with our bodies. But our world deceives us into thinking that we need to exercise and eat less so we can “look” a certain way. Our motivation is all about our outer appearance and the endless chase to meet that magic number on the scale. For me, this scripture is a game changer because it shifts my motivation for staying healthy from myself to Christ.
This year, my focus is shifting from looking at the outside of my body to my inside. To the Holy Spirit who resides in me and to create a healthier home for my creator. Instead of exercising and eating healthier for vanity reasons, my cause will be Christ - to create a stronger vessel for the Lord to use me to serve him and complete His will for my life.
Gracious God,
Help me to focus on your purpose for my body this year. To view it as your home and a vehicle to do your work in this world. Change my view of exercise to a holy endeavor to strengthen your temple. And alter my view of food to fuel for your work.
Amen.
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Reolutions
Have you created New Year’s Resolutions for 2023? And have already broken some of those resolutions?
By mid-January, every year, I used to get frustrated with myself because I could not keep my resolutions. I am not alone, since studies show most people are unable to keep their resolutions for more than six months.
So, in 2020, I decided that I would not set yearly goals anymore. Instead, I started a daily goal and most importantly, Jesus was at the core. Many Christians ask themselves this question; “What would Jesus do?” Instead, I ask myself this one; “What would Jesus have me do today?” The answer is simple. Jesus asks us in Luke 9:23 to take up our cross daily and to follow him. To strive to be better today than we were yesterday.
But how do we take up His cross and follow Jesus daily? Before you check Instagram or Facebook, before you read emails and check headlines...seek Him first by reflecting on His Word. However, seeking Him first takes practice. And practice will make permanence over time. For me, subscribing to a daily devotional email is the simplest way to connect with Jesus first thing in the morning. Especially since checking my phone as soon as my eyes open is a daily habit. Jesus meets me where I am...on my phone. Here is one daily email devotional from Women of the ELCA if you would like to subscribe too:
https://www.womenoftheelca.org/blog/category/devotions
Gracious God, as we journey into this new year, help us to seek you first each day in your Word and to set a simple daily resolution by asking this question; What would Jesus have me do today? Amen.
Learning Something New 3
©2022 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | www.ThinkOrange.com JAM Curriculum
Stop, take a deep breath and whisper “ help me grow”
Read Psalm 25:4
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
When it comes to growing in knowledge, we have to have an attitude that’s open to learning and growing. The same is true when it comes to following God! We must be willing to learn, to add to what we know and to practice our faith by living the way God wants us to live. Why? Because God made us and loves us. On top of that, God’s way is always best.
Footsteps of Faith
Write the two sentences from today’s verse on two scraps of paper that will fit inside the soles of your shoes. Place them inside and cover with tape to hold in place. As you put on your shoes each day, read these words as a prayer before you head out the door for school.
Let’s pray, Hey God, I love you. Help me form a new faith habit this year. Help me to walk only with you. Amen
Learning Something New 2
©2022 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | www.ThinkOrange.com JAM Curriculum
Stop, take a deep breath and whisper “ help me grow”
Read Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
If you wanted to learn to bake a cake, would you rather…
* Read the recipe in a cookbook?
* Watch a step-by-step YouTube video?
When you have an example to follow, it’s so much easier isn’t it? Being able to watch what someone does makes it clear what we should do. Paul tells us to follow his example. How? By thinking about what is true, right, and pure. By focusing on what’s lovely and worthy of respect. If we focus on good things, pure things, right things, we will live right.
Think About Your Thoughts
For the next 24 hours, pay attention to what you’re thinking about! Is that thought true, helpful, right, or pure? If not, ask God to help you focus on thinking about the good things. Because when you learn something new – when you change that negative thought to a positive one – it can change you!
Let’s pray, Hey God, I love you. Help me learn something new so I can be a better person. Amen
Learning Something New 1
©2022 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | www.ThinkOrange.com JAM Curriculum
Stop, take a deep breath and whisper “ help me grow”
Read Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Name someone you trust to give you good advice. It’s always a good idea to identify people in our lives who love us, who follow God and can help us.
