Songs of Advent

Few other seasons reflectively lead us into worship or call us to draw nearer to God as He draws near to us with more promise than the season of Advent. This season, along with its familiar melodies, puts a voice and song to our hope in Christ as Emmanuel, God with us.

This devotional, inspired and written by Broadway worship volunteers, harkens back to beloved hymns, carols, and choruses. These songs have a special meaning to worshipers from the Broadway community who lead our congregations in worship each week of the year.

Let’s journey together through the songs of Advent remembering their worship and praise of the Christ child.

“A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6 CEB

Have you ever wondered how the story of Jesus’ birth has survived for over 2000 years? How it is as real today as it was then? We do our part in churches by devoting messages to the season of Advent, celebrating through plays and cantatas, decorating our churches and homes, serving meals and buying gifts, sending Christmas cards and singing Christmas Carols. All of these represent traditions of keeping alive the story of Jesus and helping pass the story to the next generation.

But how did that story survive to become relevant for us, today? In medieval times there were feasts, music, and gift giving that represented those gifts given to the Christ child. Worship was different. Many people were illiterate and the written word was unapproachable. Instead, words were paired with traditional folk songs so the people could sing along and celebrate His birth. This was their version of praise and worship.

Good Christian Men, Rejoice is a folk song which has survived centuries of sharing. The traditions of the past have become ours. Just as the people of old sang and rejoiced, so we also sing, “Good Christian Men (women, children) Rejoice, Christ was born to save!” Let our traditions represent the true meaning of His birth and the true meaning of Merry Christmas!

Prayer: Father, let us not forget the importance of remembering this season of Jesus’ birth and the promise of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness.

Thought for the Day: Make your Christmas traditions be ones that will last for many generations to come. Never forget to say Merry Christmas!

Good Christian men, rejoice…He hath oped the heavenly door,And man is blessed evermore,Christ was born for this…Christ was born to save

Day 1“Good Christian Men Rejoice”

by Mary Fathbruckner

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men came to Jerusalem looking for the newborn King of the Jews. They were guided by a star and found the child lying in a manger.

I have always been drawn to the story of the wise men. Their story is much like our own. We follow our Jesus like they followed the star. At times the star seems to be only a gentle beam of light. Other times it is a beacon that causes us to yield and fall to our knees, because that is the only place we can go. When they found the child these men fell down and worshiped him. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Each time I hear the familiar melody of this carol I get a sense of joy and sorrow all mingled together. The carol paints a picture of the life and death of Christ. His birth brought great joy, His life was a picture of pure holiness, and His death brought sorrow, pain, and hope. It is hope that we should carry with us into this season of Advent. Take a moment to consider the star and be led to His “perfect light.”

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son. For His holy birth, for His sinless life, for His death on the cross, and for His empty tomb. In Him we have our hope, our peace and our resurrection. In this season, let us celebrate, rejoice and remember all your blessings. We give you thanks and we give you all our praise. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Just as the wise men of old brought their gifts and fell down and worshipped Him, find a moment this day to lay your life down before Christ and worship Him.

O Star of wonder, star of nightStar with royal beauty brightWestward leading, still proceedingGuide us to thy Perfect Light

Day 2“We Three Kings of Orient Are”

by Tom Miller

I chose this hymn for the simple reason that I love bells. From childhood I have always been fascinated by the beautiful sound that carries throughout the entire town. I love the history of bells and the way they were used to call to the community; to prepare for danger, to gather, to worship. As I sat to read the hymn for this devotional, I was literally dumbstruck at the words of the third verse, “For hate is strong and mock the song of peace on earth, good-will to men”, you see today is the day after the Paris attacks. I can relate to the author, his lament at the state of the world, where is the peace and good-will? What has happened to it?! Henry W. Longfellow wrote this song as a way to express his feelings of despair during the Civil War. The events of yesterday, a stark reminder that hate is indeed still strong. But then the song reminds us of the hope we all share – that God is still in control! Through the birth of Jesus, God is With all of Us and working to redeem this broken world! In the end Love wins! The bells call us to a global community of hope as we join together in the call to worship, call to action, call to love. As you prepare your heart this Advent Season, may you celebrate the hope that only Jesus can bring and extend peace and good-will to everyone you meet.

Prayer: Merciful Redeemer, I thank you and praise you for so loving the world that you sent Jesus. I pray for our hurting world, bring comfort to the grieving and guide us in wisdom. Today, in all that I do, may I be reminded of the peace and hope you bring. May I be an instrument of peace and good-will for all people. Fill me with your love and grace. Amen.

