Document 6449823

Celebrating Christ
in Christmas
A Family Advent Devotional
CANYON RIDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Table of Contents
Celebrating Christ In Christmas
1
Week One of Advent:
A Child Will Be Born to Us
3
Week Two of Advent:
The Birth of Christ
8
Week Three of Advent:
The Shepherds and the Angels
13
Week Four of Advent:
The Visit of the Magi
17
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Celebrating the Visit of Christ
22
Christmas Service Times
25
Resources
26
Celebrating Christ in Christmas
Advent refers to the “coming” or “arrival” of Jesus Christ.
Weekly home worship during the Advent Season is a fond custom in many Christian families and often includes
gathering around an Advent Wreath in remembrance of the greatest Gift ever given.
As we prepare for this year’s Christmas season, there are many things on our checklist to be done. For parents, we’ve
got to get the house cleaned and ready for all of the visitors that will be coming, we’ve got to prepare all the food for the
various meals that will be happening, and we’ve got to buy all the gifts to be handed out to those who mean the most to
us. That doesn’t even take into account all of the traffic jams at the mall and the credit card debt that gets racked up. For
children and students, we’ve got to decide what to put on our Christmas list, juggle all of the parties, and wear those
crazy looking sweaters that will come back to haunt us through pictures when we’re adults. At the end of it all, we’re
typically too exhausted to even remember the entire month of December and we’re so overwhelmed with debt that it
takes the first few months after December just to pay it all off.
Before we create all our plans for this year’s family Christmas experience, let’s take a second to really think about what
Christmas is truly about. As we mentioned earlier, we celebrate Christmas so that we will remember the greatest Gift
ever given; Jesus Christ. Did you know that Americans spend approximately 450 billion dollars each year just for
Christmas gifts? Is this really what God had in mind when He sent His son to be a precious gift to us? Did you know
that approximately 10 billion dollars would help to solve all of the world’s clean water problems? Did you know that a
child in a third-world country can be clothed, fed, and educated for approximately $420 each year and clean water can
be provided for that child for just $1 a day?
What would it look like if we really stepped back from all of the materialistic rituals that surround Christmas and
celebrated the things that matter most this Christmas? What would it look like to adopt a family or volunteer at a rescue
mission or reach out to the poor, broken, and hurting? What would it look like if we took a fraction of the money that
we would normally spend on all the Christmas gifts and gave it to make a bigger impact in a life than that Nintendo Wii
ever could? What would it look like if we made gifts instead of purchasing them? It would probably be more
meaningful to receive something homemade instead of that impersonal gift certificate or the after-Christmas-errand to
exchange those clothes that don’t fit. What would it look like if we spent more time with our families and less time
shopping? What would it look like if we gave less materialistic gifts and more of ourselves relationally? Jesus came to
earth as the greatest Gift ever; he fully gave himself so that we could truly live. What would it look like if we truly
remembered Jesus in all that we did this Christmas season?
The following guide provides suggested weekly Scripture, prayers, carols, and brief devotional readings to help your
family celebrate Advent. The Advent season always includes four Sundays beginning at or near the end of November
and concludes on Christmas Eve.
Resources:
http://www.adventconspiracy.com
http://www.rethinkingchristmas.com
http://www.worldvision.org
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Easy Candle Holders
Combine in a bowl:
3 cups of flour
4 ounces of white glue (like Elmer’s)
1 cup of water
1 cup of salt
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
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Stir and knead with hands until ingredients are fully mixed. Divide clay into five portions and place on wax
paper or foil. Form your own unique shapes.
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Place candles in the clay candle holders and leave in place until the clay fully hardens. Do not move the candle
holders until the clay is dry. This normally takes at least 24 hours. After drying, the clay may be painted.
To Make Your Own Advent Wreath
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Arrange some evergreens (fresh or artificial) in a circle. The greenery represents eternal life in Jesus (John
3:16-17) and the circle represents God everlasting.