But what do you do when you need some advice and the person you trust isn’t available?
There is someone always available and ready to help. God is never too busy for you. God will give you help. God will care for you. God will keep promises. What is the promise at the end of today’s verse?
Sky Views
God loves you. God wants to help you grow in knowledge, to discover new things about this amazing world. This week, as you look up at the sky, think about God watching over you with love. Thank God for being so loving.
Let’s pray, Hey God, I love you. Thank you for watching over me this new year. Help me discover new things to discover about you and about others. Amen
Matthew 3:16-17
Stop.
Remember your baptism! Trace the sign of the cross on your forehead and remember that you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Listen.
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ – Matthew 3:16-17
Reflect.
On Sunday, the church celebrates the Baptism of our Lord. Not only do we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, but we get to remember the importance of baptism in our faith. We get an opportunity to recall the promises spoken in our baptisms, whether by us, for us, or from God. It was promised that you would continue to grow in faith just as God promised to always claim you as a beloved child. Those promises are true, now and always.
In the story of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew’s gospel, God’s voice declares that Jesus is the Son, the Beloved, and that God is well-pleased with him. In this story, it serves to tell the reader exactly what the relationship is between God and Jesus. It establishes this at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry so we can trust that Jesus is who he says he is.
However, these words are ours, too. You’re not Jesus, to be sure, but you are a child of God, you are beloved by God, and God is indeed delighted with you. If that comes as a surprise to you, just remember your baptism. That is exactly what happens in the baptismal waters. God claims you, then and forever. God promises that nothing you could possibly do would ever make God think of you as any other than God’s own beloved. Even when you mess up or fall short, God promises you grace sufficient for that day, each and every day.
On this day, any time we see a baptism, and on our own baptismal anniversaries, we remember the depth of this promise and we thank God for it.
Pray.
I thank you, God, that you have claimed and called me in my baptism. Keep me close to your promises so I can live as your beloved child. Amen.
Carry On.
Do you know your baptismal anniversary? Find it. Put it on your calendar. Let it be yet another way for you to remember your baptism and celebrate God’s love for you.
Matthew 2:10-11a
Stop.
Center your heart in the word “epiphany”. It can mean a moment of revelation or an insight. What do you need to have revealed to you today? What insight might God be sharing with you? Take some time to consider.
Listen.
When [the magi] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. – Matthew 2:10-11a
Reflect.
Tomorrow, the church celebrates Epiphany. The 12 days of Christmas officially end today, and tomorrow, the Epiphany season begins. On this day, the church remembers the magi visiting Jesus and his family. As we hear in the story, they followed a star which revealed Jesus to be the king of the Jews. They gave him gifts, they worshiped him, and they went back out into the world.
This day means more than finally having all the pieces of your nativity set get mentioned. For Christians, the day and season also hold great meaning. The magi came from another country to meet Jesus, praise him, and share what they learned. On this day, we remember that the good news of Jesus was never meant to be kept to ourselves. It was always meant to be shared with all people at all times.
Just as the star revealed Jesus to the magi, we also think about things being revealed in this time. Where does God lead you now? What truths guide your faith today? How will you know? Epiphany invites us to reflect on these things. Some people even choose a word on Epiphany, potentially drawing it from a hat, that they will use to center and ground them in the year to come. This gets called a star word in honor of the star of Bethlehem.
Whatever you do to mark this occasion, let it be a time for you to recommit to the Spirit’s guidance and the truth of God at work in your life.
Pray.
God, just as the star revealed your Son to the magi, I ask that you would guide me today. Let your word speak to me, now and always, so that your truth can be my heart’s comfort and hope. Amen.
Carry On.
It’s official: you can take down your Christmas decorations. As you put them away, pay attention to any star decorations. Let them help you reflect on Epiphany.