Thought for the Day: “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you…Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!

Day 3“I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day”

by Christy Allen

When I was really young, I didn’t understand that people could harmonize with their voices, because the only time of year we had a choir was at Christmas. I can remember asking my grandmother and greatgrandmother why the chorus sounded like a train whistle: it would start quietly with the melody and grow louder and add a layer of harmony each time it would repeat “Venite adoramus/Come let us adore him.” At the end of the chorus, “Dominum/ Christ the Lord!” we heard a heavenly harmony that would produce chillbumps!

For me, this song is what Advent, Christmas and being a Christian is all about. We are reminded throughout the bible to wait faithfully on the Lord. When he appears we should celebrate the King. It reminds us that no matter what is going on, we need to be joyful and take the time to worship and adore our Lord Jesus, who took on flesh and became our savior.

Prayer: Father, as we move through the advent season and prepare to celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus, help us to be faithful to you and joyful for your triumph over sin. Remind us that we are called to be humble, just as your son was humbled at his birth by entering the world in a stable in Bethlehem. Call us to come before Jesus, the King of Angels, Your Word made flesh and to adore you! Keep us from getting lost in the preparation of presents, food, and decorations, because the only thing we need to do is come worship at the feet of Jesus: we need to come and adore Christ, the Lord! Amen.

Thought for the Day: Jesus, I come to you ready to adore you, the ruler of the angels and the Anointed Lord of All.

Faithful, joyful and triumphant…Behold Him… The King of Angels…Word of the Father now in flesh…Let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!Venite Adoramus, Dominum!

Day 4“O Come All Ye Faithful”

by Tammie Stenger-Ramsey

Christmas is the season of gifts, caring, and sharing. It is the birthday of the holy and perfect gift Jesus Christ.

Wise men came from faraway places to bring gifts to the Christ Child lying in the manger. Just as the wise men and shepherds brought their gifts, it is our responsibility to give God the best of our gifts that we have to offer. God wants the offering of our lives to be shared as our gift to others. He wants us to focus our lives on giving, sharing, loving, and caring. That is our Christmas Offering.

God wants us to see this season as an opportunity to give gifts from the heart. It is not the size of the gift that matters; it is the gratitude that lives in our hearts. God’s greatest gift encourages us to give of ourselves to others.

Prayer: Lord, help us keep our focus on the important things in life: faith, hope, and love for our fellow man.

Thought for the Day: The smallest gift can warm the heart.

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

- 2 Corinthians 8:12

Day 5“Christmas Offering”

by Carol Gard

What kind of God interrupts the peace of the Trinity to create a race of rebels, then for forty years pursues a nation of grumpy ex-slaves across the desert, then spends nine months in a womb only to take his first breath of our air in a smelly, fly-infested barn?

This can’t be the same God we’ve scrambled to impress, so he wouldn’t walk away in disgust … the one we hid from behind fig leaves and bushes out of fear and shame.

No, this is the holy God who hangs out with cons and prostitutes. This is the just God who loves his betrayers and deniers to the very end. This is the God who washes dirty feet, transforming us from the floor up. This is the God who connects with us by stuffing himself into claustrophobic spaces; the enormous God who makes his debut in a tiny manger.

Most days I wake up wanting to be bigger than I really am. It’s called arrogance. Then I remember my big God asleep in that manger. If I want to join in what he’s up to in this world, I’ll need to get small. It may confuse my friends. It will turn me crossways with my culture. It could un-impress my boss and tank my career. But it will allow me to fit into the cracks and corners where God is gracing a world filled with hurting people.

Prayer: Thank you for the manger in a barn. Thank you for the pull of that image and the power it is exerting in my heart. May I become small enough to join you where you are right now.

Thought for the Day: Smallness isn’t something I achieve. It’s simply what happens when I stand next to God.

Away in the manger, no crib for a bed ...

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” - John 1:14

Day 6“Away in the Manger”

by Wendell VanValin

What is the purpose of Christmas? To me, Go Tell It on the Mountain summarizes the true purpose of Christmas—to proclaim Christ to the world. On the first Christmas God gave us the most wonderful gift: His son Jesus. Yet this gift is not for us to keep to ourselves; we are meant to share it with everyone who would receive it.

What is this message? Simply stated, “He brought with Him forgiveness. He lives to show us the way. He came to redeem all creation and to wash our sins away.”