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Place five candles in the greenery using candle holders or florist’s foam (or see next page for an easy “clay”
recipe). Traditionally three purple candles (representing faithful expectation) and one pink candle (for joy and
hope) are used along with a white candle in the center (white represents Christ’s purity).
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Place the completed wreath in a prominent location where you will hold your family devotions each week.
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Light the first candle on the first Sunday. The following week, light the first candle and also the second...and so
on each Sunday until all the candles are lit on Christmas Eve. The center flame burns brightly as a reminder of
the light Christ brings to the world and reminds us why we celebrate Christmas.
We hope you enjoy adding this tradition to your family’s celebration and that it may make this a memorable Christmas
season for you.
To purchase advent wreaths or candles visit The Canyon Echo Bookstore.
Pg. 2
A Child Will be Born to Us
Week 1 of Advent
Light the first candle (purple)
Song:
“Away in a Manger”
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle, till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
“Away in a Manager” is often the first Christmas carol our children are taught. It was originally published in 1885 in
a Lutheran Sunday school book. This fact created the misconception that the lyrics of “Away in a Manger” were
written by Martin Luther himself. In fact, the author is unknown. The music to “Away in a Manger” was composed by
William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.
Pg. 3
Traditions and Preparation
By Jenny Fay
Devotional Reading
Christmas is my favorite holiday. At my house we start putting out our Christmas decorations as soon as the
Thanksgiving dishes are done. As a child, I loved helping Mom do this. Even when I was in college I looked forward
to coming home for the Christmas holidays. We had Christmas goodies in every tin and the lights were hung outside on
our house and bushes. The smells, sounds and sights all told me it was time for Christmas.
Decorating is a tradition I have carried on even after moving out of my parents’ house. I made sure to buy the lighted
garland just like Mom’s. It’s something that shows I’ve prepared my house for Christmas. While this is great, my
house shouldn’t be the only thing prepared for Christmas. I also need to make sure my heart is prepared.
This December at church, we are going to spend a lot of time getting our hearts ready for Christmas. From little kids to
big adults, we will all learn things from the Bible that will get our hearts ready to celebrate Christ this Christmas. We’ll
start talking about those things next weekend. So let’s take some time this week to prepare for Christmas and prepare
for what God will teach us this month.
Let’s take a look at the first part of the Bible. The Old Testament is full of prophecies that helped prepare people for the
birth of Christ. If it was important to God for people to be prepared for the birth of Christ, then it is still important to
God that we are prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ.
In these weeks that lead up to Christmas, we want to take some time to make sure our hearts, not just our houses, are
prepared for Celebrating the Christ of Christmas.
Pg. 4
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6
1. What is your favorite thing about Christmas? Why is that your favorite?
2. What do you think Christmas is all about?
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
As we get ready to celebrate Christmas,
help us to find things that will remind us
of the real meaning of Christmas.
Help us to begin traditions that bring us closer to You
and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
In Your name we pray.
Amen.
For further Scripture reading during the week:
Monday: The Creator of Man- Genesis 1:26-31
1. Who created people?
2.How does it make you feel to know that God created you?
Tuesday: The Fall of Man- Genesis 3:1-24
1.What did God ask Adam and Eve NOT to do?
2.What happened after they did what God said not to do?
Wednesday: The Promise of Redemption- Genesis 3:15
1.Jesus is Eve’s offspring. How did the “serpent,” or satan, strike his head?
(Check out Matthew 27:50 for help)
2.How did Jesus crush his head? (Check out Matthew 28:5-6)
Thursday: A Prophet will come- Deuteronomy 18:15-19
1.Who do you think is “the prophet”? (Check out John 6:14 for help)
2.What are some things Jesus told us?
Friday: A Virgin with Child- Isaiah 7:10-14
1.Who is the woman talked about here?
2.What does Immanuel mean? (Check out Matthew 1:23 for help)
Saturday: A Righteous Judge- Isaiah 11:1-5
1.How will Jesus judge?