Philippians 2:10-11
Stop.
Take a moment to breathe and still your mind. Reflect on the name of Jesus. What does it mean for you? Let yourself say it to yourself or out loud. Let it be a prayer.
Listen.
So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:10-11
Reflect.
Today, the church recognizes the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Some traditions actually observed it on January 1. The day doesn’t mean to imply that there’s something intrinsically holy about the name itself. Rather, it reminds us that Jesus’ name is worth of honor and care, that his name means something, and that we are called to use his name for worship, prayer, proclamation, and praise.
Consider the reading from Philippians that we just heard. This comes that the end of what is known as the Christ Hymn, a beautiful prayer pointing to Jesus’ self-emptying love that calls us all to a life of humility and compassion. The power that comes with Jesus’ name isn’t a power that dominates or demands. In Jesus’ name, there is peace and joy born of love and trust.
It can also be a reminder to us about how we use our Savior’s name. The Second Commandment reminds us not to take it in vain. This means not using it to curse or swear, but even more, using it to bless and be blessed. We recognize and revere Jesus when we use his name respectfully and earnestly. Jesus’ name will always be holy, no matter how we use it, but we can live that out in our daily lives.
Pray.
I praise you, God, in the holy name of Jesus. Make my life, both words and actions, be a reflection of him. May I always speak his name in joy, hope, and trust so that others might come to know him, too. Amen.
Carry On.
How often do you say Jesus’ name in a day? In a week? In a month? Pay attention to it and see for yourself. How does that feel to you?
Psalm 98:1
Stop.
Take a moment to reflect on your year. Where did you feel joy? Where did you struggle? How can you offer it all to God right now?
Listen.
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gained him victory. – Psalm 98:1
Reflect.
It’s New Year’s Eve. For some, it’s a time for celebration, an opportunity to rejoice in the abundance of the year gone by and to welcome the joys of the year ahead. For some it’s a time of grief, a way to mark all that has been lost and looking towards what must be endured. For others, it’s a way to mark a change in life and of heart, setting new goals and ambitions for a new year.
No matter how it feels to you, it probably feels like a lot of pressure. After all, it’s just another day. You will be no different tomorrow than you are right now. Some of those sorrows and joys will come with you and some will fade away. Any resolutions you make won’t snap in place within 24 hours. Be gentle with yourself.
Whatever your goals or griefs are, remember that God goes with you in them. God’s blessings don’t come only from good things. God’s blessings are in all things. That’s God’s promise: that no failure or achievement can keep you from God’s love and care. It was true in 2022 and it will be so in 2023.
So give yourself some space today to claim that promise. If you’re thinking about resolutions, claim them as acts of faith that celebrate God’s goodness and show appreciation for God’s gifts. If you’re ready to kiss this year goodbye, release it to God’s care and breathe. If you’re hyped up about how well your year went, make sure you watch for all the ways God cared for you through it. And if it’s just too much to think about a New Year, remember that God was there last year and will be there again next year. After all, it’s just another day in which God can do marvelous things.
Pray.
Thank you for this year, God. Keep me centered in your promises for life for me and all your people. Help me to follow you every day and year that follows, so that whether times are hard or hopeful, I can always trust in your presence. Amen
Carry On.
Many people make regular prayer or Bible reading into a resolution. Habits stick best when paired with existing habits. Can you pause to pray before you eat breakfast? Can you add 10 minutes of Bible study with your lunch?
Matthew 2:16
Stop.
Today’s Bible reading is a hard one to reflect on. Take some time to calm your heart and mind before you read it. What pain or struggle do you bring with you to your devotions today? Name them and give them to God.
Listen.
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. – Matthew 2:16
Reflect.
Yesterday, the church recognized the feast of the Holy Innocents. This day is set aside to remember the children who were murdered by King Herod when he tried to ensure he could be the only king. It is often heard in churches on a Sunday after Christmas as well.