I don’t think we are literally supposed to drive to the nearest mountain top and shout, but every time we pack shoeboxes for children faraway, drop some dollars into a Salvation Army kettle, buy clothes for a child in the Christmas Store program, or any number of similar activities, we are proclaiming Christ. It’s that simple. Not easy, but simple. It’s easy to get caught up in all the Christmas hoopla and to forget the true purpose of Christmas. So next time we get all stressed by gift-buying, hanging Christmas lights, cooking holiday treats, writing Christmas cards, etc., let’s instead remember this Christmas mission statement: “Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.”

Prayer: “Dear Lord, please help me this Advent season to loudly proclaim your message through generous giving and serving those in need.”

Thought for the Day: “Preach Jesus, and if necessary use words.” —Attrib. St. Francis of Assisi

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” - Matthew 5:14-15

Day 7“Go Tell It On the Mountain”

by Carolyn & Christine DiMeo

This song paints a wonderful picture of who the creator is and what He has done. There are no wasted words in this song. Everything is crafted brilliantly.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty brings back memories of when I was first starting to scratch the surface of the question, “Who is God?” It’s one of the most difficult things to get our human brains around. God is someone who cares for us deeply and wants the best for all of us. This song helps me center around the vast love of God for all of his children. He sent His most beloved to us instead of us having to reach for Him. God loves us so much that he sent His son to suffer for our sins.

Prayer: Gracious God, please let us feel your love and see through your eyes. Please let us have clarity from our daily lives to know that all of the world was created by You, for us, so we can do your will. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ we ask for this, Amen.

Thought for the Day: “All that have life and breath, come now with praise before him.”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word with God, and the Word was God.” - John 1:1

Day 8“Praise to the Lord the Almighty”

by Scott Crutcher

This celebratory hymn was crafted by the combined efforts of four different writers and musicians, over the course of over 100 years! Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley (the Father of the Methodist faith) penned the words to the hymn as a poem. The poem was then revised by Charles Whitefield, an English evangelist, who wanted to popularize it to a wider Christian audience. In 1840, the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn, who did not want his music used for religious purposes, wrote the music used for the hymn to commemorate the anniversary of the Gutenberg Printing Press. The evolution of this hymn would be completed by Dr. William Cummings, an organist, who married the words of peace, love, and reconciliation of mankind to God through the birth of Jesus Christ with Mendelssohn’s tune.

Why recount the steps leading to the miraculous formation of the hymn? Sometimes, it’s only when you hear the rest of the story that we can see God’s hand at work, doing the miraculous in what seems like ordinary ways. Each Christmas when I listen to the God crafted music of this song, my heart has a glimpse of the glory and joy surrounding the birth of Jesus as it’s described in Luke’s Gospel.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are so creative in Your ways, so patient in how You work. Help me to see Your work in the world around me and to celebrate the miracles that happen everyday. Help me to share with others and, just like the angels, tell of your amazing Son, Jesus, in a time when our world is looking for a Savior. Thank you Jesus for your birth!

Thought for the Day: “And suddenly there appeared a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and singing, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men.” Luke 2:13-14

Born to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! The herald angels sing!Glory to the newborn King!

Day 9“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

by Christine Sowders

Our world knows brokenness very well. Shortly before I began writing this devotional our communities suffered the loss of children and countries both near and far are suffering in war. All because of brokenness.

This hymn was written in 1907 and in that year alone a mighty earthquake killed 1,000 in Jamaica, civil wars ravaged countries, the Bubonic Plague broke out in the US, over 225 coal works died in a mine explosion in Pennsylvania, and the Panic of 1907 set in place events that would lead to a depression. All because of brokenness.Gratefully, brokenness does not win in our story. We know there is only one remedy, if you will, for brokenness and it came in the form of the Christ Child. The Christ Child came to fix the broken but not ultimately until that same Christ Child was broken upon a cross in crucifixion. That’s the beauty of the healing of brokenness … through brokenness comes the healing.

When we are threatened with fear, languishing in pain or loss, or frozen in loneliness let us reclaim joy in Christ’s conquering. Let us place our hope and trust in Him to “drive the dark of doubt away” and in Him experience the “wellspring of the joy of living.”

Prayer: God of grace and God glory we affirm the words of this carol that “all thy works with joy surround you, earth and heaven reflect your rays.” Help us find joy in the midst of brokenness and remember that brokenness DOES. NOT. WIN. Amen.

Thought for the Day: “Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.”

