Series: Waiting with Joy

Every year, Rev. Lou Lotz and his wife would make an Advent activity calendar for their kids, to help them wait well for Christmas. This year, he has made one for you! Over the month of December, we offer a Bible reading and short activity for each day—acts of service, crafts, fun, and reflection. Many are common December activities, but we invite you to do each activity intentionally, filling your life and others with the joy of our Savior.

List Your Ancestors

Read: Matthew 1:1-17 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (v.1) Among my most treasured possessions is an old family Bible.

Sing “Joy to the World”

Read: Philippians 2:1-8 [Jesus] emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (v. 7) Jesus was a man. Not half God, half human.

Display Baby Pictures

Read: Luke 2:1-7 [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. (v. 7) Go through your treasure trunk, find your

Be Willing to Cooperate

Read: Luke 1:26-38 Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (v. 38) Imagine God tapped you on the shoulder and said,

Be Thankful for Someone

Read: Ephesians 1:15-23 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. (v. 16) Over the years I’ve tried to cultivate the habit of starting each

Receive God’s Good Gift

Read: Romans 6:20-23 The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (v. 23) My adolescent granddaughter has a habit I’ve come to admire. I’ve observed this

Name Your Favorite Christmas Smells

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (v. 15) What does Jesus smell

Be Still

Read: Psalm 46 Be still, and know that I am God. (v. 10) When I asked one of my Bible study friends what he most wanted for Christmas, he gave a

Support Others

Read: Matthew 1:18-25 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (v. 23) The giant sequoia tree is

Lou Lotz

Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.