Humbling Yourself

Spiritual Vitamin: "But he made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:7-8

Reflect: Our natural inclination is to place ourselves in the center of everything and to think how we are going to be affected  by this and that, before we consider the needs, necessities, or feelings of others- before we consider the desire of God's heart....yet this was not the attitude of the Lord Jesus Who set aside His heavenly glory in order to be made in the likeness of sinful man." (Knowing Jesus Commentary) We are challenged daily to let THIS mind be in us that was in Jesus. How do you set aside yourself? How do you empty yourself and become a servant of all- for His sake?

The Gift

Spiritual Vitamin: "'For God so loved the world that the gave his one and only So, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Reflect: Everyone loves gifts! We begin the gift opening, by consulting the tag to determine who gave the gift. Each gift reflects the love and sacrifice of the one who gave the gift. Such is true for God in sending the ultimate gift, Jesus. Will you accept the gift of God? 

Good News!

Spiritual Vitamin: "This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

Reflect: Amid all the bad news of our day, we can often feel discouraged and sad. Be encouraged! God has not abandoned us! A Savior has come!

Jesus' Gift to the World

Spiritual Vitamin: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." Luke 4:18

Reflect: Thank God that He has not abandoned the world. He sent his Son Jesus to take away the sins of the world. Will you receive Him today? 

John the Baptist

Spiritual Vitamin: "A voice is calling, 'Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together." Isaiah 40: 3,5

Reflect: John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. Will others be drawn to Jesus or away from Him as they observe you?

Suffering Servant

Spiritual Vitamin: "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." Isaiah 53:3

Reflect: Consider how this dark description of what the servant would suffer is crucial for us as we walk through Advent. Pray that You would meet Him in your own struggles and suffering.  

What Gift Will I Give Him?

Spiritual Vitamin: "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." Matthew 2:10-11

Reflect: When they saw the star, they were overjoyed! Do I have this same anticipation to look for Jesus? Do I seek Him throughout my day? What gift will I give Him this Christmas? 

Jesus

Spiritual Vitamin: "She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Reflect: God offers the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus. No one likes to talk about sin, yet we all sin! All have fallen short of God's glory. Take in the beauty of Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. What "gift" can you give Jesus? 

Peace I Leave with You

Spiritual Vitamin: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

Reflect: As we light another Advent candle, pray that God would give you a renewed sense of what Christmas is all about. Pray for God's peace to pervade your life. Pray for joy to abound as you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas! 

The Shepherds Had to See Jesus!

Spiritual Vitamin: "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15

Reflect: The shepherds couldn't wait to see the baby Jesus! Pray to God, that You would become more and more curious about Jesus. Pray that you would long to get to know Him more this Christmas and He becomes first in your life.

Good News!

Spiritual Vitamin: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that  will cause great joy for all people." Luke 2:10

Reflect: What good news have you received lately? It's always wonderful to hear GOOD NEWS! Jesus' birth was the best news you could ask for! The angels basically said, "Don't be afraid!" Stop. Listen. Revel in the good news that would bring great joy! 

Jesus

Spiritual Vitamin: "She will give birth to a Son and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21-22

Reflect: He was to be called Jesus because "He"  alone would save his people. In the midst of this busy, stressful, and sometimes challenging season, would you remember what it's really about? 

Nothing is Impossible with God

Spiritual Vitamin: "The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:35-37

Reflect: The Christmas story teaches us so much about our loving God! The angel spoke to Mary and told her what would happen. He concluded with "For nothing is impossible with God." What do you long to see happen, but have trouble believing God? 

Christmas and Singing

Spiritual Vitamin: "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." Psalm 66:1

Reflect: Christmas season is a great time for singing carols! Find a Christmas station and join in singing as you drive. If you have an instrument, take time to play it. Engage in the spiritual discipline of worship, lifting your heart to the One we worship!

Prince of Peace

Spiritual Vitamin: "For a child has been born fur us, a Son given to us, authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 8:6-7

Reflect: Pray that You would know this kind of peace that Jesus came to bring.

Preparing Your Heart

Spiritual Vitamin: "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Reflect: How can you prepare your heart for Christmas? Ask God to give you a heart that looks for His coming on a daily basis. 

Help My Unbelief

Spiritual Vitamin: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24

Reflect: Pray that God will help you trust Him and place your hope in Him today and in the days ahead.  

Our Great High Priest

Spiritual Vitamin- "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

Reflect: Thank God, for being our great High Priest, who took on flesh, the true miracle of Christmas. Draw near to His throne of grace, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in your time of need. 

God Takes Thought of You

Spiritual Vitamin: "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O My God!" Psalm 40:17

Reflect: Did you know the Lord takes thought of me? He not only takes thought of you constantly but knows your thoughts. Talk to Him in prayer and allow Him to be your help and your deliverer. 

Peace of Christ

Spiritual Vitamin: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members on one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Reflect: Holidays and other circumstances bring out all the "feels". What emotions are you carrying that are challenging? Pray that the God of peace will give you His peace. May Christ's peace rule in your hearts today.