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,Stars and angels sing around Thee,Center of unbroken praise.

Day 10“Joyful, Joyful,We Adore Thee”

by Jeremy Vincent

During Advent, I am so attracted to the possibilities of drawing closer to God during what feels many times the most distracting, chaotic and shallow. The invitation to “Come and Worship” strikes me as words that incite immediate action from these Christmas narrative participants. Yet, for many of us “Coming and worshipping the new born King” can become so unfortunately automatic, surface, even lacking in life changing depth. I don’t always feel this way, but I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t aware of the tension.

While researching and wrestling with these lyrics, maybe I came upon part of the answer to these maddening Christmas realities. I found a final verse to the hymn that over the years has been omitted from Montgomery’s original lyrics. Those lyrics listed above, really give this hymn a just conclusion and draw me further into the redemption realities of the Christmas story.

We are so quick to see the Lenten season as a time for repentance and self-denial, but might Advent not ask the same of us? I guess upon finding this final verse, the hymn encouraged and required a deeper response from me. A response of coming and worshipping leads me deeper to times of prayer and repentance where I possibly move beyond the automatic and trite, and embrace the expansive promise and depth of God’s greatest gift this Advent Season.

Prayer: God of all love and mercy, rescue me and my family from the distracting possibilities of the Advent Season and draw me closer and closer every day to your life transforming realities that you freely give through your son Jesus. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we pray. AMEN

Thought for the Day: What can I do to propel me and my family beyond the automatic and surface possibilities of the Advent Season into the sacred and life transforming realities of the Christ Child?

“Sinners, wrung with true repentance,Doomed for guilt to endless pains,Justice now revokes your sentence,Mercy calls you; break your chains.”

(the omitted verse 5)

Day 11“Angels From the Realms of Glory”

by Joe Patterson

How often do we find ourselves going about our lives, pulled along each day by a seemingly endless list of tasks to be done? Whether it’s pressures at work, demands at home, or expectations we place on ourselves, it can be so easy to get lost in the busyness of life and to wonder if God is truly present in our lives. Ironically, this seems to be especially true during the holiday season. At a time when Jesus is said to be “the reason for the season”, he can often become mysteriously absent – pushed to the side by all the things we “need” to do. The amazing thing is though, God often shows up when we least expect Him.

We see it over and over again throughout scripture. God meets us in the midst of the ordinary, in the middle of our routine. Moses was tending sheep when God called to him from a burning bush. Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be his disciples while they were fishing. He found Matthew at a tax collector’s booth. He blinded Paul as he was on the way to Damascus to persecute the church. And, as this hymn reminds us, he showed up in the middle of the night to a group of lowly shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.

That’s what the season of advent is all about. It’s a time when we remember that God is not absent. Quite the opposite, we see that God shows up and meets us in the midst of our struggles, in the midst of our busyness. We see in the birth of Jesus that God is imminently present with us, even when we are too busy to notice.

Prayer: God, thank you that you are not a God is absent from our lives, but rather you continually reveal yourself to us, even when we least expect it. Would you give us eyes to see how you are present in our lives even now. And as we experience your presence with us, may you use us to reveal your presence to the world around us.In Jesus name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: In the midst of your routine today, try to take note of ways God’s glory is shining through.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around...

Day 12“While Shepherds Watched”

by Scott Newman

I can just hear the stillness of that night. It’s been another long day. The sheep have done a great job being sheep, eating, baaing, blindly following each other as they move to new pasture grounds. A few tired shepherds are watching the flickering flames of the fire, talking about the wolf they heard earlier in the evening, and devising a plan to keep the sheep safe through the silent night.

Then, as some keep watch and some drift off to sleep, that weary silence is broken by a blindingly terrifying display of song and light, joy and love, as heaven breaks loose the song of redemption.

God has broken the silence, He has broken the darkness, and those who exist in continuous wonder and service of His Majesty cannot keep silent.

Their call to worship is a command. Do not fear! God is near! Their song is a beckoning, not an order, to come see. Their unprecedented performance and glorious invitation is not to the powerful but to the forgotten, those on the outside, doing what must be done.

Surely, that song continues today, yet not just with the angels, though they certainly are still singing if we listen, but through the voices of God’s new dwelling place. With us. Those who have heard the song have the choice to sing it loud and teach it to all who’ll hear. The silence and darkness have been shattered by joyous, glorious, light.

Prayer: Almighty God, Give us the silence we need to hear your song. Let us respond to your invitation. Then give us brave hearts to sing the song of hope and joy boldly into the darkness around us. And let us go to those on the outside first, that they may feel the weight of their worth in how we care for them.

