THE PROMISE OF A SAVIOR…
The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Ever since I can remember I’ve looked forward to being a mom. When that first pregnancy test turned positive, I could barely hold in my elation at the anticipation of all that was to come. Normal, everyday thoughts were quickly replaced by frequent daydreaming of matching nursery decor, adorable baby outfits, sweet baby smells, and picture-perfect moments of my husband and I cuddling our newborn while peaceful music played in the background.
And then our baby was born.
He was a miracle and absolute gift from God, to be sure. And we loved him with a fierce, unshakeable love right from the start. But it didn’t take long for us to realize that along with bringing us much joy, this child would challenge us and rebel against us in ways we could have never imagined. This colicky baby would grow into a “spirited” preschooler, and in those pivotal developmental years we would spend hours upon hours in constant training mode. If you’ve ever experienced parenting a strong-willed child, you know that it’s not for the faint of heart.
During one especially rough season – when we felt like all we ever accomplished was the ceaseless addressing of rebellion in our son – I remember walking into the room to find my precious boy on his daddy’s lap. There had been plenty of times that we’d handled it all wrong. But as tears streamed down my husband’s face, he spoke gentle words of truth and hope over this child who couldn’t stop sinning.
His father’s love met him in his sin.
In his compassion he didn’t let the story end there.
He spoke of a redemption that covers all.
You see, even though my son’s choices had gotten him into this mess, there was no way we were giving up on him. As his parents, our love was too deep; our mission too strong. The reason for our hope in the midst of the chaos?
The promise of a Savior…
__________________________
With Advent season upon us, it would be easy to daydream straight into thoughts of trendy Christmas decor, coordinating family photo outfits, the sweet sights and smells of the season, all while listening to Bing Crosby swoon us with his peaceful holiday lullabies.
But our reading today takes us back to the startling reality of how it all began; back to the very reason a Savior came down from heaven and was born in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night.
Following the miracle of creation and everything that was good and right in the world, we only get three chapters into Genesis before rebellion enters the scene. Satan tempts, and in an effort to have it their way, Adam and Eve rebel against God and sin enters the world. And what I can’t even wrap my mind around today as I read these verses over and over, is that while God immediately cursed the serpent (Satan), he behaves opposite of an exasperated parent and didn’t go straight into cursing Adam and Eve.
Instead, God uttered the first promise of a Savior.
This introduction of Hope to come would continue to be prophesied throughout Scripture, and with it came a message of redemption to a people who couldn’t stop sinning. Jesus would come to live a life we could never live and die a death we should have died. On the cross, Satan would “bruise” Jesus’ heel, but that wouldn’t be the end of the story. An empty grave would introduce a risen King, and God would crush Satan’s head in a fatal blow, declaring His victory and authority over Satan once and for all.
“God delights in mercy. Before He pronounces a curse on man and woman, before He expels them from the garden, He gives them salvation hope, hope of regeneration that they will hate Satan and see him as an enemy, and they will love God. That there will come a Savior; there will come One who will conquer Satan and therefore conquer sin. Even though He in the conquering will be bruised, He will crush that deadly enemy. What an amazing promise. What a gracious God. And it is here that the gospel begins.” – John MacArthur
Praise God for a compassionate, merciful Father who never gives up on us. His love is too deep; His mission too strong.
His love met us in our sin.
In His compassion He didn’t let the story end there.
His redemption covers all.
From the very beginning, we’ve rebelled against You. From the very beginning, You promised a Savior. Great are You, Lord…
At His feet,
*Let’s Talk: In the comments today, tell us where you’re from and one goal you hope to accomplish during this study…
Week 1 Challenge: Each time you see Christmas lights this week, stop and thank God for sending the promised Savior: Jesus, the Light of the World.
Week 1 Video: For this week’s video, we invite you to shift your focus onto Christ and worship with us…
Week 1 Reading Plan:
Week 1 Memory Verse:
Today begins our four-week Advent study, God With Us!
In the Old Testament, the people of God looked forward in anticipation to the coming of the Messiah. This Advent required lots of waiting, trusting, and patience. Even now we are in a season of Advent, aren’t we? We are waiting expectantly for our Savior to return; to rescue us, once and for all, from the presence of sin and fear, to make all things right and beautiful, and for us to dwell in His kingdom and walk forever by His side. The Advent we are in also requires waiting, trusting, and patience. But the great news? The hope that Israel had is the same hope that we have today.
