2012 Harbour Advent Book

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped

in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Luke 2:12

2012 Harbour Advent Book

At Christmas the angel song rings out, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and peace

on earth.’ (Lk 2 :14 - NLT) Such a beautiful sentiment and yet for many of

us Christmas can be the busiest and potentially most difficult time of year.

The advent season is God’s call on our lives to pause and experience that

promised peace. The availability of this peace is contingent however upon the

one we find in the manger. Christmas offers a lot of wonderful things but

these things can so easily find their way into the centre of the nativity scene

comfortably resting in the place that is reserved for Jesus. Join us this December

in ensuring Jesus takes his proper place at the centre of Christmas in his

manger bed.

Advent 2012

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care And fit us for heaven to live with thee there

- Away In A Manger

1st Week of Advent

December 2

HOPE (First Sunday of Advent)

With God, hope is more than just wishful thinking. He invites us to confidently place our hope in Christ for all circumstances and wait with bold expectations.

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations...he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In him the nations will put their hope.

Isaiah 42:1&4

Reflect

Our advent journey begins with expectation and anticipation of Christ’s coming. By confidently placing our hope in Jesus we can live our lives accordingly. In doing this we join with those who eagerly awaited the first coming of Christ many years ago. We also join with others today who confidently look forward to his second coming.

Our hope in Jesus does not disappoint us as we experience a fresh coming of Christ in our lives each day. This hope also allows us to celebrate the coming of Christ each day and through us into the lives of others. Jesus is not simply our hope, he is the hope of the world!

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

- O Holy Night

1st Week of Advent

December 3

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and you will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Reflect

This messianic promise was given to Israel at a dark time in their history. Their hope was based on the simple fact that God was not going to simply send a representative to make things right, he was going to personally get involved. ‘Immanuel’ literally means, God with us.

Wonderfully God’s promise continues to echo for each of us even today. God is committed to not just seeing that we receive the help that we need but offers a similar commitment of coming himself and being personally involved. When we cry out to God in prayer, our expectation can be more than divine awareness and assistance but rather the very presence of God in our lives. In prayer our hope is that Jesus would come into our lives afresh and make things right in us and around us.

What do you need Jesus to be involved in today?

O come, O come Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

- O Come, O Come Emmanuel

1st Week of Advent

December 4

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

John 1:4

Reflect

The first words spoken in the Bible belong to God who exclaimed, ‘Let there be light’ (Gen 1:3) and the veil of primordial darkness was torn open. In the New Testament Jesus boldly declares, ‘I am the light of the world’ (John 8:12) and once again God’s light is sent into the darkness to overwhelm it.

Light reveals truth, darkness conceals it. God sent his light into this world that Jesus might reveal his truth. In the midst of darkness and confusion people could finally look upon the reality of God’s love and salvation in the person of Jesus Christ.

Significantly, Jesus declares that we too are the light of the world (Matt 5:14) and therefore are commissioned by God into the darkness to shine his light and reveal his truth. Do people see God’s truth in you?

Light of the world, you came down into darkness,

Opened my eyes, let me see.

- Here I Am to Worship

1st Week of Advent

December 5

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Reflect

God gave his son. That’s what it says. John 3:16 reiterates the sentiment, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.’ God did not loan us his son, Jesus is a gift that we receive and keep. The promise of Christmas is not just that God is with us, it also reveals that God has no intention of being without us. Jesus is here to stay.

Jesus did not simply come to get us back on track and then return home, he came to be part of our lives for the rest of eternity. The question is whether or not we intend to be part of his.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.

As God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of his heaven.

- O Little Town of Bethlehem

1st Week of Advent

December 6

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on the throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were six seraphs...and they were calling to one another:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is filled with his glory.’

Isaiah 6:1-3

Reflect

According to the gospel of John, this Old Testament passage was a vision of Jesus. In Colossians we are also told that all things were created by and for him (Col 1:16). The Jesus that is presently seated in glory, being worshiped in continual angelic song and responsible for the existence of the universe, steps into his creation as a baby. Although Jesus set aside many things in order to come to earth, he never stopped being God and he never ceased being worthy of worship.

We know how the Christmas story goes but as we anticipate the coming of Christ this advent season are we waiting for a cuddly baby or a holy God to burst onto the scene? When we worship during advent are we enjoying the happy sentiments that come at Christmas time or are we overcome by the presence of Jesus and his holiness in our lives?

Radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord at thy birth

- Silent Night

1st Week of Advent

December 7

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down

Isaiah 64:1

Come Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:20

Reflect

Advent is a time for us to look back and join the Old Testament saints in longing and preparing for the arrival of the messiah into their midst. It allows us to share in the passionate desire to see God’s servant bring the kingdom of heaven here to earth. Advent is also a time for us to gaze into the future. Jesus has promised ’if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.’ (Jn 14:3) While he came the first time in relative obscurity, the second coming will be accompanied by a royal proclamation to the universe seen and heard by everyone.

What makes Christmas so great is not just that Jesus came, it’s that he came for a purpose and that purpose is not complete until he comes again. Advent spirituality challenges us to embrace the same longing for Jesus second coming as we see throughout Scripture for his first arrival. Are you excited about the promised return of Jesus? How does it affect the way that you approach Christmas? What does it mean to live with this hope in our lives?

Joy to world the Lord is come, let earth receive her king!

- Joy to the World

2nd Week of Advent

December 8-9

PEACE (Second Sunday of Advent)

Jesus didn’t just come to bring us peace; he is our peace because it is through him that our broken relationship with God has been restored. Peace has replaced fear. This is why the angels in the Christmas story often begin with the words ’fear not.’ The presence of Jesus in our lives means than peace has left no room for fear to reside.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:17-18

Reflect

Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the state of being in true friendship based on love and trust versus suspicion and fear. God began this process by entering into relationship with us so we might know the life giving force that true peace is. We in turn are called by God to share his peace with others so they might experience genuine relationship and freedom from fear as well. It is a relationship with Jesus and his presence in our lives that makes true peace possible, ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.’ (Isa 41:10).

What fears do you have this Christmas? How is Jesus present or not present in these areas?

I heard the bell more loud and deep;

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep,

The wrong shall fail and right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men.

- I Heard the Bells

2nd Week of Advent

December 10

Do not be afraid...your prayer has been answered.

Luke 1:13

Do not be afraid...you have found favor with God.

Luke 1:30

Do not be afraid...I bring you good news of great joy.

Luke 2:10

Reflect

The Christmas story is cloaked with fear and darkness. There were many people who were anxious and afraid, often with good reason. This might be why the angel regularly included ‘fear not’ in his greetings to various characters. After an angelic encounter; Joseph, Mary, Zechariah and the shepherds all were given boldness to embrace God’s plan and their part in it. The rationale for boldness was unique to each person yet there was a common thread. In each instance the angel spoke of God’s presence and involvement in their lives.

This Christmas have you embraced God’s plan and your part in it? Are you bold in your Christian life? Do you trust God enough to do what he wants you to do? What fears are holding you back?

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

2nd Week of Advent

December 11

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She 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 1:20-21

Reflect

Often lost in the lights and joy of Christmas is the greater purpose of Jesus arrival. The darkness that Jesus came to shine in was the result of sin and his arrival alone would not address the problem (for us). Jesus explained ‘the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ (Matt 20:28) There is a cross shaped shadow cast over the manger. Christmas is a beautiful but incomplete story without Easter. His birth brought us hope, his death brought victory! In the straw that first Christmas lay the ’Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1:29)

How will you include the Easter story this Christmas? What sin does Jesus need to save you from today?

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found…

- Joy to the World

2nd Week of Advent

December 12

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….for nothing is impossible with God.”

Luke 1:35 & 37

Reflect

It seems all the great Christmas movies have a miraculous component to them. Whether it is the Grinch’s heart growing 3x that day or the happy ending of It’s A Wonderful Life, miracles are often at the centre of the story. This is appropriate because Christmas is a season for miracles. A pregnant virgin, God taking on flesh, angel sightings, all extraordinary in the truest sense of the word! The angel reminded Mary that with God miracles are possible because he is unlimited in power (and love). Jesus explained in Mark 10 that it is impossible for people to save themselves ‘but with God all things are possible’. Christmas reminds us that God deals in the impossible and the most hopeless situations are within his reach.

What impossible situation exists in your world? What makes it impossible? How have you tried to solve the problem? If you were to ask God to use his power for one thing in your life what would it be? Why don’t you ask him now?

Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and sacrifice

Heaven sings, “Hallelujah!” - “Hallelujah!” earth replies.

