December 6th 

 

The Living Crib

St. Francis of Assisi, c. 1182-1226

In 1223, St. Frances of Assisi traditionally staged the first live Nativity scene, using real animals and people. There, he and others sang some of the first carols. In part, these songs in the vernacular were intended as preaching aids, and went well beyond the Nativity, a tendency which would grow as the centuries passed. 

December 5th 

Let us take time today to review the prophecies concerning Jesus and how they were and are being fulfilled. 

During Advent we remember that Jesus came as the long-promised Messiah, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that spoke of a Saviour born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), descended from David (2 Samuel 7:12–13), and bringing light to those in darkness (Isaiah 9:1–2). The prophets foretold His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His healing ministry (Isaiah 35:5–6), His suffering on our behalf (Isaiah 53:4–6), and His resurrection in victory (Psalm 16:10). Yet Advent also turns our eyes forward: many promises are still unfolding as the gospel reaches the nations (Isaiah 49:6), and we await the day when Christ will return to complete God’s redemptive plan (Revelation 22:12). In this season of hope, we celebrate the prophecies fulfilled in His first coming and look with expectant faith toward their final fulfilment when He comes again.

December 4th 

Preparing for Christmas, German style

Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The wreaths have four large candles and, traditionally, pinecones and berries. As lights are dimmed, the whole family gathers around the wreath. As one, they spend a quiet, reflective hour together.  

In Beulah, as with many other Baptist churches, we follow a pattern similar to other Protestant traditions, where we would progressively light one candle each week, symbolising the following:
Week 1 – Hope                                                               
Often called the “Prophecy Candle.”                            
Week 2 - Peace
Sometimes "Bethlehem Candle."
Week 3 – Joy                                                                    
Usually the pink candle, “Shepherd’s Candle.”            
Week 4 - Love
Also called the "Angel Candle"
Christmas Eve/Day – Christ Candle
White candle in the centre.

December 3rd 

Christian Christmas Quiz

Have a go.... write the answers down, then email us here with your answers to be entered into a draw for a small prize! 

Christmas Bible Quiz (7 Questions)

1. Which Gospel tells us about the shepherds visiting Jesus?

2. Which prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?

3. Who received the angel’s message first—Mary or Joseph?

4. Which Gospel tells the story of the wise men (Magi)?

5. What gift did the wise men NOT bring?
A) Gold
B) Silver
C) Frankincense
D) Myrrh

6. What city did Mary and Joseph travel from to reach Bethlehem?

7. Whom did the angels say Jesus’ birth was “good news” for?

Good luck! 

December 2nd

 

Shopping days are getting less! 

Why not see if anyone in your church is selling home-made Christmas craft items, and arrange a purchase! 

December 1st

 

The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming", which is a translation of the Greek word parousia (“presence,” especially referring to Christ’s coming). Early Christian writers often used adventus to speak of both Christ’s first coming (birth) and second coming. During the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was not originally tied to Christmas the way it is today. Back then, Advent functioned as a pre-Epiphany preparation season, somewhat similar to Lent. It was connected especially to the celebration of God's incarnation represented by the visit of Magi to the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:1), His baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (John 1:29), and His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1). During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer and fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally, there was little connection between Advent and Christmas.