In the story, the magi come to Herod asking about the king of the Jews, whose star they saw rising. Herod is immediately threatened and jealous. He fakes curiosity and sends the magi out to find Jesus. They do, and after they worship him, they go home by another route to avoid Herod. Herod is furious and chooses to murder all the children around the age of Jesus. He commits genocide to try to keep himself in power.
This story is one of those we can hardly believe is in the Bible. Often, we tell ourselves that the Bible is full of encouragement, good life lessons, and hope. However, the Bible gives account of people of faith and their history. In those stories, there will be wars, failures, terrible examples, and numerous painful truths about the brokenness of humanity. The slaughter of the innocents points out the human ability to see others as collateral in a game for power. Children died so a king could feel secure.
When we read scripture, we remember that it teaches us about what we can do to ourselves and others. We would be wise not to skip over the hard parts, but rather, take time with them. As the saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
Pray.
God, we grieve today as we remember the Holy Innocents who died by Herod’s command. Send us to all who suffer, especially those who suffer by abuses of power. Show us your great strength to protect all people. Amen.
Carry On.
Still today, tyrants and war lords destroy life around the world. Take a moment to learn more about a conflict or crisis that you’re aware of in the world but don’t know much about. Use that information to better pray for those people today.
John 1:1
Stop.
Today, the church celebrates the feast of St. John, Evangelist and Apostle. That is, the person traditionally credited with following Jesus and writing about it. What does it mean to you to follow Jesus? How do you share it with the world?
Listen.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1
Reflect.
On Christmas, we often hear the poetic words of John’s gospel in our readings. The opening lines of that gospel are lofty and theologically dense, giving us a taste of what this fourth gospel is like. Unlike the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which share similar sources and storylines, John goes in a completely different direction. It provides a meaningful and beautiful perspective on what God is up to in Jesus.
Many Christian traditions recognize today as the feast of St. John. Many believed that the disciple John, the Evangelist who wrote John, and the writer of the epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John were all the same person. Recent Biblical scholarship holds that this is not likely. However, the feast day stands.
Therefore, we’re invited to consider the church’s recognition of one man as one of the first followers of Jesus, a theologically astute author of one of the histories of Jesus’ earthly life, and passionate teacher encouraging early believers. We’re similarly invited to reflect on our own lives. How do we follow Jesus daily? How do we share the story of our Savior? How do we reach out to others to encourage them in their faith? Today, on the feast day of St. John, we’re reminded that we can indeed do all three things.
Pray.
God, thank you for the witness of John. We are grateful especially for the gospel writings that teach us about Jesus and inspire our faith. Make us into teachers, witnesses, disciples, and encouragers for your sake, now and always. Amen.
Carry On.
The books of 2 and 3 John are two of the shortest books in the Bible. Want to say you’ve at least read two books of the Bible? Go check them out! It will take you less than ten minutes.
Advent Joy
Can you name a moment where you were overwhelmed by JOY. You were overcome with a distinct sense of JOY, it was the one word that perfectly captured the moment or your feelings? I think I can honestly say, I’m not sure. If I were to think of my wedding day or the birth of my kids, JOY certainly fits the bill, but would I have used that word in the moment, umm not so sure. Is JOY something beyond happiness or is it nuanced happiness? It most definitely belongs in the happiness family!? Do you ever force it or try to convince yourself that this is a JOYFUL moment. For me JOY, is an abstract, maybe sometimes a nuance of happiness, but I don’t often think about being in a state of JOYFULNESS. I don’t know, maybe that is me or maybe I just don’t understand JOY that well.
So why do we dedicate a candle to JOY. As before, it is a word that we see in spades this time of year. It is also probably one of those words that is hard to make a negative connotation, one of the few words with that power. How would you define JOY and is it word that you recognize in your life, A word that you would use to define a particular moment in the moment?