- We Three Kings

2nd Week of Advent

December 13

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”...The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.

Luke 2:13-14 & 20

Reflect

Why the choir? I’m sure the angel of Lord was capable of worshiping and communicating these lines himself. He probably has a great voice for solos! Most of the angel sightings in the Christmas story (and throughout the Bible) are individual but this instance needed more. This was more than transference of information, there was a worship service taking place. Perhaps the worship was going on the entire time but the shepherds only became aware at a certain point. What we do know is that after the shepherds went to the manger and found Jesus they returned to their fields praising God. The worship service the angels began the shepherds continued that first Christmas.

We do a lot of singing at Christmas and it’s not just Christians that sing these songs about Jesus birth. The difference is that like the shepherds, if we have encountered Jesus, our worship continues year round. What’s the difference between singing Christmas songs and worshiping Jesus at Christmas? Which do you do?

Come and worship, come and worship

Worship Christ the newborn King!

- Angels From the Realms of Glory

2nd Week of Advent

December 14

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.”

Luke 1:19

Reflect

The English word angel is taken from the Greek word angelos which literally means messenger. Although we often think of angels primarily as worshipers (Isa 6, Rev 5) or as servants of God (Heb 1:14, Ps 103:20-12) their namesake is to share the message of good news. In Isaiah it reads, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” (Isa 52:7) The angel spoke of standing in the presence of God and of being sent by God to share the good news of God’s salvation. In Matthew 28:26-28 Jesus sends us into the world to share the gospel (literally good news) and promises that he is present with us always. We are commissioned by Jesus to join his angels in spreading the good news.

How do you plan to share the good news this Christmas? With whom do you plan to share it? Many people have become immune to the wonderful lyrics of the Christmas carols they hear. How can we be God’s messengers bringing the promise of his hope, joy and peace to people this Christmas?

With angelic hosts proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem’

Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King

- Hark the Herald Angels Sing

3rd Week of Advent

December 15-16

JOY (Third Sunday of Advent)

The angels promised the shepherds ‘good news of great joy for all people’. The song declares, ‘Joy to the world, the Lord is come!’ Jesus invites us to know more than happiness; he has come so that our soul might cry out in gladness!

Scripture: Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Reflect

The nativity scene could have been filled with confusion, fear and worry. Confusion over what to do now that the baby is born, worry about what others might think regarding the unusual circumstances and fear surrounding the task of raising the Son of God. But around the manger there was a quiet joy because of what the Lord had asked them to be a part of.

Circumstances can easily dictate our feelings at any given moment but advent is an opportunity to meditate on a deeper reality, that Jesus came to heal our broken lives and breathe life back into our weary souls. We stand free and forgiven as children of God. This is why the Apostle Paul encourages us to ‘rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!’ (Phil 4:4) What gives you joy this Christmas?

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel

- O Come O Come Emmanuel

3rd Week of Advent

December 17

This is what the prophet has written: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd my people Israel.”

Matthew 2:5-6

Reflect

The shepherds play a big role in the Christmas story. This unlikely crew of simple and humble individuals were the blessed ones to receive the angelic announcement and first on the scene to visit and worship the new born king! Why shepherds? Throughout the Bible we see the shepherd imagery used to demonstrate the need people have to be cared for and led. Psalm 23 tells us “the Lord is our shepherd”, Israel’s great king David is introduced to us first as a shepherd (1 Sam 16) and Jesus refers to himself as the “good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11) The Bible also uses sheep imagery to describe us, “we all like sheep have gone astray.” (Isa 53:6) The Christmas story introduces us to our desperately needed shepherd. Jesus came to care for, provide, protect and lead us in “paths of righteousness.”

How do you feel about being a sheep? Where do you feel most lost in life? What does it mean for you to let Jesus be your shepherd?

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

- Hark the Herald Angels Sing

3rd Week of Advent

December 18

Because Joseph was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly… when Joseph woke up; he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:19 & 24

Reflect

Joseph is often overlooked during this season. He plays a brief yet significant part in the Christmas story. What Joseph knew is that his fiancé was pregnant and he was not the father. His heart was likely broken and he had every right to be angry but his compassion for Mary and love for God is revealed as he seeks to deal with the situation in a godly manner. When an angel proclaims that the baby is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be God’s Savior to the world, Joseph does not hesitate to change his plans and obey God.