2.What does it mean when someone judges with “righteousness” and “justice”?
Pg. 5
Family Activity
Candy Cane Fun
Once candy canes appear in stores, we know Christmas is near. The candy cane actually has a lot to do with Christmas.
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The red represents Jesus’ blood that He shed for us.
The stripes represent the soldiers’ whips across Jesus’ back.
The white reminds us that Jesus lived a pure life without sin.
The peppermint flavor reminds us of the hyssop plant used in Old Testament sacrifices—and that Jesus was a
perfect sacrifice for our sins.
The hardness reminds us that Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
The bend reminds us of the shepherds who came to visit Jesus.
And—when you turn the candy cane upside down, it makes a “J” that stands for Jesus.
Consider doing one or both of the following activities and use a candy cane to share the Gospel message.
For Older Kids: Candy Cane Science Experiment
Gather the following ingredients. Have your kids meet you in the kitchen.
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½ C. water
3 C. granulated sugar
¾ C. corn syrup
¼ t. cream of tartar
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1 t. peppermint flavoring
¾ t. red food coloring
Candy thermomete
1. Combine water, sugar, syrup, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan. Whisk together over low heat
until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Divide the liquid between two sauce pans and bring both to a boil, but don’t stir until the temperature of
each registers 280 degrees F.
3. Add ½ t. of peppermint flavoring to each pan and stir.
4. Add the red food coloring to only one of the pans and stir.
5. Remove pans from heat and allow to cool.
6. After the contents of both pans have cooled enough to handle, stretch and pull the mixture, like taffy,
forming into ropes of red and white. Then twist them around each other again and again.
7. Form the intertwined ropes into the shape of a shepherd’s staff.
8. Allow them to harden on an oiled surface.
9. Share the candy canes with younger siblings or friends and tell them the story it teaches.
Pg. 6
For Younger Kids: Reindeer Evangelists
Transform candy canes into reindeer, tie a copy of the Candy Cane Story to one of the antlers, and pass these treats to
friends or classmates.
Things you’ll need for each reindeer:
• one 6 inch cellophane-wrapped candy cane
• 8 inches of ribbon
• Two 18 inch brown pipe cleaners
• 1 pair of wiggly eyes
• White craft glue
• 1 small red pom-pom
• Scissors
Directions:
1. Glue wiggly eyes on the rounded crook of the candy cane.
2. Glue red pom-pom on the face for a nose.
3. Tie ribbon into a bow on the straight part of the candy cane.
4. Cut one of the pipe cleaners in half.
5. Wrap the full-sized pipe cleaner around the crook of the candy cane, twisting one at the bottom to
secure, then back up into the air; the two points should now be standing straight up.
6. Twist one of the short pipe cleaners around the middle of the left antler to create the “points.” Repeat
with the remaining cut piece of pipe cleaner for the right antler.
7. Manipulate the pipe cleaners to look like antlers. (When finished, each antler will have three points.)
Talk About It
1. How can the candy cane remind us of the true meaning of Christmas?
2. Who will you share the Candy Cane story with?
3. As we get ready for Christmas, what other things can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas?
Pg. 7
The Birth of Christ
Week 2 of Advent
Light second purple candle
Song:
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light:
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And Peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born to us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!
Rector Phillips Brooks (1835-1903) of Philadelphia, wrote the words to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” in 1868,
following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine especially
at night time hence the lyrics of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” His church organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) wrote
the melody to “O Little Town of Bethlehem” for the Sunday school children's choir.
Pg. 8
“O
Come, O Come Emmanuel”
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of Hell Thy people save, And give them victory o'er the grave.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer, Our spirits by Thine
advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark
shadows put to flight. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel.
The favorite “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” carol was originally written in Latin text in the 12th Century. The author
of the words and composer of the original music is unknown. It is believed that the melody was of French origin and
added to the text a hundred years later. The Latin was translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1851.