JOY. Like our other Advent words, the Bible uses a variety of words to convene this word JOY. Each one is slightly nuanced, but essentially they invite us to hear and embody this word JOY. IF you take a step back and look at the complete story of the Bible ,what you quickly pick up on is that the theme/idea of JOY runs through the entire Bible. JOY is repeated over and over again in nearly every book of the Bible – I wonder if that means something. From the very beginning, the reader is very quickly told that what God has created is very good and that creation finds JOY in all that is created (Psalm 65:11-12). And JOY is found in multiple things.
As we continue to dwell in this word what we hear, read and understand is that JOY is not found simply through happy circumstances. JOY is held, is known because people of faith hold onto the HOPE of God’s love and promises.
Think of the story where Moses leads Israel out of Egypt. They are in the middle of the desert, they have sense of being lost and vulnerable, the promised land was far away, but they carry this immutable sense that GOD is leading them to something better, something freer, something holy. Their present sense of JOY is in their future destiny, not their present struggles.
As we read the Bible closely, that theme continues. And we all know that that theme is most pronounced here, now at Jesus’ birth. Recall, “I give you good news of great JOY, for unto you is born….”
This week as we have and will be reminded about this infant savior, let us not forget the power and meaning of JOY. JOY is not a mood, as the Bible Project creators have said, “Christian JOY is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus’ own life and love.”
God you are the source of JOY. Help us like Mary to ponder this season, and ponder its meaning. So that we can experience a JOY that surpasses all reason and all understanding. Amen
Advent Peace
Have you ever wondered when the Peace sign first became the Peace sign. And then when did everyone start using it that way. I am sure that I can look back at pictures from my childhood and see me flashing the Peace symbol. I may have not even have known what it meant, but everyone else was raising two fingers and well …. And even today some, well it’s a lot, of years later the Peace sign is nearly ubiquitous and has the same meaning across nearly every culture. It’s kind of cool.
The second Advent candle is the Peace Candle and like the word Hope I wonder if Peace’s commonplace has caused Peace to lose some of its meaning, some of its depth. I remember back in junior high when we learned of the Pax Romano, the Peace of Rome. A period when the Roman empire was not engaged in any significant conflicts, where the empire prospered and enjoyed relative stability. A peace which that world had not heard of or experienced before, a golden age. I often thought that might be true on a large scale but I bet most of the non-Roman citizens living in the Roman Empire didn’t always feel at peace. And as you look around our own world, Peace seems like a fleeting concept.
In the Old Testament the Hebrew word most used for Peace is one you might recognize, the word is Shalom, sound familiar? But like Hope it really transcends the meaning that we assign to the word peace, the absence of conflict or war. In Hebrew, Shalom carries with it the understanding of wholeness or completeness. So, Shalom might be used to describe a wall with no holes or gaps. It can also refer to something with lots of pieces, a complex system, that is in a state of wholeness.
Shalom is also used to describe a person’s well being. Shalom happens or is realized when life, with all of its complexities, moving parts, relationships, etc. is in a state of alignment. When something is out of whack, Shalom has broken down and needs to be restored.
That is the sense that Shalom conveys. So, think about what it means to wish someone peace/Shalom. It means not only do you wish them peace, but you also wish them wholeness. And even more, and I hope you are sitting down, it means that you want to help them find their shalom. In other words, you actively want to help them attain Shalom. I am dating myself, but Shalom was not realized when Cabbage Patch kids hit the Christmas season several years ago. Shalom is to heal and reconcile broken relationships, working together in order to do so!
I love that!!
The Prophet Isaiah declares Hope for the Prince of Shalom, and that there word be no end to Shalom - Isaiah 9:5-6. It is in this understanding of Shalom, that the person of Jesus comes into so much more light. The Prince of Shalom – peace, restoration, wholeness. That is real Peace.
So, now the challenge for us is how do we as the body of Christ move from not just the absence of conflict but to restoration and wholeness? I think it starts by looking more fully at the life of Christ, and how His example can be manifested in our lives, everyday.
