Journey to Bethlehem: A Four-Week Guide for Advent Devotion and Reflection
Journey to Bethlehem: A Four-Week Guide for Advent Devotion and Reflection

Author: William Gomes

Publisher: William Gomes

Published: 2024-02-02

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13:

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Embark on a transformative spiritual journey this Advent season with Journey to Bethlehem: A Four-Week Guide for Advent Devotion and Reflection by William Gomes. This unique guide extends a warm invitation to delve deep into the essence of Advent, preparing your heart for the profound joy and mystery of Christmas. Through a series of daily devotionals, William Gomes offers more than just a reading experience; he provides a comprehensive spiritual retreat right in the comfort of your own space, making this book an essential companion for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and celebration of this sacred season. Discover the Heart of Advent As you open this guide, you’re welcomed into a four-week journey that promises to enrich your Advent with deeper spiritual meaning. Each day’s devotion, starting from the 27th of November and culminating on the 25th of December, is carefully crafted to bring you closer to the transformative story of Bethlehem, where heaven touched earth in a miraculous event. This book intertwines the timeless wisdom of Scripture with reflective insights, guiding prayers, and practical actions, engaging not just your intellect but also your emotions and spirit. Why Choose This Journey? In today’s world, where the commercial hustle of the holidays often overshadows the season's true significance, Journey to Bethlehem offers a serene path back to the heart of Christmas. The daily reflections are designed to be interactive and engaging, providing insight and inspiration that speak to the soul. This guide is your invitation into a sacred space shared with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men, all converging towards the miraculous event in Bethlehem. A Guide for Everyone Whether you prefer reading or listening, Journey to Bethlehem is accessible to all, allowing you to engage in the manner most suited to your lifestyle and preferences. It’s more than a book; it’s a spiritual retreat you can embark upon from anywhere, promising to illuminate your path with the light of Christ’s love and prepare your heart to receive Emmanuel, God with us. Engage, Reflect, Act This guide emphasises practical spirituality, combining scripture reading with reflective thoughts and actions. It invites readers to check in with their body, spirit, and emotions, encouraging a holistic approach to spiritual growth. Through silence, meditation, and practical actions, this book not only deepens your faith but also inspires you to live out the truths discovered within its pages. As we step into this journey together, let us fill our paths with the light of understanding and ready our hearts to embrace the joy and wonder of God’s greatest gift. Journey to Bethlehem is not just an Advent guide; it’s a gateway to transforming your holiday experience into a deeply meaningful, spiritual exploration of the true meaning of Christmas. Welcome to your Journey to Bethlehem. Experience the Advent season like never before and let your heart be transformed by the power of God’s love.

The Journey
The Journey

Author: Adam Hamilton

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 1426714254

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Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus' crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Read The Journey on your own or, for a more in-depth study, enjoy it with a small group. Also available: The Journey: A Season of Reflections The Journey: DVD with Leader Guide The Journey: Youth Edition The Journey: Children's Edition "This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well." John Ortberg, author of The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You "If you think you know the story of Jesus' birth, think again! This wonderful book sets us on a journey to the times and characters of Christmas so that we experience the birth of Christ in our lives in a new way." Joel C. Hunter, author of Church Distributed "Adam is a pastor who has clearly walked in the footsteps of the Master. This is a timely Christmas gift for a friend no matter where he or she is along 'the journey.'" Rich Nathan, coauthor of Empowered Evangelicals 'Adam Hamilton is one of the finest pastors I know. In addition, his books have long been favorites of mine. The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem will soon be a favorite of yours. Complete with a 28 day devotional and videos filmed in the Holy Land this will add a new depth and joy to your Christmas season." Bill Hybels Senior pastor, Willow Creek Community Church Chairman of Board, Willow Creek Association

Final Words From the Cross
Final Words From the Cross

Author: Adam Hamilton

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2011-09-01

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 1426754779

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In life and in death, Jesus’ words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven “final words”—statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves: Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise I Thirst It Is Finished Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit In 24 Hours That Changed the World, Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring follow-up book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth. Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross. Final Words from the Cross offers six chapters/sessions plus a postscript chapter/session, so that classes have the option of a seventh session on Easter Sunday.

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary, Journal
Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary, Journal

Author: Fr. Mark Toups

Publisher: Ascension Press

Published: 2018-08-01

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13: 195488124X

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You don’t change your life for an idea. You change your life for a person. This Advent, don’t get caught up in the busyness. Don’t get lost in the anxiety of preparing for a day. Joyfully anticipate the coming of the person of Jesus through an encounter with his Most Blessed Mother. Imagine having an Advent that is more peaceful, more joyful, and more meaningful than ever before. The Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary Journal not only lets you walk beside Mary during the first Advent, but also lets you get to know her in a way you haven’t before. Rejoice! offers more than insights and information about Mary’s life—it offers an opportunity for you to encounter Mary in the quiet of your heart. Each day, in a few short pages, Fr. Toups provides you with aids to help guide your prayer: A word - Focus on a single word each day to draw out the details, the specifics of who Our Lady is. A reflection - Learn more about Mary, the culture in which she was raised, and the world in which she lived. A Psalm - Each day, you’re given a Psalm to pray (just as Mary herself would have prayed) to help you enter into prayer. A reading - In reading Scripture, you find the Word of God, bringing you closer to Mary, who carried the Word in her body. A prompt - Space is provided each day to journal. Record how the Lord is speaking to you

Coloring Advent
Coloring Advent

Author: Christopher D. Rodkey

Publisher: CBP

Published: 2017-09-19

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780827203976

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Experience the stories of Advent in a vibrant, new way this year as you Color Advent! In a collection of stories from both testaments, explore prophesies of the coming Messiah, the humble birth of Jesus, and the time-honored first worshippers at Epiphany. Each day has a new scripture for reflection as you create your own scenes and color a story you've known your whole life -- one that becomes more meaningful with every year. Make Coloring Advent part of your journey to Bethlehem!

