Though the message of Christmas is universal--“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11)--its reception is individual. And therein lies the challenge. Lutheran Hour Ministries recognizes this and is again offering two Advent devotions for the 2009 Christmas season. Whether it’s a traditional approach to the holidays or one that views them from a slightly different angle, this year’s offerings bring front and center the nativity of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Articulate and creative, both devotions show how Jesus' humble birth in a wooden manger put into motion God's divine plan for mankind's redemption--and that's good news everyone needs to hear!

From Nazareth to Bethlehem
In keeping with Lutheran Hour Ministries’ seasonal offering of Advent devotions, From Nazareth to Bethlehem boldly declares God’s love and grace in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. As 2009’s traditional Advent devotion, Pastor and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod International Center Chaplain Vern Gundermann chronicles a number of journeys. From Mary and Joseph’s road trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, to the Messiah’s birth there, to the family’s flight to Egypt, to Jesus’ ministry in Palestine—these devotions show a God on the move in the lives of men—both ancient and modern. As Gundermann writes, “He would be the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for His sheep. For them. For us. For the whole world!”

Who Would Have Thought?
This year Lutheran Hour Ministries again features Advent devotions with a non-traditional approach. In Who Would Have Thought? author Chuck Strohacker uses anecdotal stories, real-life situations, and personal observations to share the truth of God’s love as shown in the birth of Jesus. Touching on family Christmas traditions, lessons learned in the classroom, and his hobbies—to name but a few things—Strohacker casts light on the unparalleled marvel of God’s love as shown in the birth of His Son two millennia ago in a tiny village just south of Jerusalem. “Who would’ve thought,” he asks, “that God would open His mercy and grace not only to His chosen people, Israel, but to the Gentiles as well?” Indeed, who would’ve thought?

Both “From Nazareth to Bethlehem – An Advent Journey” and  “Who Would Have Thought”?  have been created in a PDF format that makes it easy for you to customize them with your church information and to distribute throughout your community. Sharing Advent devotions is a great way to get people from your church involved in a meaningful outreach effort this Christmas. These devotions are available in both English and Spanish.

For those who would prefer to listen online, we are pleased to announce that an audio version of "From Nazareth to Bethlehem - An Advent Journey" daily devotion will be available.

You can also sign up to receive the "From Nazareth to Bethlehem - An Advent Journey" Daily Devotion via email.