In this 4-week Love God Greatly Advent study, we will look at some of the Old Testament promises of the Savior and the humility that would characterize Him. We will study why He came and the response of various people in the Christmas story, including how we too should respond to Jesus and His coming.
Emmanuel…God with us. This indeed is very good news!
Journal with us (grab your copy on Amazon TODAY!) as we dive into God’s Word together…reading and writing what God speaks into your heart along the way. For more encouragement, join us online for further insights, community, and content to supplement your time in God’s Word!
I’m LaNeise from Maryland my goal is to be able to walk and hear what God really has in mind for me. To be able to have my faith grow in strength with him.
Welcome Honey. Such a great goal. A goal to know God’s heart for you. Am sure God is ready to bless you exceedingly. Dear Father I commit Your daughter before You. She wants to know what You in mind for her, and for her faith to grow in You. Oh dear Lord may it be unto her according to Your word. Amen. Much love honey.
LaNeise, what a wonderful goal for this season! Discerning God’s voice as we move forward in faith is so rewarding!
What an amazing song to lift my spirit as I lie in bed struggling to soap as a vomiting bug has hit! Thank you
Oh dear Orla so sorry about that. We are glad we could help with the song. Dear God please heal Daughter and uplift her spirit. Amen. Welcome.
Thanks x feeling much better and able to care for the rest of my family now. Much love from Ireland
Loved this song too! pour out our praise to the King of Kings – and asking Him for a quick healing to you.
Orla, I am so sorry that you are sick! I hope that time in the Word will be the beginning of feeling better! Please take care of yourself! I will be praying for you!
I’m from the eastern end of Long Island, NY and from this study I hope to accomplish this study without worry and distraction of the Christmas season – and allowing Jesus to truly to in the forefront of my heart and life.
Welcome Paula. May God grant your heart desires. Much from from LGG.
Paula, I hope that you will be able to find quiet moments alone with God during a season of activity and busy-ness. Jesus will be there with you ready to step into the forefront of your life.
I am from Indiana. There is so much to do this month, it can be overwhelming. I want to keep my focus on Christ this holiday season.
Welcome Liz. Yes there is so much to do this season. God is helping us to focus on Him. Bless you dear. God be with Liz throughout this season. May she feel you in all areas. Amen.
Liz, I understand how overwhelming things can be getting ready for Christmas. I hope you will be able to slow down and enjoy each task and activity so that the joy of the season will become more apparent.
Hi! I’m from Tasmania in Australia and my goal for this study is to focus on Jesus and listen to what he has for me next year on my sabbatical.
Welcome honey. May God fill you with His wisdom as you wait on Him. Amen
Denise, I pray that this season is a wonderful beginning to a year focused on Jesus and discerning His will for your life.
Hello, my name is Belinda. I’m from Covington, Georgia east of Atlanta. I have been inconsistent with studying God’s word. I fell in love with using the SOAP way and learn a lot from studying like this. My goal is to commit to daily time studying God’s word and delighting in the restoration of our relationship.
Welcome darling. God is very much interested in restoring your relationship with Him. After all that’s what this study is about: God with us. Dear Father draw Your daughter close to You as she studies Your word in Jesus name Amen.
Belinda, I’m so glad that SOAPing is working well for you. It really is a good way to dig a little deeper into scripture and draw near to God. This is a wonderful time of year to draw closer to God.
I’m from Greenville, North Carolina. My goal for this study is to make time daily to be in God’s word. To let His will for my life guide my every step.
Welcome Jennifer dear. His will continuously guide you honey, through life. Amen.
Jennifer, I pray that your daily time with God will make this season even more special. Time in the Word does indeed bring us closer to God.
Greetings ! I’m a Minnesota girl living in the western mountains of Maine . This year , my focus has been on prayer for our country. I’ve been on an amazing prayer journey that has made me want to even go deeper into experiencing the LORD in my life. I recently inquired of the LORD as to what my focus shall be for 2017. The LORD quickly responded via the celebration of life of a man I dearly respected and honored . True worship is living a surrendered life to our LORD Jesus . As I focus on surrendering to the LORD its so good to have this Advent season to refresh my heart ,soul, and spirit to this commitment I am embarking on.