Pg. 9
Little Wonder
By Debbie Thomas
Devotional Reading
Have you ever wondered how a little baby could cause such a big commotion? You may have seen the commercial on
TV that says “a baby changes everything.” Well, today we are going to think about a little baby that really did change
everything. And not just for his mom and dad. This baby changed everything for the whole world. That means you
and that means me. You see there once was…
A little baby
In a little town
With little room
For a little couple
With little money
Who got little sleep
When this little baby
With little fanfare was born.
Little wonder that this Little Town slept on
Little knowing, that the Little Wonder born in that little barn
Was the long awaited Savior of the world.
Who am I talking about? You know. We all know. In fact everybody you know-knows! And at Christmas we
celebrate how one little baby really could change everything!
Pg. 10
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7
Prayer
Almighty God,
You are the One who writes history.
You created the heavens and the earth,
everything that is seen and unseen.
You gave us your son as a baby to grow up and live with us.
Help us to understand how important that is.
Prepare our hearts
as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Your Son.
Thank you for baby Jesus.
In His name we pray,
Amen
For further Scripture reading during the week:
Monday: A savior and Deliverer - Isaiah 19:19-25
1.What does verse 20 say that a savior and deliverer will do?
2.What does God want the Egyptians, and the Assyrians to do together?
Tuesday: The Sovereign Lord Comes - Isaiah 40:9-11
1.Who are these verses referring to?
2.How does Jesus, the shepherd treat his lambs, us?
Wednesday: Behold my Chosen One - Isaiah: 42:1-4
1.Who is the servant in these verses?
2.What will He do?
Thursday: A Servant Brings Salvation - Isaiah 49:1-7
1.Who are these verses talking about?
2.Jesus will bring salvation to whom?
Friday: A Man of Sorrows - Isaiah 53:1-12
1.Who are these verses talking about?
2.What did His suffering bring us?
Saturday: God’s Spirit is upon Him - Isaiah 61:1-3
1.What does Jesus want to do for the brokenhearted and captives?
2.What does Jesus want to give to those who mourn and grieve?
Pg. 11
Family Activity
“Read All About It!”
Have a piece of paper, pencils and/or crayons for each family member.
Read Luke 2:1-7 again.
Discuss all the things that might have been going on in and around Bethlehem because of the census and the crowded
conditions. (A census was a counting of all the people, in this case, for the purpose of taxation.)
Imagine that you are a reporter for “The Bethlehem Herald” today. On your piece of paper write or draw the headlines
you would choose if Jesus were born today. When everyone is finished, share these with each other.
Talk About It
1. What was an important event the year you were born? (Parents, have some headlines ready. Visit history.com or
datesinhistory.com.
2. Why is the birth of Jesus Christ important in your life?
3. Why is the birth of Jesus Christ important to the world?
Pg. 12
The Shepherds and the Angels
Week 3 of Advent
Light the pink candle
Song
“Silent Night, Holy Night”
Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
The origin of the Christmas carol we know as “Silent Night” was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest
called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf, it is reputed that the organ
at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of “Silent Night” (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz
Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to “Silent Night” was
therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass.
“Silent Night” is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels;
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, all glory in the Highest;
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! To Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
The text to the carol “O Come All Ye Faithful” was originally written in Latin (Adeste Fideles) and was intended to be
a hymn. It is attributed to John Wade, an Englishman. The music was composed by fellow Englishman John Reading in
the early 1700s. The tune was first published in a collection known as "Cantus Diversi" in 1751. In 1841 Rev. Frederick
Oakley is reputed to have worked on the familiar translation of “O Come All Ye Faithful” which replaced the older
Latin lyrics "Adeste Fideles".
