Hey, friends! And, welcome Advent!
We are all super excited about Christmas here at FaithGateway, but before we sprint into the hustle and bustle of getting ready for all the joys of Christmas, let's linger in Advent to prepare ourselves for our Baby King. Advent is one of God's great kindnesses to us, so let's not miss it. Advent invites us to pause and reflect, to remember, to honestly lament with God, and to reorder our hearts and thoughts toward Him. It's for all of us, those in a joyful and abundant season and those of us enduring trials and suffering. That's part of the beauty. Jesus, Immanuel, came to be with us through it all.
Speaking of… It's not too late to join us for The Marvel and Miracle of Advent Online Bible Study by Lisa Harper and Christine Caine. Invite a friend who is curious about Jesus! While you're on an evangelistic roll, we'll be sharing special devotions in Devotionals Daily from December 1st through the 25th, so hit that Forward to a Friend button and send to someone who needs the Light of Christ.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6
If you're looking for a wonderful book to start of the New Year right (It's bananas that we're already talking New Year, isn't it?!)… pick up a copy of Present in Prayer by Jennifer Tucker. Join me in starting fresh with a new prayer and meditation habit for 2025 growing closer to Jesus and leaving stress, anxiety, and spinning thoughts behind.
Lastly, attention, Christmas shoppers, don't forget that it's our Last Chance Gift Guide Sale! Our shipping deadline to receive items in time for Christmas is December 16th, so don't wait!
Grace and peace, and a Merry merry Christmas to you,
Laurie McClure, Editor
P.S. – Just for holly jollies, here's a fun and inexpensive gift idea for your neighbors and friends. Scoop a cup of hot cocoa (Bulk recipe: 5 cups dry milk powder, 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, 1 rounded cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 rounded cup powdered non-dairy creamer) into a plastic baggie. Tie with a pretty, red bow and a mini candy cane. You can also include a note including the meaning behind the candy's colors and shape.
The Meaning of the Candy Cane — The shape represents our Good Shepherd's staff (John 10:11) and the letter J for Jesus. The white represents the sinlessness of Jesus (1 John 3:5). The red stripes represent the blood of Jesus which was shed as the price for our forgiveness. (There are additional meanings if you want to go-a-googlin'!)
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