Thought for the Day: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

God with man is now residingYonder shines the infant lightCome and Worship

Day 13“Come and Worship”

by Meghan Johnston

I’ve asked God questions all my life. I remember specific ones from when I was a teenager and even today, I still ask God questions, seek His guidance and direction. Through my journey, trusting God without having to know “why” is where I’m growing now. Just simply trusting Him, knowing He hears every question, cares deeply for every need and delights when I “get” there. When I am able to trust Him completely, I’m amazed at how much faster I hear His response and see His answers. Sometimes I trust quickly and other times, I hang on to it and try to solve it or fix it myself. He still loves me but I don’t have the peace He longs for me to have in this earthly journey. So, I’ll keep looking to Him and keep learning to trust more each day without having to know why, where, when or how...by fully giving it to Him and leaving it there.

Prayer: God, help us to grow deeper in our trust in You. Knowing You will answer and desire nothing short of the best for us. Help us to have unwavering faith and complete trust that You are with us no matter where we are in our journey or what storms we find ourselves going through.

Thought for the Day: What do I need to give to God today and confidently trust Him? Romans 4:20 & 21.

Why me, I’m just a simple man of tradeWhy Him with all the rulers in the worldWhy here inside this stable filled with hayWhy her, she’s just an ordinary girl

Day 14“A Strange Way to Save the World”

by Cindy Hughes

Hallowed Manger Ground, Holy Ground. Have you thought about that? The very ground under the manger where Christ was born became Holy Ground! When you think of Holy Ground your mind may go to Moses and the burning bush, (Exodus 3:5). When God told Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on Holy Ground. As we ponder Holy Ground, let’s think about the Hallowed Manger Ground.

Every year one of our great delights in preparing for Christmas is decorating our home and especially setting up the manger scene. We set out the crèche with the star on top. The star that gave light and led others to Christ, the Light of the World. We carefully place baby Jesus, surrounded by Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, then the camels, sheep and cows. Everyone is facing the Christ child. Focused on Jesus, bowing down and worshipping our newborn King. Don’t you just love this perspective? Christ focused! Worldly cares fade away when we look to Christ.

So this Advent season as the world tries to pull us away let’s allow the beauty of Christmas to draw us back. Let every song, card, twinkling light, every gathering, hug, prayer, and every decoration redirect us back to Emmanuel- God with us!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your mercy, your grace, your perfect plan. Thank you for loving us so much that you sent your son as a baby to lead us back to you. Thank you for this quiet time to refocus on you and your great love. Help us to be still in your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Thought for the Day: During Advent season and every season let’s seek the light to keep our focus on Emmanuel- God with us.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 1:23

Day 15“Emmanuel - Hallowed Manger Ground”

by Julie Hilbert

Come, thou long expected Jesus – in words you can count on one hand are the hope and realization of Christmas. This is the story of Christmas – a story of a God who deeply cares for us, demonstrating that love by arriving on earth. Our hope is not abstract, but layered in the concrete of God’s actions throughout history. This hope was cemented on a bed of hay, and set in the future we await. During advent, we celebrate what God has done, and etch our initials into the mold of the world to come. Each year we rehearse the ribbon cutting on God’s new creation and look forward to the future grand opening where heaven and earth are aligned. We wait. We hope. We anticipate by setting the mold of heaven in our own lives where Jesus Christ, the master carpenter, releases us from our fears and our sins.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I hope. I have fears. I have sins. I confess that I do not always feel free. Lord, I know that your birth makes freedom possible. Lord, help me to live in expectation, and from that expectation receive freedom from fear, from sin, and from brokenness. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Where do you need hope today?

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Day 16“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

by Jason Brown

There is no baby’s cry in this song, but rather the heart of God, pleading with us to hear the song of heaven, sung by the angels: “Peace on Earth; good will to men.” Written in the strife-ridden social climate leading to our Civil War, this poem, written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, speaks of man “at war with man,” that “hears not the love song” the angels sing; a thought that echoes still.

December 25th brings emotions as varied as the decorations on our trees. Sure, there is abundant hope for what will one day be, and memories of joyful Christmas’ past, but if we’re really honest, there’s an ache that comes too. For some of us, the ringing bells and twinkling lights aren’t quite enough to make us forget the debt, the broken promises, and the empty chairs and beds in our homes. A promise of peace just seems impossible. Yet still they sing. Over the weary, over the fearful and broken hearted, over the bored and restless, the angels sing. A bold announcement bursts through the darkest, bleakest mid-night sky and screams “Peace! Good news! There is hope for your seemingly unending heartache!”