Pg. 13
The Wonder of Christmas
By Susan Fuller
Devotional Reading
Do you ever think about what it must have been like for those shepherds, sitting in the field, watching their sheep,
minding their own business, when suddenly an angel appeared? In Luke 2:9, it says the shepherds were
terrified. I bet so. It’s not everyday we have angels appearing to us in all of God’s glory.
Knowing this state of fear, the angel says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people.” Well, just because you tell me not to be afraid, I cannot guarantee not being afraid, but obviously the
shepherds continued to listen to what the angel had to say.
“Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will
find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” I think at this point my fear might turn to awe,
reverence, and even wonder at what I was seeing and hearing. And if this
wasn’t awesome enough, “a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel”.
The angels praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The angels
were worshipping the Christ, so the shepherds felt compelled to go in person and worship this Savior. They were in
wonder and awe; those they told were in wonder and awe; Mary was in wonder and awe, keeping these things and
pondering them in her heart.
Like the angels and shepherds, we have the opportunity this Christmas to celebrate the birth of Christ with our festivities
and to glorify Him by singing praises to Him and telling others about Him.
Pg. 14
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20
Talk About It
What are some of the things that amaze you most about the Christmas story?
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels
without realizing it!” What are some of the ways we could unintentionally serve angels?
Can you think of someone you know who needs to be told the amazing story of Christmas? How will you tell them this
amazing story? (some suggestions might be to take a plate of cookies with our invite card for Christmas Eve
services, or kids could invite friends to Children’s Church this week).
What is your favorite Christmas carol to sing and praise God for our savior, Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
There are a lot of things about Your birth and life that we do not understand, but we understand enough to be amazed
just like the shepherds were. Forgive us for not being amazed more at such a gift; for not really thinking about this great
message in our hearts. Help us to remember You. Help us to notice somebody who needs to be told about your love for
him. Give us the courage to spread the word. For the sake of Christ’s Kingdom we pray. Amen
For further Scripture reading during the week:
Monday: A righteous Branch- Jeremiah 23:5-6
1.Who do you think the righteous branch is?
2.What does this passage say about Jesus?
Tuesday: A ruler over Israel- Micah 5:2
1.According to this verse, was Bethlehem big or little?
2.Why do you think God would allow a “ruler in Israel...from the
days of eternity” to come from such a tiny city?
Wednesday: Your King is Coming- Zechariah 9:9-10
1.Why is the author so excited?
2.What are some of the things Jesus brings us?
Thursday: The Messenger is Sent- Malachi 3:1
1.Who is God’s messenger?
2.What is the message Jesus brought?
Friday: The birth of John is foretold- Luke 1:1-25
1.How old were Zacharias and his wife?
2.What did God promise them?
Saturday: The announcement to Mary- Luke 1:26-38
1.What was Mary’s initial reaction to the angel (v. 29, v.34)?
How did her attitude change in v. 38?
2.Why is Elizabeth’s pregnancy important?
Who is her child? (Luke 2:59, 76-80)
Pg. 15
Family Activity
“Christmas Angels”
Make a Christmas Angel with a “footprint” body and two “handprint” wings.
1. Have your child stand on a piece of white card stock, poster board, or craft foam and trace around one
bare foot. (This will be the robe of the angel.)
2. To form the wings, trace both of your child’s hands on yellow paper, or use yellow paint to make a
handprint. (Don’t spread the fingers too far apart.)
3. Cut out the footprint and decorate the “robe” with glitter, scraps of shiny wrapping paper, silver tinsel,
colored tissue paper, or tinfoil.
4. Glue a piece of ribbon across the center of the robe (belt).
5. Cut out a picture of your child to serve as the angel’s head.
6. Assemble the angel: Glue the hand silhouettes to the back of the footprint, then glue your child’s photo
to the heel.
7. Don’t forget to record the date and include your child’s “signature” on the back, so that you’ll
remember what an angel your child was this Christmas. (This activity taken from Lisa Welchel’s book,
The ADVENTure of Christmas, Multnomah Gifts, 2004)
Pg. 16
The Visit of the Magi
Week 4 of Advent
Light fourth purple candle
Song
“We Three Kings”
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy Perfect Light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Pray'r and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God most high.
