December 13
BIBLE VERSE: Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 18: 11-14; 1 Peter 2:25THOUGHT: "Unimpressive people can make lasting impressions with a simple act of kindness."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Tonight look at the stars and the moon. Remember how big the universe is and that there is order to God’s creation.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make a wrapping station for the presents in your home. You can put all the supplies in a Christmas basket and leave it under the Christmas tree. That way you will always know where the tape and scissors are. Be creative—add little gifts on top of the presents. Try to wrap and use items with the theme of the gift itself.
SERVICE IDEA: Offer to help at your local school for a few hours.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Jingle Bells
December 14
BIBLE VERSE: Isaiah 40:11; Hebrews 13:20-21THOUGHT: "Today, appreciate the importance of both laughter and tears. Remember that it is OK to cry. Tears are healing to the soul."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Take time today to remember the happy Christmases from your past—It is fun to look at pictures and remember the good times and the not so good times too—Grab a box of tissues-you will probably need them!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Next time you go out shopping for Christmas presents, buy a present for yourself. Wrap it and put it under the tree. You can put on the tag "From a friend". Maybe a new magazine or a book—But you decide.
SERVICE IDEA: In your prayers, thank our Heavenly Father for every blessing you canthink of. If you want to, you can write them down in a journal.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
December 15
BIBLE VERSE: John 10:1-18; 29-29THOUGHT: " Kindness, respect, tenderness…do these words describe you or how you treat other people? Remember today that honey is much better than vinegar. One kind word given with love is like a verbal hug."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: This might be the time to start a "Praise Journal". Find a blank book or journal, sit down and list the things you are thankful for. Some people keep prayer requests but forget to put the "Praise"—the answer to prayer. What about the special blessings that you didn’t even pray for but the Lord saw fit to bless you with.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Have there been any new babies or weddings in you family’s lives this year? Or friends? Why not give a Christmas ornament for a wedding or new baby—There are ornaments that are dated with the year—they may even be able to be personalized with names, dates, etc. This way they have a present that becomes a memory and maybe a new tradition.
SERVICE IDEA: Write your testimony in your journal, or in a letter to someone.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good King Wenceslas
December 16
BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 9:35-38; John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:2-4THOUGHT: " Celebration shines in quiet gratitude that God has blessed our homes and our lives with the spirit of loveliness. We celebrate because our lives overflow with things to be thankful for…because God gives us the eyes to see how incredibly we have been blessed."—Emilie Barnes—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Sing—Sing—Sing. Yes sing out loud. Singing makes you smile. And smiling will make you happy—Try it!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Pull out the old Christmas albums, cassettes and CDs. Play Christmas music while you are doing the last minute baking or wrapping. Today work on having a song in your heart and on your voice.
SERVICE IDEA: Take a friend out to lunch and to finish up your Christmas
shopping if you aren’t done yet
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Angels From the Realms of Glory
December 17
BIBLE VERSE: Ezekiel 34:11-16; 23-31THOUGHT: "His coming was quiet…no clash of cymbals, no blast of trumpets…just the midnight song of angels and the awe-filled sighs of shepherds on a hillside hushed by holiness. His coming is still quiet…Just a whisper of love in the silence and a gentle promise to the humble heart that bids Him welcome."—B.J. Hoff—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Undoubtedly you have been busy this holiday season. So the "Bless your heart" for today is to find a quiet spot all by yourself and just reflect on this Bible verse for a few minutes. "Be still and know that I am God". Then remember that sometimes we can be too introspective forgetting about the Lord’s big picture. God has a plan even if we don’t.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Take a few minutes. Grab a pen and paper. Let’s make sure we haven’t forgotten to do anything for our "Christmas Celebration". This way we won’t have to run around last minute. Do you have all your presents bought? Do you have a few extra gifts under the tree for unexpected company? Do you have enough holiday treats and baked goods? Once you write it all down, you can make a plan of action and it hopefully won’t be as stressful for you.
