Day 10-12: Magic of the Manger

Christmas Countdown
Day 10-12: Magic of the Manger

Thought:  The Son of God could've been born anywhere, yet he was born in a lowly, smelly place where animals eat and sleep.  What a beautiful picture of humility.  From day one, Jesus' very purpose was to show unconditional love for all of humanity.  He needed to be able to relate to the poorest of poor.  I'm reminded of the show Undercover Boss- even though I've never seen an episode.  The greatest leaders are those who are willing to get into the trenches, do some dirty work, and lead by example. 

The manger reminds me to be thankful for the blessings I have.  I'm thankful for a Savior who came to earth in the most lowly conditions to serve us and save us.  I want to be more like Him.

Verse: Luke 2:6-7
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."

Song: Michael W. Smith's Medley: Away in a Manger/Child in the Manger
I encourage you to close your eyes and listen to this one :)

Day 8/9: Magic of the Music

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Day 8/9: Magic of the Music

Thought: Music can lift your spirits, tell a marvelous story, and make you want to dance or cry.  Carolers and Flash Mobbers enjoy bringing the magic of music to others, because it touches hearts and brings great joy.  Direct your song toward God today, and let your Christmas music become an act of praise & worship this season.  Joy to the World!  The Lord is come!

Verse: Psalm 95:1-2
"Come, let us sing to the Lord!  Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come to him with thanksgiving.  Let us sing psalms of praise to him."

Video: Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith

Day 7: Magic of Snow

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Day 7: Magic of Snow

Thought: For those of us that rarely get to see and experience snow, we tend to wish for it.  We dream of a White Christmas.  We put fake snow out as decoration.  And on the rare occasion that the real thing comes to visit, we take advantage of every moment we have it.  Snow seems magical to me because it's beautiful and it's from God.  It covers all the imperfections of our man-made cities.  The white blanket it creates is crisp and clean.  Snow should remind us of God's perfection, His righteousness, and His great act of love- sending His son- that makes it possible for us to be forgiven and made white as snow.

Verse: Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord.  Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

Song: Snow, White Christmas

Day 6: Magic of St. Nicholas & Joyful Giving

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Day 6: Magic of St. Nicholas & Joyful Giving

Thought:  "The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."
(excerpt from www.stnicholascenter.org)

Verse: Mark 10:21
"Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Song: Give This Christmas Away (Matthew West & Amy Grant)

Day 5: Magic of Lights

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Day 5: Magic of Lights

Thought: Christmas lights are up, and I love driving through different neighborhoods enjoying them!  Why are lights so magical to us?  Is it because they make the dark night more beautiful?  I think LIGHT brings HOPE, because without it we would not be able to see the road ahead.  As you pass by all the lights this season, thank God for sending His son as a light for our dark world.

Verse: John 8:12
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Song:  Bing Crosby's It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

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Day 4: Magic of Children & Their Faith

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Day 4: Magic of Children & Their Faith

Thought:  Do you remember what Christmas felt like when you were a child?  Do you ever wonder what happened to the magic?  It's still there.  Watching the wonder and amazement in my son's eyes as he discovers something new every day reminds me of that magic.  My prayer for you today is to become like a little child in your faith. 

Verse: Luke 18:16-17
"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Song: Faith Hill's Where Are You Christmas, from The Grinch

Day 3: Magic of Family & Fellowship with Loved Ones

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Day 3: Magic of Family & Fellowship with Loved Ones

Thought:  If you have a big family like me, making the rounds to visit everyone can seem overwhelming during the holidays.  Even in small families, strife between family members can cause people to grumble and can ruin the holiday spirit.  My prayer today is that we would stop and appreciate every single person that God placed in our family.  Love each of them for who they are.  Make the choice to enjoy each other's company.  Celebrate the gift of family!

Verse: Luke 15:31-32 (Parable of the Lost Son)
" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

Song: CeeLo Green Featuring The Muppets!  All I Need Is Love

Day 2: Magic of Mary, Motherhood, & Grace to the Humble

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Day 2: Magic of Mary, Motherhood, & Grace to the Humble

Thought:  When God found favor with Mary, He blessed her with a son that would grow to be King of Kings.  Can you imagine her initial reaction...  "Why me?  Am I qualified?  Am I capable?"  All mothers face this fear at some point.  The good news is that the blessing of children is accompanied by a blessing of grace.  Rejoice in the gift of grace today.

Verse: Luke 1:45-49
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!  And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name."

Song: Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven

Day 1: Magic of Christ

CHRISTMAS!  My favorite holiday. There are endless reasons this season is so magical. I noticed that many of my FB friends enjoyed sharing their list of "thankful fors" during the month of November. (And how refreshing to see that in my News Feed...I loved reading those!) I also know there are numerous versions of advent calendars and Christmas countdowns available out there. But me being me....I've decided to create my own.

Goal: Each day I will share one thought, one Bible verse, and one fave Christmas song (with YouTube video) that reminds me of the MAGIC of Christmas.  Let the fun begin!

DAY 1: Magic of Christ

Thought:  First and foremost, the true magic of Christmas is CHRIST. His birth story is a literal miracle, His life is awe-inspiring, and His death portrays the greatest love story known to mankind.  Today's verse reminds us of the Promise and Hope we can find in His presence. 

Verse: Luke 1:30-32
"But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name JESUS.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."

Song: Michael W. Smith's "Christmas Angels"