Day 8 Advent Candle: This is the first day of our second week of Advent! This week, we will be lighting the Bethlehem Candle. First light the Prophecy Candle, then the Bethlehem Candle. The Bethlehem Candle represents the preparations made for the coming Christ child. Bethlehem is an appropriate place to signify preparation because, even though no room was available for Mary and Joseph when they came, God had orchestrated events so that Caesar Augustus called for a census to be taken. Joseph and Mary had to leave Nazareth so that they could register in Bethlehem and the Scriptures below were fulfilled! One of the key characters associated with this week in Advent is John the Baptist because he prepares the way for Jesus! He takes us from the prophecies of old and into the time of Jesus. This week, we are one step closer, as God's hand moves in history to bring His Son to us...and us to Him! Bible Verses Micah 5:2-5 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." Therefore He will give them up until the time When she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren Will return to the sons of Israel. And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth. This One will be our peace. (NASB) As we draw nearer to the birth of Jesus, we begin to see just how specific God was about giving His people "directions" to the main event! In Micah 5, we read a prophecy that occurred 700 years before the birth of Christ and yet it's as specific as if it were spoken right before! It is one of the most important Old Testament prophecies because it is so clear. When the magi arrive at Herod's residence, they explain to the king that Jesus is supposed to be born in Bethlehem by quoting these very Scriptures. Micah tells us several things. He tells us where the Messiah will be born, that He will come from a tribe of Judah, He will rule in Israel, Jesus is eternal and divine but will rule on earth and He will be a shepherd to His people. That sums it up pretty well! The line that strikes me most is that God says through Micah that Bethlehem seems to be an unlikely choice for the arrival of a King. He knows that there will be skeptics and so He includes what is almost a disclaimer: "Yes, I know it doesn't seem fitting, but Bethlehem is where I have chosen". There are so many things about Jesus' birth and life that amazed those who were waiting for a King and kingdom who would rule with earthly majesty. He was humble almost beyond comprehension. I can't help but think of Hebrews 4:14-16--Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV) Article/Devotion Our Shepherd-King By Charles Spurgeon. Dinnertime (or anytime!) Discussion It probably amazed many people that God chose Bethlehem as the place for His Son to be born! It wasn't very big, crops didn't grow very well there, and it was the smallest "clan" of Judah. Not very important. But God used a humble place to be the start of something wonderful! As a family, think of some things in your life that are ordinary or that might seem small to others but are very special to you...and that show God loves you! Word to Know Shepherd: a word naturally of frequent occurrence in Scripture. Sometimes the word "pastor" is used instead (Jeremiah 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16). This word is used figuratively to represent the relation of rulers to their subjects and of God to his people (Psalms 23:1; 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; 44:28; Jeremiah 25:34,35; Nahum 3:18; John 10:11,14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4). The duties of a shepherd in an unenclosed country like Palestine were very onerous. "In early morning he led forth the flock from the fold, marching at its head to the spot where they were to be pastured. Here he watched them all day, taking care that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, seeking diligently till he found and brought it back. In those lands sheep require to be supplied regularly with water, and the shepherd for this purpose has to guide them either to some running stream or to wells dug in the wilderness and furnished with troughs. At night he brought the flock home to the fold, counting them as they passed under the rod at the door to assure himself that none were missing. Nor did his labours always end with sunset. Often he had to guard the fold through the dark hours from the attack of wild beasts, or the wily attempts of the prowling thief (see 1 Samuel 17:34)." (Easton's Bible Dictionary) Book Suggestion The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado. From CBD: Joshua the Lamb is crippled, so the other animals leave him behind in the stable. His tears of loneliness turn to joy, however, when he realizes that because of his difference, he gets to be right there when Jesus is born! From the classic art to the surprise ending, this tender story will help all children see that God has a very special plan for their lives. Advent Extras Art This painting is among many of the frescoes painted on the cavernous walls of the Christian catacombs in Rome. It is referred to as "The Good Shepherd". Sometime between 100-300 A.D., Roman Christians who were being persecuted by the empire chose to bury their dead in caves or catacombs outside of the city. The pagan Romans practiced cremation, which the Christians did not want any part of. Catacombs were also used as meeting places. Christians gathered in the tombs for funeral rites and used the space to freely display early Christian symbols such as the IXTHYS or Christian "fish". They believed that it was prudent to use the space of the caves efficiently so that as many Christian brothers and sisters who were buried together would be joined again more quickly on the "Last Day". Although Christians were being persecuted within the city walls, they were mostly left alone to their tombs. They were careful not to use outwardly Christian images such as the Cross, but because Roman law did not allow the destruction of any tombs, their catacombs were safe from being destroyed. Many modern depictions of the catacombs show early Christians running to them for safe haven or for secret meetings, but it is more likely that they met there to share the Eucharist, bury the dead and gather in privacy. After Constantine allowed Christianity in 313, the catacombs became sites of Christian pilgrimages and were considered shrines of the martyrs buried there. Digging of the catacombs continued until the first part of the 5th century and later were sometimes ransacked by invaders of Rome. Finally, in the 1500's, the archaeological and scientific exploration of the catacombs began. Interesting note: In a fresco in the Catacombs of Priscilla outside of Rome, the virgin Mary is shown with the Christ child and another adult, probably a prophet. Behind and above her are the branches of an apple tree. The prophet is pointing to the apples which, according to a professor with expert knowledge on the catacombs, match