Oh darling such a great way to end and start a new year. Am so encouraged by this and am sure all who read this will be too. May God always be your guide as you walk with Him. Amen. Much love.
Hi Mia! Isn’t it wonderful to hear and see God working in our lives and answering our prayers? I pray that this Advent season will inspire you to stay committed to your goals for 2017.
I’m from kansas. My biggest goal is to wake up each morning and start here and not my phone or the tv. ?
Tori darling, welcome. God is backing you up on that. Have a lovely study darling. Much love.
Tori, I have trouble waking up and getting right into study. I admire your goal and encourage you to meet it each and every day!
Hi everyone, I’m Connie, and from Kansas. In Psalms 18:34 says “He trains my hands for battle.” My goal is to have a deeper prayer life, connecting and really hearing God, and battling for my family.
Welcome Connie. Be it into you accordingly and more thank you’ve asked. God is with you. Much love.
Connie, what great goals! My prayer is that God will strengthen you to meet each of these! The Advent season is the perfect time to begin this pursuit!
Hello! I’m Kirsten from Pennsylvania, and I am excited to join you in this study! I love what you all are doing as a ministry and pray that God will bless you.
My goal is to focus my heart on Christ this season. But I am also waiting in great anticipation for some miracles in my life, my family and friends, and my business. So, I’m anxious to grow in my prayer life as well.
Kristen darling, so happy we have you. We thank God for all He is doing through us. He deserves all the glory. May all you are waiting for from Him come to you. Amen. Much love.
Kirsten, this is the season of miracles! We all wait in anticipation for God to reveal what is next for us. Prayer is a wonderful way to do this. You are well on your way to a blessed Advent season!
My name is Trudi and I am from Dallas, Texas. My goal is to not lose focus on who and why I am celebrating Christmas this year and to get to know Jesus more.
Welcome dear Trudi. Great goal honey. May you get to know Him more and more.
Trudy, this is the perfect time and place to help you meet these goals! I pray that you will draw closer to our Savior during this time.
Hi! I’m Sonja from Alabama! So excited to be joining another LGG study!
My goal is this: everywhere I go this Christmas season, I want to look for Jesus!
Looking for Jesus everywhere we go. So awesome dear. Awesome goal! Welcome love.
Sonja, I am alaways amazed at the places I find Him when I just open my eyes a bit wider. I hope this study will help you to see him!
Good Morning! I’m Jackie from Maryland and I want to start each day in Advent with His greatest gift and the joy of my salvation. I also want to carry that joy into my day and share His gift, reflecting on Immanuel .
Awwww sharing His gift!!! I love that honey. Great goals. And welcome to this wonderful study. God bless you dear.
Jackie, Imlove those goals! You will touch so many people that way, not to mention how it will brighten your days!
I just moved a week ago to Lebanon, TN, so I guess that is where I am from now.
My goal for this advent study is to focus on Jesus and not on the reality of not knowing anyone in our new town; to put aside all the tasks of moving and listen for the Holy Spirit leading; to watch for all the ways God is caring for us.
Sweetness, I know how moving can be. Don’t worry God is with you, after all our study says that. Welcome to this study love.
Lynn, I hope you will feel more and more at home in your new surroundings. I hope you will see and hear the Holy Spirit all around you in the weeks ahead. I also pray that you are finding the joys of new friendships.
Hello friends! I am Rachelle, from Bellefontaine, OH! One of my goals during this study is to stay engaged each day. Be still, listen, stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas, and not let the busyness of this season distract me from God.
I am praying for each woman who is doing this study! May God bless each one of you this Christmas season!
Awww thank you love for praying for us. God bless you. And welcome to this study
Hi Rachelle! I pray that you will indeed find this season to be on focused on God and the blessings of Christ’s birth.
My name is Jennifer and I am from Oklahoma. With this study I hope to, for the first time, truly treasure the Advent season. My hope is that it shifts my focus from decorating, present buying, etc. to really grasping the arrival of our Savior!
