Read
Luke 2:1-14 – 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Revelation 19:4-9 – 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
PONDER
Christ the Lord has come. Rejoice in remembering.
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Rejoice in anticipation.
PRAY
- Father, thank you for Jesus. His arrival is good news of great joy. Help us to not lose sight of that reality.
- Father, as we wait for your return, let us live in a way that is honoring and pleasing to you.
- Father, this Advent season, we remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth. Thank you that He came to save us from our sins.
- Father, this Advent season, we anticipate Christ’s return. Help us be attentive to set our gaze forward and to long for the fullness of our salvation that lies ahead.
- Father, prepare me to gather with my church and worship you. You are worthy! To you be the glory!
Sing: Listen to this week’s songs on Spotify
PRactice
Gather! 9:30am or 11:00am. Purpose your heart to read, pray, sing, and give as a means to worship King Jesus and spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Last week, we presented 21 new members of our church family. Before this Sunday, visit tcbchurch.org/newmembers. Choose at least one to learn their name and pray for them. Look for them this Sunday and introduce yourself!
Throughout Advent, consider how your money reflects your priorities and values. We give as a sacrificial act of worship to the Lord who has given us all things. This Christmas, make your largest gift a kingdom gift through Christmas Give.