God so loves us that He became one of us, to endure our heartache and impossibilities, breaking the power of sin and death through his victorious resurrection from the dead. Whatever your impossible is, know Christ is right there, the mighty Prince of Peace. May we not tune out the song He sings.

Prayer: Good Father, you know our heartaches better than we know ourselves. Remind us of your presence in the midst of whatever our unique impossible is. Let us be so aware of your nearness that in the brokenness that threatens to undo us we hear your heartbeat louder than our cries and feel your tears washing over our own. Then, let us boldly share the healing your song of peace brings.

Thought for the Day: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

When the new heaven and earth shall own The Prince of Peace, their King, and the whole world send back the songwhich now the angels sing...

Day 17“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

by Martha Christian

Every person who traversed those Bethlehem roads and everyone who stumbles upon earth today has felt the crippling pangs of fear and unfulfilled hopes. The yearning for someone to enter this heavy weight of brokenness seems too good to be true—so good that we sometimes forget it is true.

Yet when Jesus slipped to earth, He came desiring to meet every person amid whatever hopes and fears had long churned within each soul. This comforter arrived as helpless as we often feel, yet offered peace for our trembling hearts and relentless hope for every disappointment.

While angelic choirs visited a few shepherds that night, most of Bethlehem had no idea their world had drastically changed.The Everlasting Light arrived so quietly in the little town of Bethlehem, He could have easily been overlooked.

Likewise, when we feel lost and weary, we usually don’t experience ethereal voices or directions to God’s doorsteps. Jesus may not come to us with a chorus of angels. But He comes. He may come softly, gradually, wrapped in such simplicity that we easily overlook him. But He comes.

And when we feel consumed by brokenness and weariness, Jesus comes—and sits right down in the middle of our long-held hopes and deep heart-rending fears.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that your everlasting light shines in the darkest streets of our souls. Thank you that when our hopes have let us down and fear consumes every emotion, you enter the mess of our lives and meet us in our brokenness.

Thought for the Day: “He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Day 18“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

by Misty L. Butler

I truly believe that Christ can wash away the darkest parts of our lives and bring us back to a life full of glory and grace. One of the ways we as Christ followers are reminded of this is through worship. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a reminder of this. The rich meaning behind every stanza serves as a constant call to come back to Christ (which is appropriate considering it is sung around Christmas). Christmas is one of the best times of the year! It is a time to remember why we were put on this earth-- to live for Christ. What better time to have this in mind than the time of Jesus’s birth?

O Come O Come Emmanuel is a wonderful song that will not fail to remind you that the Lord will put you back on His path and fill you with His unrelenting mercy.

“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer, our spirits by Thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.”

Prayer: Lord, we praise you for all you have done and we thank you for your unrelenting mercy and your promise to never let us stray away path, and if we do, that you bring us back. Help us to remember what the reason for the season is and let us not forget that you are Emmanuel- God with us- and you love us unconditionally. In your name we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Nothing nor nobody will love us and keep us as focused on what our reason of life is as Christ will.

O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; bid Thou our sad divisions cease, and be Thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Day 19“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

by Emily Lindsey

Comfort is something that I associate with Christmas. Comforting music, comforting traditions, comforting attitudes, comforting spirits of giving. I believe we all seek comfort in some way, because comfort unwraps the joy that can empower us to be an advocate to love in a difficult, and lonely world.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman brings back meaningful memories to me as I grew up here at Broadway. I listened to wonderful and talented choirs fill the church with God’s spirit every year during the Christmas season. As the warm dark timbre in the carol would play, I would feel the spirit of God and tradition in that place.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman is a bold declaration of the gospel message. With the changing of word meanings and differences in culture, the Old English title may have sounded more like “God Make You Mighty, Gentleman.” This song calls us to proclaim that Christ is Emmanuel through the Advent season, just as it was done on the streets of London years ago.

And so, just as this very song escaped the dark and somber constraints of 15th century worship music, we too can flee the ominous shadow that the world casts upon us. We can choose to seek comfort in God’s forecast for us. We can choose to find joy in the good around us. . . O tidings of comfort and joy! Comfort and Joy!