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume, Breathes of life of gathering gloom:
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia! Sounds through the earth and skies.
Refrain: O Star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect light.
The famous American carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are” was written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins. The
minister is reputed to have written the carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are” for the General Theological Seminary in
New York City as part of their Christmas pageant.
Pg. 17
“The First Noel”
The First Noel, the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they layIn fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
“The First Noel” is unknown in origin but is generally thought to be English dating back to the sixteenth century. There
is a misconception that “The First Noel” was French and it is believed that this is because of the French spelling of
Noel as opposed to the olde English Anglo-Saxon spelling of the word as in Nowell.
After England was captured by the Normans, numerous words were adopted from the Norman French language and
Noel was re-spelled as Nowell. Early printed versions of this carol use the Nowell spelling. “The First Noel” was first
published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols
gathered by William B. Sandys.
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King of Kings
By Steve Thomas
Devotional Reading
Herod was cranky at supper that night. Of course, this was nothing new for him. He was always cranky!
Cranky and mean. Every servant in Herod’s court knew that when he was in “one of those moods,” the best
thing they could do was stay clear, stay busy, and keep as far from Herod as possible! And after a brief visit
from the Magi (or wise men) from the East, Herod was in one of those moods, in a major way.
The Magi had asked an innocent enough question. At least, it seemed innocent to them. “We have come to
worship the one born King of the Jews. Can you tell us where he is?”
“The King of the Jews?” Herod thought to himself. “Why, that would be me! I’ve worked long and hard to
make sure my place is secure as Israel’s king. I am the King of the Jews!”
But he kept his thoughts to himself. He knew better than to reveal them. Instead, he smiled pleasantly and
listened to the Magi.
“We saw his star in the east and have come here to find him so we can worship him.”
“Indeed,” Herod crooned. “Certainly you must find him. And when you do, report his whereabouts to me so
that I may join you in worshiping this new born king.”
Herod’s plan was simple. The Magi from the East would tell him the location of this baby they were looking
for, and he would have it killed. Then there would be no threat to his kingship, he thought.
But God had other plans.
The Magi left after their conversation with Herod, and followed the star to the place where Jesus and His
family were. When they saw Him, they were overjoyed. They bowed low before Him, worshiping Him as
the true King of the Jews. And they opened their gifts for him. Three gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Gold you know about. But you may not know about Frankincense and Myrrh. Frankincense is a natural resin
with a very special smell. From the time of Moses, Jews used Frankincense as part of their worship. It was
expensive and rare.
Myrrh was also expensive and rare. It was combined with special anointing oil, used for crowning kings. It
was also used in the middle-eastern burial ritual. A small container of it was very expensive.
Three gifts fit for a king. Rare and expensive things that a king deserved were given by the Magi to the real
King of the Jews, Jesus, the King of Kings.
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Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Talk About It
1.
2.
3.
4.
How did King Herod and the Magi (wisemen) respond differently to the birth of Jesus?
Why was King Herod so afraid of the baby Jesus?
Why do you think the Magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts to a baby?
How can we learn from the wise men and become wise?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we try to get rid of Your presence and influence from our lives today. We confess that sometimes we
don’t let you be in charge of our lives, and we ask that You would help us want You to be in charge of our lives. Help
us to take joy in this little child who is now the King of kings and to show our love for Him through our obedience.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For further Scripture reading during the week:
Monday: Elizabeth and Mary- Luke 1:39-56
1.What would make you so happy you would sing?
2.How would Mary have felt when Elizabeth greeted her?
Tuesday: The birth of Jesus- Luke 2:1-20
1.How do you think Mary and Joseph felt about the timing of the census?
2.Why were the angles singing to the shepherds?