Our plans, even well intentioned ones, are not necessarily God’s plans. He declares, ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” (Isa 55:8) It is not good enough to simply try to make good decisions in life, Joseph teaches us that true righteousness changes our decisions when God speaks and obeys even when it will make life difficult! What plans do you have for this Christmas? What does God think of your plans?

What can I give him poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb.

If I were a wiseman, I would do my part.

Yet what can I give him: Give my heart.

- In the Bleak Mid-Winter

3rd Week of Advent

December 19

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.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

Luke 1:46-52

Reflect

Mary’s response to God’s activity in her life was one of heartfelt gratitude and worship. She sings a beautiful song not only worshiping God for his goodness in her life but also his faithfulness to all people. It should be pointed out that not all her problems were solved, not to mention that the task that God had given her had complicated her life beyond belief. The assurance that God was actively involved in her life however was enough to bring her to a place of worship.

If Jesus is truly Emmanuel: God with us, then how should we feel towards God? How have you seen God’s presence in your life? How will you worship him this Christmas?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

- Angels We Have Heard On High

3rd Week of Advent

December 20

But Mary treasured up all these things in and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

Near the cross stood Jesus mother...

John 19:25

Reflect

Mary was a just a young girl and yet demonstrated such faith when she responded to God’s plan for her, “I am the Lord’s servant.” (Lk 1:38) What a roller coaster of events and how exhausted she must have been. I’m sure she was relieved that she could get on with a normal life as a mother raising a family. She could have never imagined the events surrounding her son many years later as she watched him suffer and die on the cross. I wonder if in the confusion and pain of those circumstances she remembered the angel, the shepherds and the other memories she had treasured up. I wonder if she remembered the promise that her son was the salvation of the world.

Christianity is great when things are going well but how do you respond when things are hard? What things have you treasured up to ponder about Jesus? What does it mean for you to say, “I am the Lord’s servant” today?

Nails, spear shall pierce him through

The cross be borne for me and you

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh

The babe, the son of Mary

- What Child is This?

3rd Week of Advent

December 21

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:29-32

Reflect

Advent spirituality is a time to meditate on Jesus coming to be our Savior. When a lifeguard rescues someone from drowning it is not good enough to throw a life preserver to help keep the victim afloat. A successful rescue includes bringing them out of danger to safety. Jesus came to rescue us from our sins but also to bring us to safety. This baby born in a manger was sent by God to be the Savior of the world. Many of us accept the rescue from sin but sometimes we struggle letting Jesus be our Savior who leads us into safety. Safety in this context does not necessarily refer to our circumstances but rather a person walking on the ‘paths of righteousness’ (Ps 23:3), becoming a holy and humble follower of Jesus, the person God created us to be.

Is Jesus your Savior? What has he saved you from (generally and specifically)? What does it mean for you to let Jesus lead you into safety? Are you letting him lead you?

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day,

To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray;

O tidings of comfort and joy!

- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

4th Week of Advent

December 22-23

LOVE (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Love is at the centre of the Christmas story. We see the love Joseph has for his wife, the love Mary has for her baby and most of all, the love that this baby has for the people of this world.

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5

Reflect

You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. God loved the world so much he gave us his Son! God demonstrates his love to a needy world by sending a Savior. We see the depth of this love at the cross where God’s gift to the world hangs in our place. How do we respond to such a wonderful gift? We give him love back. God tells us one of the best ways we can show our love for him is by loving others. Who do you need to love this Christmas?

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of his righteousness

And wonders of His love.

- Joy to the World

Christmas Eve / Day

December 24-25

CHRIST (Christmas Day)

The birth of Jesus is not simply a historical event we recall, it is a present reality that changes the way in which we live. Emmanuel, God with us, not just then but now! It is Christmas all year round when we come and worship this Jesus.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Reflect

Incarnation is the fancy word for God becoming human. This reality is about more than Jesus giving us an example of how we are to live. Jesus became like us so that in his death and resurrection we might become like him! It must have been difficult for Jesus to humble himself to become like us but without this willing gift it would be impossible for us to be like him. Have you accepted the full gift of Christmas? Are you becoming like Jesus? This is the true meaning of Christmas!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning

Jesus to thee be all glory given

Word of the Father now in flesh appearing

O Come let us adore him—Christ the Lord!

- O Come All Ye Faithful