God as we step back from the lights, the wrapping paper and the table – that are all full of life and laughter and love, help us follow the example of your son, who’s birth we celebrate, and who’s life you call us to emulate. Help us be and do Shalom in our communities. Amen.
Advent Hope
As we enter the Advent season we are again reminded of the words that drive Advent, HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE. It’s a pretty great list and one that I think you cannot exhaust in searching for meaning. In this season, it can admittedly become rote in thinking of the words. Hard sometimes to even find meaning or inspiration in these words. We see them plastered everywhere on hundreds of signs and in dozens of locations. Maybe we even use them too casually, too flippantly for them to have much meaning or life in them. Or maybe we have squeezed them so hard that they are exhausted or we are.
What I have found as I have gotten older is that I need to slow down and not abandon the power of each word. Sometimes I need to dwell, deeply and fully, in the word. Allow it to speak to me.
Take Hope for example. This word has been used a lot by me in many different ways. When I was younger hope was pursued in the friendships I sought, the sports I played, the grades I worked for. As I aged Hope became the career I wanted to pursue, which in reality it pursued me. It was the life I wanted to live – complete with spouse, children, animals, vacations, hobbies, etc., etc. During this season of Christmas, Hope has been the gifts I wanted to receive, how my time was spent, the people I hoped to connect with.
All of these in and of themselves are not necessarily bad things. They are just very me centered. So, I slowed down, waiting for the word to speak to me. One of the places that Hope speaks most vibrantly to me is in the Bible. I know you are totally surprised by that – but it is also totally true. The word HOPE has so much more meaning, than we can hope, see what I did there, to understand in one setting.
We might know Hope as a feeling of excitement, anticipation, even whimsy. Psychologically, having hope or hopefulness is crucial in order for one to have a healthy life. Biblically, HOPE is a really important concept. There are many words that the Bible uses for HOPE. In the Old Testament the Hebrew words most often used for HOPE convey a sense of waiting or expectation, even having a sense of tension surrounding it. Sounds about right but here is the catch, this HOPE is not about waiting for something to happen, HOPE is based on a person. HOPE is waiting/anticipating/holding onto God and God’s action(s). Often looking backwards to see and remember the goodness and faithfulness of God, to anticipate a future. This is hope that has holy motivation behind it. A perfect example of this is Psalm 39:7 And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.
The Greek words used for HOPE in the New Testament are used and understood much like the Old Testament words. Except now HOPE is found in Jesus. The empty tomb is means for HOPE, Jesus’ resurrection brings incredible HOPE. And now we find the manger, a baby as being HOPE for the world.
How do you find HOPE today? Share that with someone.
God, you give us HOPE everyday. In ways we understand and in ways we can’t even comprehend. Help us remember, find and anticipate this HOPE everyday. AMEN!
God’s Greatest Gift Colossians 1:21-23
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JAM Curriculum for December
Stop: Take a deep breath – whisper – Anything is possible with God.
Read Colossians 1:21-23
And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him— 23 provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.
God made the whole world, including people like you and me. We are made in God’s image! From the beginning God had a special plan for people, but over and over again, people decided to do what they want wanted to do instead of following God’s best for their life. This separated us from God, but God still chose to love us. Jesus came to show us just how much God loves us. We celebrate Jesus’
birth in a big way because Jesus came to save us!
The good news of Jesus isn’t just for you and me. It’s for everyone! Because of Jesus, everyone who believes can be with God forever. Isn’t that amazing? Only God could do that! Because anything is possible with God.
An Invitation
Can you think of a friend who needs to know that God loves them? Sit down with your family and talk about who you could invite to church with you this Christmas season. Create a special invite
and make a plan to attend church together.
Dear God, we know that anything is possible with You. Please help us to love, help, and forgive people the way You would—even if it feels impossible. We love You, and we pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Greatest Gift Luke 1:18
©2022 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | www.ThinkOrange.com
JAM Curriculum for December
Stop: Take a deep breath – whisper – Anything is possible with God.
