• Day 30 Takeaways // Major Moment: Jesus grew up and had the grace of God upon Him.

    1. This is such a beautiful reminder of what Jesus did for us! He became just like us. Human. Flesh and blood. He probably got colds and headaches and lived with the temptations of Satan as we do. He is humanity's perfect sacrifice, and he brings us back into fellowship with God the Father. I'm so grateful. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, lives IN us...His very nature! It's a reminder that no Christian should fear death. In these passages, Satan is said to have the power over death because he introduced sin, which makes us slaves and leads to death. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection destroyed satans power over death. Jesus truly lives in us, and if we dare to believe it, we can live a fearless life. I've loved this study, and it's made my Advent Season even more meaningful. Thank you.

    2. Thank you for all of your contributions and everyone else! This was such a wonderful way to stay connected and focus on the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Thank you all for joining in on this study! Merry Christmas everyone! 🥰

    3. Thank you for organizing and leading this study! What a blessing it has been!

  • Day 29 Takeaways // Major Moment: Jesus' family returned to Nazareth, and like Israel's prophets of the past, He would be rejected.

    1. Day 28 Takeaways // Major Moment: Herod killed children in Bethleham, and like Israel's past, mothers wept for their children.

      1. I loved the verses on hope , especially Isaiah 43:2-4 where God calls us “precious” and He loves us. And the others verses are so hopeful! We don’t have to fear..God is with us in our trials and encourages us not to lose heart. Our troubles are “light and momentary” in light of eternity. We need to have hope in order to have any joy in life so these verses are an encouragement.

    2. Day 27 Takeaways // Major Moment: Jesus' family fled to Egypt, and like Israel's past, there would be a new exodus.

      1. I love the history and how it's linked from the old testament to the new testament. It was all meant to be as it played out and recorded in history. The blood of the lamb saves God's people then and now. I'm so thankful to receive forgiveness from my sins and to know I'm His forever.

      2. well said... and I agree!

    3. Day 26 Takeaways // Major Moment: The wise men worshipped Jesus and brought Him gifts

      1. I love the Old Testament Scriptures that point to and/or are fulfilled in the New Testament!

    4. Day 25 Takeaways // Major Moment: The star guided the wise men to Jesus

      1. I so appreciated the Scripture reference to Ps. 32:8 and the reminder that God will guide us, And that we should rejoice in seeking Him!

      2. And I also loved the weekend reflections and prayer found on page 99 "...Joy does not just happen to us. It is not dependent on our outward circumstances. Joy is a condition of the heart. Joy is peace and hope despite circumstances..."

    5. Day 24 Takeaways // Major Moment: King Herod felt threatened by news of the born Messiah.

      2. I agree; it's convicting! I wouldn't say I like to acknowledge the "little King Herod" in me, but of course, it's there. I loved the encouraging scripture this chapter ended on (and of the worship song): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me" (it's a constant exchanging of my thoughts for God's thoughts) I'm enjoying this advent study. It' really is "pointing to the promise" Thank you for sharing this study,

      3. YesI agree with Kelli! It’s been a huge blessing doing this Bible study! God bless you Brittany! Yes I agree, Paul says everyday May our Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit help me crucify the desires of my flesh and submit to His desires.

      4. I agree, ladies! What a challenge for us not to attempt to please God with our flesh, but to ask him to creat in us a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.

    6. Day 23 Takeaways // Major Moment: The wise men came looking for the king of the Jews.

      2. Amen! I love reading and writing Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is truly the name above all names !

      3. Amen!

      4. I appreciate the reference back to Numbers 17:24 - both Star and Scepter are capitalized!

    7. Day 22 Takeaways // Major Moment: With Jesus in the temple, Anna gives thanks and prophesied.

      2. I agree ! It would be so interesting to learn more about her.

      3. I also love that she didn’t depart herself from the temple but served day and night. It happen to be that she came in that instant and gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of him to all who looked for redemption! That blessed me!

      4. A good reminder and challenge to us to give thanks and speak of Him as we continually grow - both in physical age and in our spiritual walk.

    8. Day 21 Takeaways // Major Moment: Simeon recognized the infant Jesus as the Christ and gave a blessing.

      1. It was a blessing to read baby Jesus as the sacrifice or lamb, and Mary and Joseph didn’t bring a lamb with them as it was reworked in the law of Leviticus. Second, I love reading the role of the Holy Spirit in Simeon’s life in revealing God’s truth and directing him to Jesus. I love finding the scriptures about the Holy Spirit is being our comforter (helper), power to witness to others and the one that pours God’s love into our hearts. It also blessed me to read the joy Simeon had seeing the fulfillment of the Word in his life. Even if some say there is no room for Jesus/us in the Inn, Christ is our true joy!

      2. Joseph and Mary were obedient to the Lord in offereing a sacrifice, even though they were poor. I also agree with ...what a blessing to read Simeon's response when he saw Jesus!