Prayer: Dear God, allow the teachings of Jesus to comfort us and give us joy during this season. Show us how we can comfort others as well. Allow our minds to be open to find comfort and joy in places we might not expect. Give us the courage to allow God to make us mighty ladies and gentleman.

Thought for the Day: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace…O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy. O tidings of comfort and joy.

Day 20“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

by Curtis Willis

While researching the history of my favorite Christmas Carol a few thoughts struck me. The first was I had no idea the carol we sing today is the singing edition created by Unitarian Minister, John Sullivan Dwight, in 1855. Nor did I know the original French poem Midnight, Christians was written by Placide Cappeau, who was a professed anticlerical and atheist. The music was first composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The original French and the two familiar English versions all reflect on the birth of Jesus and of humanity’s redemption.

The research reminded me that God is always at work even through people we may not agree with or in which we don’t see Jesus. As a child my uncle sang this carol every year and I couldn’t wait till I was old enough to sing it with such robust joy as he did. The verses of the song take us from the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the wise men and the sharing of the redemption available to all who seek Christ.

Prayer: Read the verse above and pray for those you struggle to love. Pray for those who are enslaved and oppressed in our community and world. When I was struggling to love others, God showed me it was not “them” who were at fault, but me. I could not love myself as Christ intended. May you know the love of Christ and allow him to peel layers of yourself away so that His love radiates through you to all people. God used three very different people to bring about one of the most beautiful carols that is sung around the world. God calls us to love.

Thought for the Day: May His love permeate your life today, tomorrow and the days ahead.

Truly He taught us to love one anotherHis law is love and His gospel is peaceChains shall He break for the slave is our brotherAnd in His name all oppression shall ceaseSweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise weLet all within us praise His holy name

Day 21“O Holy Night”by Rhondell Miller

With the approaching of Christmas, my life is often wrapped up in songs. Songs sung by the church choir, by the sweet children I teach everyday, by the artists on the radio, and by those shopping in the stores. While I love the hustle and bustle of the season, I prefer the carols that my grandmother taught me in her living room, and ones that we stand together as a congregation and sing in the weeks preceding the birth of Christ.

To me one of the most beautiful melodies we sing is The First Noel, made even more appealing by its stunning lyrics. I can remember sitting in the back pew of my church (where my family always sits) in a brand new, fancy dress on Christmas Eve, stuffed from our family dinner, sleepy but excited with anticipation of what the night would bring. The First Noel was always one of the opening hymns for that night of nights and because of this, it is truly what I associate with Christmas Joy. This beautiful song weaves through the Christmas story culminating in the last verse written above. The verse reminds us all of what Christ’s birth really means for the world.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, throughout this season of hustle and bustle, let us take the time to be still, and think of what the birth of your son Jesus meant to our world. May we all find joy in the little things, and remember that the King of Kings came to us in the form of a small baby in a manger, who took away the sins of the world. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Of all the poignantly written lyrics for the Christmas season, The First Noel stands out with its messages of love, light, and hope for a world that needs a Savior.

Then let us all, with one accord,Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,Who had made heaven and earth of nought,And with his blood, man-kind was bought.

Day 22“The First Noel”

by Sarah Capito

This song is one that I love to teach to the children in Kids Zone. I like to save it for the Sunday that our Bible lesson is on the ‘Angels Appearing to the Shepherds’ (Luke 2: 6-20). For me, it is the perfect word picture of this Holy moment. It wraps up the astonishment, fear and wonder the shepherds must have felt to be a part of sucha glorious sighting.

As you sing each line you can just see the shepherds watching the angels in their beautiful praise, convinced to travel to Bethlehem to see this new born Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord! The angels must have been a fantastic sight and the children all belting out “Gloria, Gloria, Gloria!”… is a beautiful sight as well. The version we sing in Kids Zone adds the word, “today” at the end of the Gloria’s…and I really like that. To me, it helps teach the kids that this message is just as important for us TODAY, in this moment, as it was in the time of the shepherds.

Prayer: Lord, help us to never lose the wonder and awe of our Savior’s birth. Help us to see that you came as God’s greatest gift to us, to all of us. Help us to treat each person we encounter as a precious child of God. Help us to have the wisdom, insight and courage to share your story with a new generation of children. That they would know that Jehovah is our God, Jehovah alone.

Thought for the Day: “Gloria, in Excelsis Deo” sticks in your head…it means Glory to God in the Highest. What a wonderful thought to “play” all day!