Jennifer, keeping our eyes on the Eternal is so much better than focusing on the trendy. I, too, am making the change and being much more intentional with this Christmas. May you find it easy, and wonderful to see Christ in all this Christmas.
Jennifer, the LGG studies take us a little deeper into Scripture and that should help us to all focus on the true reason for this beautiful season. Advent is a time to treasure God’s great love for us.
I am Liz and I am from NC. My hope through this plan is that I can keep the focus on God and Jesus this holiday season and not on all the other trappings. I want to help my children stay focused on this as well.
What a great thing to aspire to do this year for yourself and your children. May God richly b,was you with peace, joy, love and hope.
I will be mentioning you in my prayer Liz, and your children that our mighty and powerful God will give you the strenght and courage to focus on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ during this advent . Yes, I do agree with you that it very hard to focus and reflect on the the birth of the ‘Promised Savior’ because of all the distraction in our world today, that is pulling us into different directions. I am praying that through this SOAPing, God will give you the strength to do Him first, and reflect and focus on the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ whom He sent to die for our sins on the Cross. May you have blessed CHRISTmas and your children. Jesus is the reason for the season.
Hi! My name is Barbara and I am from Tampa, Florida. My goal during this study is to remain strong, focused and faithful and to live in the present moment seeking God first at all times especially in this season.
May God continue to bless us all.
Amen darling and bless you too. Welcome dear. Welcome.
Yes, I agree with what Ebos said, Barbara Smith.
Hello. I am from Winnipeg, MB, Canada. My goal for this study is to have God the centre of my thoughts this busy Season, to see him in everything and focus on His heart. It’s so easy to be caught up in all the business, the spent money, the decorations and making everything perfect and this year I want to focus on His perfection.
What a great thing to focus on…His Perfection! Welcome to the study.
I agree with you Victoria, it is indeed very hard to focus on Jesus especially in this time of season, when all we see and hear are distractions from him but the verse that helps me this or that reminds me is ‘do not be conform by the pattern of this world but be transform by renewing of your mind’ when you get distracted by the things of this world, just remind this verse to yourself and whisper a prayer to our mighty and powerful God, He is ready and willing to help us to live a godly life in this world. Hope this helps you.
My name is Brandy, and I am from South Georgia. This is my first time participating in an online discussion with LGG. My goal is to find peace with my struggles with infertility and have faith that this is Gods plan and to enjoy all the blessings in my life instead of focusing on what I don’t have. I look forward to this study and in continuing to grow my faith!
Wow, your story excites me about your infertility, don’t lose HOPE, remember the story of Hannah, who could not get pregnant for so many years but she did not give up and kept on praying to God to give her a child and she even said that she will dedicate this child for Him. Remmember also Sarah, wife of Abraham who bore a son, named Isaac, God had promised Abraham that he will have a son through Sarah,and indeed Sarah became pregnant during her old years, she was over 65 years old and still God kept her promise. Brandy, Nothing is impossible with God just keep on crying to Him. He will make a way for you….
I am Joy from Iowa. My daughter invited me to this study. I hope to focus more on Jesus during Christmas and see Him more in my daily life.
I am Tammy from New Brunswick, Canada. My goal is to spend more quality time with God and Jesus. To think on them often and learn to put them first in my life more.
Hi! I am Elizabeth and I live in Fort Worth Texas. I happened to come across this study while scrolling Facebook and after reading through the introduction I knew this would be the right thing to keep my heart and mind settled as we enter into such a busy season.
Welcome! I hope you will be blessed by this study. LGG is wonderful. Merry Christmas!
This season, my goal is to celebrate the birth of Jesus; not as a ‘season’ that ends with his birth on Christmas Day, but as the beginning of the story. To quiet my soul and relish in the miracle of God’s gift of his son; to experience the miracle in the eyes of those who lived in a world before Jesus so I can truly understand the impact of Jesus’s birth.
Hi I am from Colorado. I hope to be in His Word daily and experience a wonderful calm during this holiday season. Bringing the focus back to Christ during this beautiful Christmas season!
What a beautiful post Whitney. A great reminder to keep our eyes focused on the magnificent grace and the promise of a life eternal with God. I’m keeping my eyes off the trendy and keeping them on the eternal.
