As is our custom at Cornerstone, we are taking time in the four weeks leading up to Christmas—traditionally called Advent—to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. This year I’ve entitled our Advent Series, “The Lord Is In Your Midst.” To help you prepare for worship each week, I’ve posted the Scripture readings and titles for each Sunday of Advent below.
· December 3— “Hope In The Lord” (Psalm 146)
· December 10— “The Lord is Mighty To Save” (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
· December 17— “Come and See the Salvation Of The Lord” (Isaiah 52:7-10)
· December 24— “We Have Seen A Great Light” (Isaiah 9:2-7)
As we move from Old Testament promise to New Testament fulfillment, my prayer is that we will learn the godly discipline of eagerly waiting for the long-time-in-coming Savior. For by looking back and remembering His first advent, we also prepare for His second advent. Therefore, let us not to slumber nor sleep in our waiting, but instead trim our lamps, stay awake, and be ready for whenever the Bridegroom returns (Matthew 25).
Speaking of preparation let me encourage you to read well this Advent. You will find some excellent (and very reasonably priced!) titles at “The Bookshelf” on the second floor landing. So many good ones but let me briefly recommend two for now:
The One True Gift: Daily Readings for Advent to Encourage and Inspire – This work by British writer, Tim Chester, is a great addition to the growing collection of Advent devotional books. In Twenty-four bite size readings, Tim slowly peels back the layers of the beautiful Christ hymn, Philippians 2:5-11. With ideas for reflection, prayer, and applications these daily readings can be enjoyed individually or for the whole family. A must read this Christmas!
Come Let Us Adore Him – This work by pastor and best selling author Paul David Tripp is designed to freshen your sense of wonder and awe of Christmas. Each devotional begins with a foundational truth of the gospel that is then explained, expanded, and applied in the following meditation. Listing Scriptures for further study, key words, and guided instruction for parents and children, this devotional assists everyone in doing what matters most this Christmas—adoring our Savior, Jesus Christ.