Message Notes: What do you most anticipate about Christmastime? What family plans or traditions hold the biggest potential for wonder in your heart and mind this season? This week’s memory verse: “We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 One day this week, read: Luke 2:1-14, 1 John 4:19, John 3:16. Another day this week, read: Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 7:7-11, James 4:8. And on a 3rd day, read: 1 Peter 5:6-7, Romans 8:31. With each day’s reading, ask and answer: 1. What do I see in these biblical lines that brings me awe, wonder, holy WoW for the season? 2. What do I see that causes me to wonder, to ask a deeper question, or ponder a deeper truth? 3. How do I sense more of God’s love because of these wondrous words? Serve Opportunity: Love is both a feeling and an action. How can you show your love for someone today? Help a neighbor with some yard work. Clean something at home without being asked. Make dinner or dessert for a family in need. Buy gifts for a local toy drive. How will you put your love into action this week? Prayer Pattern: Join Mary, Jesus’ mother, with this simple but deep-meaning breath prayer. Breathe in and say to yourself as you breathe in, “My soul . . .” and as you breathe out say to yourself on the exhale, “. . . glorifies the Lord.” Intentionally take a few minutes with this prayer and use it throughout each day this week (and also into the night). Know that just like Mary, you have been chosen to do great things to the glory of God this Christmas. Get Ready for Next Week: ADVENT | THE WONDER OF HIS PEACE *Communion*