Read Luke 1:18-20
Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.”
Zechariah was a faithful priest who loved and served God. But when the angel appeared to tell him his wife would soon have a baby, he was so confused.
Basically, Zechariah said to the angel, “Do you know how old I am? And that my wife’s really old too?” Because of his doubt, the angel said he’d be unable to speak until after the baby’s birth.
Zechariah and his wife did have a baby and they named him John. John would grow up to tell everyone about his famous cousin, Jesus! John would be the one to say, “Look! The Lamb of God.
He takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I’ve been talking about!”
Keeping Quiet
Think of something that happened today that you really want to tell someone about. Write down what happened, fold it up and stick it under your mattress in your bedroom. See if you can wait a whole 24 hours before you tell someone! Then think about Zechariah and his doubt. Ask God to help you trust and believe with all your heart that anything is possible with God.
Dear God, Help me to trust and believe in you with all my heart. Help me remember how You did something that seemed impossible by sending Your Son to be our Savior. It’s in Your name we pray, amen.
God’s Greatest Gift Luke 1:46
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JAM Curriculum for December
Stop: Take a deep breath – whisper – Anything is possible with God.
Read: Luke 1:46-49
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
When the angel appeared to Mary with a very important message, she did what we would probably do. She asked, “How can this be?” Immediately, her mind went to all the reasons why this seemed impossible. But then the angel made a statement to stop all that confusion.
Check out Luke 1:37 and fill in the blanks below.
“…what God says will ___________. ___________ ___________.” Luke 1:37
When God promises something, it’s as good as done. God made a promise to send a Savior and that promise was about to be fulfilled! So Mary said, “May it happen just as you have said.” Then she worshipped God.
A Christmas Carol: Say a prayer or create a song using Mary’s words below. Feel free to add your own words too. “I praise the Lord. I delight in God my Savior. He noticed me when no one else thought I was important. The Mighty One has done great things for me. Because He is Holy.”
Dear God, Thank You for all the things that You have done in our lives that seemed impossible at the time. You are our Mighty God, and You can do anything! Thank you for loving ME! Help us to remember that. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Isaiah 42:9
Stop.
Our devotions this week provide an opportunity to reflect on God’s word and action in our lives. You’ll need a timer, a quiet spot, and about ten minutes for devotions each day this week. Have everything ready, take a deep breath, and hear a passage from tomorrow’s worship text.
Listen.
See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them. – Isaiah 42:9
Reflect.
In the faith practice known as Examen, we are invited to reflect on God’s word and our lives to better listen to God’s action in our lives and discern where God may be leading us. We’ve been using a version of this practice all week to engage with the upcoming Biblical reading in a different way. Especially in this Advent season, a time to watch, wait, listen, and breathe can be so meaningful. Set your timer for two minutes to reflect and pray about each of the following questions:
God assures us of renewal in this passage from Isaiah. How have you known this gift today? Take time to thank God for the new things that came from your relationships, conversations, work, and rest.
Change can provoke anxiety in us. God assures us that God remains in charge, even of new things that make us feel uncertain. Review your day, looking and listening especially for things that felt new, strange, or unfamiliar. Ask God to be revealed in these new things.
Think back not only through your day, but through the whole week. Where did you feel joy? Where did you feel challenge? Where did you feel worry? Take time to reflect on these moments. How might God be declaring a new thing in these events?
God has always been about renewal, constantly recommitting to us and to the world. How will you respond to God’s gift of renewal? What might God be telling you about the new things God wishes to work in your life? How will you be a part of it?
We trust that God not only acts in our life but seeks to be known by us. God does not only declare new things, according to Isaiah, but tells us of them. How will you bring a listening presence into your next week, so that you might understand and participate in God’s work in the world?
Pray.