the position of stars in the star charts of Chinese astrologers who mapped them at the time of Christ's birth. The apples, or stars, including the "Star of David", were recorded around the time of Jesus' birth and then, soon after, they disappeared from the astrologers' charts. The Christian Catacombs of Rome This site is a wealth of information about the catacombs. The section on symbols is interesting! Art Images From the Christian Catacombs of Rome See some of the artwork. Christmas Carol or Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem In 1859, Phillips Brooks graduated from Episcopal Theological Seminary and began his ministry as a pastor. He was a Harvard graduate as well, who had tried his hand at teaching Latin but had given up and turned to prayer and Bible study to find his way. In 1861, Brooks became pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia. He was a master orator and his special love of children drew literally thousands to his congregation. But by 1863, the country was in the middle of the Civil War and his fervor was beginning to wane. Every Sunday, he looked down at the widows and mournful faces and became weary of trying to find a message of joy or peace. Then, president Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and Phillips Brooks was asked to preside over the funeral ceremony. He was not Lincoln's pastor, but was asked because of his fame as an inspirational speaker. By 1865, poor Brooks needed a break so that he could regain his faith and renew his spirit. He left America for an extended visit to the Middle East. While there, he toured the spots of Biblical importance. On Christmas Eve in Jerusalem that year, Brooks felt the need to get away from the masses of people who crowded the village streets. He borrowed a horse and spent time wandering, lost in thought. Just as the sun was setting, he rode into the tiny town of Bethlehem and the clear sky became full of stars. Awed by the wonder of the scene and how our Savior came from such humble beginnings, his faith was inspired! He returned to his congregation with high hopes that his experience would inspire his flock. But the words failed him and he grew desperate for a way to share how he felt. In December of 1868, he recalled his time in the Holy Land again. This time, the words flowed and soon formed a poem. Brooks enthusiastically took his poem to good friend and church organist Lewis Redner so that the words could be set to music. Redner struggled at first and on Christmas Eve went to bed in discouragement--with nothing on the page. As he lied there, a melody finally came to him and just in time for the Christmas day service! The song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was presented at church and soon became extremely popular in Philadelphia and around the world. Phillips Brooks is known as one of the greatest preachers of the 19th century, but his inspired song is a large part of what makes him so well-loved. Holiday Tradition & History The Story of the Christmas Seals: One stormy December night in 1903 a postman named Einar Holboell was working late in a post office on the outskirts of Copenhagen. He was sorting great piles of Christmas mail. As he moved around among the mailbags he paused to look out the window. Just at that moment two little waifs, a ragged little girl and boy appeared. He saw them only for a moment before they disappeared in the swirling snow. Einar Holboell went back to the stacks of letters and parcels with a sad heart. The contrast between the expressions of good will slipping through his fingers and the forsaken looking children troubled him. Suddenly he had an idea. Perhaps one of the letters gave it to him. Just suppose that every letter or parcel carried an extra stamp, and the money from the tens of thousands of such stamps went to help unfortunate children. What a blessing it would be! ...Read the rest of the story! (From The Lung Association of Canada.) 'Round the World at Christmas Christmas in Modern Bethlehem: In Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born, is the site of the Church of the Nativity, which is ablaze with flags and decorations on every Christmas. On Christmas Eve natives and visitors alike crowd the church's doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by a solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed. Then come the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus. Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square. (From Santa.net) Tour of Bethlehem (And other parts of the Holy Land) Here is a very interesting gallery of photos of modern Bethlehem. Bethlehem Here is an excellent site about the history of the famous little town of Bethlehem! Coloring Pages, Cooking and Crafts Jesus is our shepherd from Bethlehem! Today our coloring and craft theme is shepherds/lambs. Lost Sheep Craft Make these simple little sheep and print out the shepherd (and lots of other cute Bible figures) here to make your own scene! Fluffy Lamb Ornament One of our kids made this ornament at Sunday school but it never stayed on the tree because she loved to hold it and feel the wool all the time! Scripture Sheep Cute sheep templates that you can use to write verses on, make a Memory game, etc. Asleep on the Hay Coloring Page Baby Jesus Coloring Page Color online or print out. In the legendary story of what candy canes really mean, the "hook" shape represents the staff of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Here are 2 fun things to make in the kitchen: Candy Cane Cookies Easy cookies made to look like candy canes and with peppermint flavor. (You can use finely crushed candy canes instead, too.) Candy Cane Cocoa Use the candy cane as a sweet stirrer! My kids no longer like their hot chocolate with just marshmallows! Christmas Fun! Sweet Mahjongg I love Mahjongg! Now my kids have an excuse to play, too, but they'll have to fight me for it! Cookie Blaster Blast as many cookies with chocolate chips as you can! (Check out the other games at Nabiscoworld.com, too.) Home Holiday Preparations Today's Tips: -If you or anyone you know collects special ornaments, hurry and find this year's edition before they are gone! -if you live in a colder area and have a fireplace, be sure to stock up on wood and matches! (Everyone should stock up on batteries, flashlights, candles and matches in the event of a power outage as well!) Movie Time Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated, 1966) I just discovered that Boris Karloff is the voice of the Grinch!! Just an interesting side note. Although we've seen the new Grinch movie, we heartily recommend the original instead! Can't mess with a classic! Home | Contact teachingmom 3.0    ©2003-2007 teachingmom.com All rights reserved. *Copies for personal home use permitted, however no part of the TeachingMOM Advent Calendar may be reproduced on the web or sold in any format. 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