Wednesday: Presentation in the Temple- Luke 2:21-38
1.Why was it important for Simeon to see Jesus in the temple courts?
2.Why was dedicating your child to the Lord so important?
Thursday: The pre-eminent Christ- Colossians 1:15-23
1.When was a time you felt far from God?
2.What are some things in this verse that show you the power of Jesus? How did Jesus’ blood bring peace?
Friday: Worthy is the Lamb- Revelation 5:1-14
1.Are you more like a lion or a lamb?
2.Why is Christ the only one worthy to open the scroll?
Saturday: The new heaven and the new earth- Revelation 21:1-7
1.What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
2.Who will be the “residents” of the New Jerusalem?
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Family Activity
“Gift-in-a-Jar”
What You Will Need:
• 1 Cup flour
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp. salt
• One quart-size canning jar
• One 6-inch square scrap of fabric Ribbon
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gift tag with handwritten baking instructions*
2 Cups uncooked quick oats
¾ Cup raisins
½ Cup sugar
¾ Cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
Directions:
1. Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a small bowl.
2. Layer the ingredients in the jar in this order: brown sugar first, then sugar, raisins, oats, and flour
mixture.
3. As you layer, press each ingredient firmly in place before adding the next.
4. Cut the edges of the fabric square with piking shears.
5. Lay the fabric on top of the lid and secure it with the ribbon.
6. Copy the baking instructions onto the gift tag
(see below) and tie onto ribbon.
7. Journey to a friend’s house and present the gift.
*Baking Instructions for gift tag:
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Mix
Empty the jar of cookie mix into a large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) softened butter, 1 egg
slightly beaten, and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter and place 2
inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350ºF until edges are lightly browned, 11 -13 minutes. Cool for
5 minutes on cookie sheet; then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 3 dozen.
(Activity taken from Lisa Welchel’s book, The ADVENTure of Christmas, Multnomah Gifts, 2004)
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Celebrating the Visit of Christ
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Light white candle in center of wreath
“Song”
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol “Joy to the World” were written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (16741748). As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses,
and wise men. It emphasizes instead the reverent but ecstatic joy that Christ’s birth brought to mankind.
For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At last it happened as “the Word became
flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) The entire Advent season should be filled with solemn rejoicing as we
contemplate anew God’s great gift, providing the means whereby sinful man might live eternally.
“Joy to the World” is a paraphrase of the last part of Psalm 98: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth;
make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praise. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the
Lord; for He cometh to judge the earth; with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity.” The
music to the carol is by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759).
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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ by highest heav'n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist
church, in 1739. A somber man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the Herald Angels
Sing” was sung to a different tune initially.
Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann
Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit
the lyrics of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” already written by Wesley.
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The Story Of Santa Claus
By Susan Fuller
Devotional Reading
Many Christians struggle with whether or not to focus on Santa Claus at Christmas time. Like so many of our
Christmas traditions, discovering how the traditions began and where to find Christ in them is the key. In Lisa
Welchel’s book, The ADVENTure of Christmas, she realized that “I didn’t need to orchestrate moments to pontificate
with my kids about ‘the commercialization of Christmas.’ Rather, she heard Jesus saying to her, ‘Look in the middle of
the celebration and you will find Me.’”
Santa Claus is one of those endearing gifts of Christmas. In about the third century in the city of Myra in modern-day
Turkey, there was a young man by the name of Nicholas. As a boy, Nicholas loved God and showed signs of becoming
a strong Christian leader. By the time he was a teen-ager, he was often called the “Boy Bishop” and was greatly loved
by everyone in the community.
Nicholas’ family was very wealthy, and from the moment he received his inheritance, he began to give it away to the
poor and needy, dressed in his bright red bishop robes astride his gray horse. According to legend, he passed by a home
of three young maidens who desperately needed money for dowries. As the young ladies’ washed stockings hung by
the fireplace to dry, Nicholas dropped in some gold coins anonymously – the very answer to their prayers. His secret
was later revealed and he was even more loved than before.
