Advent Calendar … December 24th & 25th (+ prev.)

December 24 & 25

A nature bigger than the size
of manger where the baby lies
awhile – he soon was seen to be so wise,
then dying on a cross – to save,
procure what all should prize:
this grace astounding he supplies
surpasses all that money buys:
one day to him we shall arise.    (John 1:1-5;14)

[Previously:

December 1    A promise to Adam that one day a son
                          would deal with the problem the snake had begun. (Genesis 3:15)

December 2    When earth got so wicked, God warned of a flood,
                           provided a refuge: huge ark made from wood. (Heb.11:7; Gen. 6:12-14, 22)

December 3    From Abram’s descendant, the whole of the world
                           could find full salvation, foretold and unfurled.        (Genesis 12:3; 18:18,19)

December 4   Joseph they spurned, raised by God as a saviour –
                          preparing for time of great famine and hunger.    (Acts 7:9-16)

December 5   Moses appointed to lead them from slavery,
                          back to the land, to be taught, and be ready …        (Exodus 3:7-10)]

December 6  King David was promised a Son, King for ever;
                         the Lord who would suffer, the promised Messiah.    (Acts2:30,31)

December 7  A temple to teach of his glory was built,
                         remind of his presence, his care, and their guilt … (Exodus 25:8)

December 8    Each sacrifice, offering was pointing ahead
                           to the need for an adequate Saviour instead.    (Hebrews 9 :13,14; Isaiah 53:5,6)

December 9    Some of the kings helped the people to heed
                           God’s precepts, but many oppressed, led in greed.

December 10  Wonderful Counsellor, Teacher Supreme,
                         the Prince bringing peace, will arrive to redeem …        (Isaiah 9:6; Acts 7:37)

December 11 … to take our transgression, the punishment bear
                         that we may his joy and his fellowship share.            (Isaiah 53)

December 12  From Bethlehem, city of David would come
                           the Ruler eternal, that king’s greater Son.
                             (Micah 5:2 quoted in Matthew 2:6 to Herod by the chief priests when the wise                                 men were enquiring where they should look for the newborn king)

December 13    The people and kings more and more turned away –
                          were warned they’d be conquered and exiled one day …   (Jeremiah 25:4-11)

December 14   … for 70 years they’d be captives out there –
                             many repented, turned back with true prayer.        

                                                                                   (Jeremiah 25:4-11 Daniel 9:2,3,19 Ezra 1:1,2-4)

December 15  Restored to their land, but struggling in weakness,
                            awaiting the One who’ll transform their distress.
                                                                  (Jeremiah 31:31-34 Zechariah 13:1 Malachi 4:2)

December 16 Like Elijah of old, a prophet would come –
                          to call for repentance – they’d see the Christ soon.    (Malachi 3:1)

December 17 Zechariah was told Elizabeth would bear
                        a son, and this John would baptise and prepare.        (Luke 1:13-17; John 1:6-9)

December 18 Someone called Simeon, was told, before death       
                     he would see God's salvation – the Christ, come to earth.      (Luke 2:25-35)

December 19  Amazing the message, and Mary believed –
                            she’d mother the Saviour – by miracle conceived.  (Luke 1:26-38)

December 20 Reassurance to Joseph, betrothed to be wed:
                          do not fear, for the son to be born is from God.    (Matthew 1:18-21)

December 21 They travelled to Bethlehem, because of the census;
                           while there, as foretold, Christ was born, come to help us.    (Luke 2:1-7)

December 22 Shepherds the news from the angel heard –
                          they went, saw, and told of this wonderful word.     (Luke 2:8-20)

December 23 Some wise men who noticed a new, special star,
                           the newly-born king sought, travelling far.  (Matthew 2:1-12)]