God of light, God of joy, God of renewal, I praise the gift of new life that you always bring. I commit myself to you, watching and listening for your ongoing work in my life. Thank you, God, that I am a part of all you are up to in the world. Amen.
Carry On.
How might you use Examen moving forward? There are many resources online; does it feel like a practice you could use? Is there even one question that you might be able to ask yourself through any given day to keep you centered in God’s presence?
Isaiah 42:8
Stop.
This week, our devotions will be based on a practice known as Examen. You’ll need a timer, a quiet spot, and about ten minutes for devotions each day this week. Get what you need, take a deep breath, and prepare to hear from our upcoming preaching text.
Listen.
I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. – Isaiah 42:8
Reflect.
In the practice known as Examen, we are invited to reflect on God’s word and the events of our day to better listen to God’s action in our lives and discern where God may be leading us. For many Christians, this daily practice invites reflection, devotion, and connection to God’s will. Set a timer for two minutes to reflect and pray about each of the following questions, one at a time:
The Prophet Isaiah recalls how God assures the people that God alone is worth of praise, and that nothing else can compare to God’s glory. Reflecting on the events of your day, why do you most want to praise God today? Is there an event or interaction that most revealed God’s glory to you?
God assures us that God is no idol, nothing made-up or false, but only true God. Today, what got in the way of you trusting God? What objects, events, or needs demanded too much of you? Bring them before God and ask that God would be in charge of your life more and more.
Think back through your day in all its chores, interactions, and joys. Where did you truly feel the holy, glorious presence of God? When were you able to name God in all God’s goodness? Think back through your day and reflect on these events.
What does it mean to you that all glory belongs to God? How will you continue to give God glory?
Confident that God alone is God, how will you face the rest of your week? How will you watch for God’s glory around you?
Pray.
God, it is an honor to call on you and trust your action in the world. I give you all my glory and praise, knowing that it belongs to you alone. Amen.
Carry On.
How can you add times for reflection and peace into every day? What would it feel like to make an intentional practice of listening for God, even in small ways, during your day?
Isaiah 42:6
Tuesday – 6 December 2022
Stop.
We will revisit a peaceful, reflective devotional practice this week. In this busy season, this pause could be very meaningful. You’ll need a timer, a quiet spot, and about ten minutes for devotions each day this week. Get what you need, take a deep breath, and prepare to hear from our upcoming preaching text.
Listen.
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations – Isaiah 42:6
Reflect.
We often use this devotional space to learn more about a text and find a way to connect it to our faith lives. This week, we’ll reflect on the text loosely using a process called Examen. This style of meditative, listening prayer invites you to reflect on the day and discern God’s leading through those events. For each devotion this week, you will get five questions to reflect on based on the verses you’ve read. Set your timer for two minutes to reflect on and pray about each question. Allow yourself to hear what God might be saying, even if all you hear is an invitation to be quiet and still:
The Prophet Isaiah relays to us God’s reminder: “I am the Lord”, offering that God has “taken you by the hand and kept you”. Reflecting on your day, where did you most closely feel God’s presence, as if God was indeed right by your side? Take time to thank God for these holy moments.
God furthermore says that we are to be “a covenant to the people, a light to the nations”. God has entrusted you with many gifts to be used for sharing God’s good news in Jesus. What are these gifts? How have you used them today? Spend time reflecting on God’s love and care for you in these gifts.
Even though we trust in God’s constant presence, we do not always notice it. Where have you struggled today? When have you felt alone or incapable? How can you invite God’s grace into these conflicts?
Thinking about your day, what’s one need, event, or question that you want to bring to God in prayer?
How will God’s promise to go with you and to give you what you need carry you into the next day? How can you commit to being a light to all?
Pray.
God, you are always ready to hear me and keep blessing me with your many gifts. Thank you for this day. Thank you for time to reflect on your presence in my life. Keep me aware and ready to hear and follow you, now and always. Amen.
Carry On.
How will you carry your awareness of being God’s light into your day? Your week? The season of Advent?