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,’ they sang, ‘and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.’” - Luke 2: 13-14

Day 23“Angels We Have Heard On High”

by Donna Murphy Beane

This song was written by comedian Mark Lowry. He wrote it thinking about the questions he would ask Mary if he could.

This song really helps me think of Jesus in a new way. There is so much promise in a newborn baby, but also so much normal. Sleeping, eating, needing to be kept warm and changed and clean. But this baby wasn’t just any baby! He would grow up and give sight to the blind and calm storms with His hand. No one would ever suspect that God, in all of His power, would come in the smallest of His creations. God can do anything. Even hide Himself in a baby.

Thinking about Mary makes me think of her courage to raise the Son of God. She didn’t know all the details about how he’d teach the world a whole new way to live, or that he would be beaten, crucified, die and rise again for those who killed him. Just knowing He was God’s son had to be hard to understand, but here she was raising the Great I Am.

This song also helps me to remember that the real gift of Christmas is God Himself, born of a young Jewish girl who may or may not have known the miracle she was holding.

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us so much that you would come into our world as a baby, needing to be cared for by the ones you care so much for. Help us to not miss the miraculous in the simple things, like a baby or a snowflake or any of the other really simple things our lives contain. Jesus, thank you for coming to us. We love you.

Thought for the Day: “She will have a son, and you will name Him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves,” because this Jesus is the person who will save all of His people from sin.” Matthew 1:21

Did you know that your baby boyis heaven’s perfect Lamb?The sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM.

Day 24“Mary Did You Know?”

by Emma Christian

The message we receive through the song Joy to the World has always exemplified that nostalgic Christmas season feeling for me. Even before His birth, Christ’s presence in Mary’s womb sparked joy. When Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin and the mother of John the Baptist, visited Mary, she exclaimed, “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy”. (Luke 1:44-45).

This time of year it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle and lose focus on the true reason we celebrate. When I hear this carol I am instantly reminded of the amazing gift of our Lord, his arrival into the world and that we can and should experience abundant joy in our lives.

This holiday season if you find yourself overwhelmed, frustrated, riddled with anxiety or distracted by all life throws your way, I encourage you turn to this carol. Use this song and this season as an opportunity to recharge your joy. For the feeling of joy is itself a great Christmas gift.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the many joys that You’ve given me, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus and the joy and peace that floods the hearts of all who have found Salvation in Him. Help me to share the joy of knowing him with all those You place in my path this holiday season and beyond.

Thought for the Day: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.” - (Psalm 98:4-6)

Day 25“Joy to the World”

by Brian Barnhouse

It seems the hustle and bustle of Christmas arrives earlier and earlier each year. Holiday circulars begin mailing the day after Halloween and stores begin putting up decorations even before the Thanksgiving dinners have been planned. It is easy to get swept away. God came to Earth in a hectic way as well. In the midst of the census, Bethlehem was bursting at the seams with people there to register. The town was so busy there wasn’t a single room for Joseph and Mary to stay in.

The song Silent Night reminds me to step back and take a breath; to see through the extra to the heart of the season. We sing Silent Night at the end of our Christmas Eve services, lights dimmed with candles lit, in quiet contemplation of the significance of the events in that manger. It was a bustling time, but even Mary took time to calm and treasure what was happening.

The Advent season is busy. Traveling to visit friends and family, holiday dinners and checking off all the items on the Christmas list. These are wonderful things. Through all of it, though, we must remember to take time to step back and honor God, to thank Him for what He did on that first busy Christmas night.

Prayer: God, thank you for all the busy-ness. Thank you for the family and friends, holiday dinners and Christmas shopping. We appreciate these blessings you have poured on us. Lord, help us remember through all the hustle and bustle that you are there. Help us remember to step back and have quiet contemplation of the gift You gave us that night when Your Son came to save us. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Even in the busy days of Advent, look for the calm moments and treasure those gifts from God.

Silent night, Holy nightAll is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin, mother and childHoly infant, tender and mildSleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace.

Day 26“Silent Night”by Jeremy Jurgens

Devotional Authors

Curtis WillisCarol Gard

Scott CrutcherJeremy JurgensSarah CapitoMisty Butler

Carolyn DiMeoChristine DiMeo

Wendell VanValinMary Fathbruckner

Donna BeaneTom Miller

Tammie RamseyMartha ChristianEmma ChristianRhondell MillerBrian Barnhouse

Christy AllenJeremy VincentJoe PattersonEmily Lindsey

Christine SowdersJason BrownJulie Hilbert

Scott NewmanMeghan Johnston

Cindy Hughes