God Is in the Manger
God Is in the Manger

Author: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2012-09-03

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 0664238874

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Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.

Good News of Great Joy
Good News of Great Joy

Author: John Piper

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2021-08-18

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13: 1433573261

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25 Advent Readings by Pastor and Author John Piper Come, let us adore him. This beloved Advent refrain captures the heart of the season. Advent is for adoring Jesus. It is a season of preparation to ready our hearts for the glory of Christmas Day as we celebrate the coming of the eternal God in our frail humanity. These twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent season.

All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings

Author: Gayle Boss

Publisher: Paraclete Press

Published: 2016-10-03

Total Pages: 141

ISBN-13: 1612618790

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From the bestselling author of Wild Hope — a beautiful book for Advent. Open a window each day of Advent onto the natural world. Here are twenty-five fresh images of the foundational truth that lies beneath and within the Christ story. In twenty-five portraits depicting how wild animals of the northern hemisphere ingeniously adapt when darkness and cold descend, we see and hear as if for the first time the ancient wisdom of Advent: The dark is not an end but the way a new beginning comes. Short, daily reflections that paint vivid, poetic images of familiar animals, paired with charming original wood-cuts, will engage both children and adults. Anyone who does not want to be caught, again, in the consumer hype of “the holiday season” but rather to be taken up into the eternal truth the natural world reveals will welcome this book. An ECPA 2023 Christmas Bestseller. Learn more about All Creation Waits and find free resources at AllCreationWaits.com

Because of Bethlehem Bible Study Guide
Because of Bethlehem Bible Study Guide

Author: Max Lucado

Publisher: HarperChristian Resources

Published: 2016-09-13

Total Pages: 105

ISBN-13: 0310687071

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In the Because of Bethlehem video Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado guides you through the Advent season to its source at an unassuming stable in Bethlehem... No one expected the Messiah to come the way he did. Yet the way he came was every bit as important as the coming itself. The manger is the message. Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it's like to be human. Because of Bethlehem, when we talk to him about tough times, he understands. He's been there. He's been here. Because of Bethlehem, we no longer have marks on our record...just grace. In the midst of your hectic Christmas season, this 4-session Bible study with Max will: Revive your wonder that the One who made everything chose to make himself nothing for us. Rekindle your connection to the Christ of Christmas who offers lasting hope. Help you lay down your endless Christmas to-do list and receive what Jesus has already done. Heal your heartache by embracing the God who is always near you, always for you, and always in you. For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and family, while for others it is a time of loneliness, grief, and loss. No matter what this season holds for you, the promise of Christmas will bring you a lifetime of hope. The Because of Bethlehem Study Guide includes video notes and discussion questions, Bible exploration, an individual application activity, and an Advent practice to complete between meetings. Sessions include: God Has a Face Worship Works Wonders God Guides the Wise Every Heart a Manger Designed for use with Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails Video Study (9780310687849), sold separately. The DVD is a two-disc set for Christmas and Easter.

LET ALL CREATION REJOICE
LET ALL CREATION REJOICE

Author: Fr Stavros N. Akrotirianakis

Publisher: Xulon Press

Published: 2016-08-31

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13: 9781498484077

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HEAR THE CHRISTMAS STORY AS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD IT BEFOREMAKE THE JOURNEY TO THE MANGER ALONG WITHMARY AND JOSEPH, THE SHEPHERDS AND THE MAGIHas the Christmas season become the most stressful time of the year instead of the most wonderful time? Do you struggle to keep Christ in Christmas?The story of the Nativity is told in a mere 40 verses of scripture-19 in the Gospel of Matthew, 20 in the Gospel of Luke and 1 in the Gospel of John. Yet nearly each word of every verse is packed with meaning. We are all familiar with holiday words like "joy" and "glory." Have you ever wondered about their deeper meaning? The glory of the Lord (Luke 2:9) is not just part of the Christmas story but something we can experience in our own lives. Joy reminds us of the child-like innocence we used to have and can recapture.In Luke 2:20 we read "And the shepherds returned." The shepherds were still shepherds; witnessing the miracle of the Incarnation of Christ didn't change their status. It changed their hearts. Let All Creation Rejoice: Reflections for Advent, the Nativity and Epiphany is a series of short daily reflections on the scripture readings of the season, to be read during the Orthodox Christian Advent and Nativity season between November 15 and January 7.Spending a few minutes each day reading and reflecting on these scriptures will not change your status either. It will change your heart. You will better understand the "good news of a great joy," and why "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." AND AS YOU PREPARE TO AGAIN CELEBRATE GOD'SGREATEST GIFT TO US, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER WITHA MORE GRATEFUL HEART YOUR GIFTS TO HIM. Father Stavros N. Akrotirianakis is a Greek Orthodox Priest who serves St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Tampa, Florida."