December 14-20, 2025
As we enter a season of Advent, it is always a time of anticipation and expectation. We look forward to sweet moments with family and friends. We hope for closeness and deeper connection with those around us. We desire celebrations that are memorable and meaningful.
Sometimes though, things are not at all what we expect.
During this time of year, we sing Christmas carols to remind ourselves that our hearts belong to Christ. He is the center of all that we hope for in this life and for eternity. Here, we can only long for His return. We can look to Him to mend our hardships and losses. But, we won’t see everything repaired and renewed until His return. Alas, we wait for His second coming.
The song O Come Emmanuel gives us meaningful ideas to reflect on in its lyrics. This song is written to be sung in a minor key traditionally reflecting a song of lament. Over the next few weeks, we will look more closely at those words and what they point us to. We will anchor our reflections in Scriptures that connect and flow with the lyrics. During the next few weeks, we will practice the voice of lament for those things we are waiting on and anticipating.
This week's focus: O come, Thou, Dayspring from on high/And cause Thy light on us to rise/Disperse the gloomy clouds of night/And death’s dark shadow put to flight:Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel/Shall come to thee, O Israel
Day 1: Where have you seen the light so far this season? Take inventory and keep a “Light” list this week. Read Psalm 139:12.
Day 2: Sometimes the enemy attacks with lies during the night. Ask God to guard your gloom and surround you with rest and love while you sleep. Read Psalm 4:8.
Day 3: Is death a shadow to you? Sometimes grief is worse during the holidays. If you are dealing with grief, acknowledge it. If you are not, acknowledge it for someone you know who lost a loved one this year. Read Matt. 5:4.
Day 4: What can you rejoice about this week? Read Thess. 5:16-18.
Day 5: Where do you need to invite God into your Christmas celebration? Where have you placed emphasis on the materialism of Christmas? Confess and ask Him to show you move of Him. Read Luke 1:35.
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.