December 5: Two Advent Readings

The first reading is for family with children.
The second reading is from  Good News of Great Joy at Desiring God


The Lantern

http://partofthemain.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/day-5-the-lantern-jesus-is-the-light-of-the-world/

Do you know what it is like to sit in the darkness? It is like being blind. You can’t see anything. Have you ever been in the dark and then someone came and turned on the light? There is a verse in the Old Testament that tells what it would be like for the world when Jesus came. It says, “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). That was what it was like when Jesus came to earth. He brought light into the whole world! The light he brought is the truth about God and hope for all people. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Dear Jesus, we praise you for shining your light when we were in the darkness. We know that there are many people in the world who are still in the dark. Let your light shine through us, in how we live, that they might see it and believe in you, too. Amen. 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; John 1:1-9

Another Advent Reading Plan is Good News of Great Joy
by John Piper

You can watch an introduction video and/or download the whole book at www.desiringgod.org/books/good-news-of-great-joy
You can also get the daily reading at solidjoys.desiringgod.org/