SERVICE IDEA: Teach someone in your family (or a friend) how to do something.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Deck the Halls
December 18
BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 2:1-12THOUGHT: "THE BELOVED SON became a Baby…THE ANOINTED ONE came down to save…THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST was mad a Shepherd…THE PRINCE OF PEACE defied the grave. THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE became a Ransom…THE LION OF JUDAH bore our shame…THE KING OF KINGS was crowned with briars…JESUS, SAVIOUR, we praise Your Name."—Anonymous—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Read Isaiah 53. We usually have a picture of Jesus as the baby or the servant, but don’t forget that He came in a humble way even though He was worthy of a King’s welcome. The fact that Jesus fulfilled all the prophesy in one man is really extraordinary. Jesus Christ said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me."
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Well now is the time to go back to the store and get the things you forgot! Scotch tape, batteries, name tags, and extra wrapping paper. Just to mention a few things! Double check your list!
SERVICE IDEA: Bake a batch of cookies for your family and enjoy them around the Christmas tree.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: We Wish You A Merry Christmas
December 19th
BIBLE VERSE: James 1:5; 3: 13-18THOUGHT: "We do not always know the reasons for what God does and doesn’t do, but in the end we’ll see that He was always right."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Be an encourager today. Listen. Sometimes we just need to know that we are needed and loved by someone. Tell someone you love them. An unexpected blessing and miracle is just around the corner. Keep your eyes open. Have a BLESSING filled and JOYFULLY EXPECTANT day!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Make or buy Christmas cards for all the family. Don’t forget you can use your computer if you have one.
SERVICE IDEA: Have a no TV day and spend time with family instead.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 20
BIBLE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 1: 17-30THOUGHT: "I have had many things placed in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands I still possess."—Martin Luther—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Go to breakfast with your husband—devote your whole day to him.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Choose a Christmas movie—cuddle up on the couch. Don’t worry about all the Christmas hustle and bustle. Just enjoy the movie.
SERVICE IDEA: Gather all the grocery carts from a parking lot and bring them
back into the store.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Good Christian Men, Rejoice
December 21
BIBLE VERSE: Daniel 2:20-30THOUGHT: "Having someone who understands is a great blessing for ourselves. Being someone who understands is a great blessing to others."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Have a picnic---in your living room!!
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Why not pick up some special holiday ice cream—peppermint, etc.—Enjoy!!
SERVICE IDEA: Write a "love letter" to your husband and put it on his pillow.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
December 22
BIBLE VERSE: 1 Corinthians 3: 11-23THOUGHT: " Patience keeps us from running ahead of God. Alertness keeps us from missing His opportunities."—Janette Oke—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Have a nice cup of spiced tea and read a poem—or better yet-write one.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This is the time to make sure you have all the wrapping paper and tape to wrap all those presents!!
SERVICE IDEA: Read a book to a young child.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: We Three Kings
December 23
BIBLE VERSE: Job 28: 12-28; Psalm 111: 10THOUGHT: " Strength is often found within the silence, while resting in the presence of the Lord. Abiding in His peace, we feel His power; while leaning on His love, we are restored."—B.J. Hoff—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Burn a scented candle while taking a bubble bath.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: Do all your last minute running around today. Make sure you have all the ingredients for Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner.
SERVICE IDEA: Take a plate of cookies to your neighbor.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: O Holy Night
December 24
BIBLE VERSE: Proverbs 1:10; Psalm 90:12THOUGHT: " Some flowers grow best in the sun; others do well in the shade. God plants us where we grow best."—God’s Little Promise Book—
BLESS YOUR HEART: Get your Bible and read some of the book of Psalms. There is such comfort in them. Today saturate your soul and spirit with the Word of God.
CHRISTMAS IDEA: This is Christmas Eve. Make sure you read the REAL story of CHRISTMAS. If you are alone read the Luke passage out loud, If you have family/friends around, take turns reading the verses and have everyone take part. After you finish reading the passage have a time of prayer. Remember to be thankful and have hearts of gratitude for all the Lord has done. It is not too early to ask the Lord to direct you in the New Year ahead. You never know what tomorrow will bring!
SERVICE IDEA: Invite someone to the Christmas eve service at the church.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: Silent Night
December 25
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY
Remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON and why we CELEBRATE.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting PEACE."—John 3:16
Remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON and why we CELEBRATE.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting PEACE."—John 3:16
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