Hundreds of years later, this good bishop was declared Saint Nicholas, pronounced Sinter Klaas by the Dutch. His
popularity spread throughout Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Stockings were hung on December 5th so that
Saint Nicholas would leave gifts on December sixth, his feast day. This custom was brought to New York by the Dutch
and quickly spread throughout the Untied States, becoming part of the Christmas celebration. Today, he is known far
and wide as Santa Claus. So, as you can see, Santa Claus reveals the giving heart of God, who after all, is the original
Father Christmas.
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Scripture Reading: Luke 1:67-69
Talk About It
1. When do you think is the best time to open presents?
2. How do you think you would feel if you picked out something extra special to give someone you loved
and they didn’t even open it?
3. What gift did God give us?
4. How can we accept the gift of Jesus?
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank You for giving us the gift of your son, Jesus. Help me continue to learn about this gift and how I can
open it. The gift of Jesus as our Lord and Savior is the most precious gift we can receive this Christmas. We
praise you for being such a loving and caring God.
Amen
Family Activity
“Gift Search”
Tie a very, very long piece of yarn to one of the wrapped gifts you’re giving. Now hide the present. Take a hold of the
loose end of the yarn and wrap it around chair legs, through stair banisters, over tables, under couches – all over the
house! To make this activity even more fun, hide a present for each member of the family, using a different color of
yarn for each person. When it is time to hunt for the presents, just tell each person which color of yarn to follow.
Attend one of CRCC’s Christmas Eve services as a family and stay to give the gift of service by serving as a family at
one of the services:
Christmas Service times:
Please visit our website at www.canyonridge.org
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RESOURCES
Canyon Echo Bookstore
Purchase the music CD to accompany your advent book available in the Canyon Echo Bookstore.
The Canyon Echo Bookstore will also have a variety of holiday books and Advent wreaths for purchase.
Advent wreaths can also be found at Family Christian bookstores, Hallmark stores, or you can make your own
from supplies found at Michael’s or JoAnn’s. You can also go online to christianbooks.com or
abbeypress.com.
Here are a few suggested books to keep
Christ in Christmas:
The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel—This book serves as a fun and handy guide that describes
the significance behind your favorite tradition. Excellent!
God Rest Ye Grumpy Scroogeymen: New Traditions for
Comfort and Joy at Christmas by Laura Jensen Walker and Michael K. Walker—Full of fun and practical
how-to tips, this book will help you discover new ways to make your grown-up Christmas bright. Fun, easy
read.
The Christmas Lizard by Cory Edwards—Discover the joyous
message of Christmas through the delightful antics of Oscar—The Christmas Lizard.
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg—The inspirational story of our favorite Christmas candy.
The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs—This book tells the heartwarming tale of a Farmer and his family
who nurture tiny seedlings into fragrant Christmas trees.
The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie DePaola—This book describes a Mexican custom of reenacting Mary
and Joseph’s search for shelter the night Jesus was born. This is especially meaningful to the Novy family
having lived in Mexico and along the Mexican border.
Bob and 6 more Christmas Stories by Sandra Boynton—This is nothing but sheer fun for any Boynton fan.
An Old-Timer Christmas by Helen Steiner Rice—A collection of poems by Helen Steiner Rice along with the
history behind many Christmas traditions. Wonderful book.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Treasury, compiled by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. This
has some great stories and an awesome collection of Family Circus cartoons.
A Christmas Treasury of Yuletide Stories and Poems, edited by james Charlton and Barbara Gilson—Stories
and poems by such people as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Robert Frost, T.S. Elliot, O. Henry, Robert Louis
Stevenson and many others.
What God Wants for Christmas- This kid-friendly, interactive nativity––with seven gift boxes, a colorful popup manger scene and an illustrated poem––contains a surprise ending that will open a child’s heart to Jesus.
This is a great way to get children of all ages involved.
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