My name is Taliah. I am from Georgia. My goal is to grow closer to God throughout these four weeks and to keep him on the forefront of my mind through all things. He is an awesome God, a loving God, and a forgiving God. I pray that I am consistent in my journey.
I am Michele and my goal is to absorb and share what I hear and feel during this study. I hope to continue to be filled with Live and appreciation for my God and all He does.
I am a Kansas wife and mom and my hope and prayer is to find peace through this study and a closer relationship with my Saviour. Been dealing with sudden onset of anxiety for almost 3 months that I can’t seem to control and trying to find answers and healing. I am really trying hard to seek God in the midst of my struggle and keep the Faith. My motto after reading the scripture today is “Faith without Fear.” God Bless your team for creating this study for us all!
My name is Julie, I am from Michigan. I want my heart to be completely focused on my Savior this Christmas season.
My name is Barbara and I’m from Menifee, California. My goal is to get into the word daily and closer to God. I’m out on disability till at least March 2017 and I need to have faith that God will work in me.
I am a wife and mom from Kansas and I am looking forward to a closer relationship with my Saviour. I have been experiencing a sudden onset of strange symptoms and anxiety for almost 3 months now with still no answers as to what the cause is. I am trying very hard to keep my focus on God during this time of trial, but it is a challenge each day and night. My prayer is that I will continue to seek Him FIRST each day and find rest in Him. After “SOAPing” today, the words that came to mind were “Faith without Fear.”
Sorry, I didn’t think my first post worked since I received an error message. Didn’t mean to repeat myself!
Hello, my hope through this study and everyday is for a deeper more meaningful relationship and understanding of our Lord and His plan for me. I desire so much for focus on him and for the things of this world to fade silently into the background.
Hi, I’m Sandy from San jose, CA. I want to prepare for leading a bible study in the new year.
Oh Sandy that would be great. Please do, it’s one of the best experiences of life. Much love dear. Lord as Your daughter plans to serve You in the new year please make it work. Amen.
Hi! My name is Kathy. My goal with this study is to keep my heart set on Christ and experience His peace as I have become the arms and legs to my dear mom who is terminally ill. I want to crowd out all doubts and fears that the enemy throws at me and use this study to turn my heart and emotions toward God and experience his peace and joy this beautiful Christmas season.
I am Linda from Wyoming. My goal in this study is to spend everyday with God, understand His word and listen for His response.
Hello…My name is Amanda and I live in Las Vegas, NV. My goal for this season of studying is to redirect my focus and attention on the Lord. I’m so tired of allowing the busyness of the holidays distract me each year. This year will be different!
Hi! I am so excited to be apart of this study. I recently made the step to restoring my relationship with God. I have completely surrendered myself to him and want to learn how to trust him and his will for my life. I desperately want to know him, listen to him and hear the Holy Spirit everyday!
I am April Hayes and I’m from Clemmons, NC (just outside Winston-Salem). One of my goals for this study is to come to know the Advent season better and to learn the prophesies of the Old Testament and how they foretold of Jesus coming to earth to be our Savior.
I absolutely loved this blog post today! I had a great time in the Word and this post brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for your insight and beautiful words. Great start to a great study! <3
Hey there! Asha here. I decided to do this study because amongst all the fun and frolic, bells and glitter, food and families- I don’t want to forget or actual I want to constantly remind myself the reason for this Season- My Lord JESUS. I want to remind myself that Christmas is more than a holiday or a celebration of a birthday. Instead, it is the fulfillment of the most powerful promise God has ever made.
Hello, My name is Nancy and I am from Iuka, MS. Retired to the Pickwick Lake area and struggling to maintain my purpose. I realized that as Christians we never “retire” until we go home to live with our Lord & Savior. My goal is to “hear, listen, understand, not allow Satan to fool me, and obey” my God.
I am Jeanelle, joining from rainy and stormy Nairobi, Kenya. One goal is this study is to focus on the way God reveals His heart through the sending of His Son. So often I make Advent/Christmas all about me; instead, I want to feel His heartbeat.
Hello, Sisters. I am Barb from Missouri. My goals for this study are (1) to learn the SOAP method and apply it daily; (2) to use this study as a tool to focus my heart and mind on the Messiah–the foretelling of His coming, His birth, and everything about the REASON for His coming. This lifelong Christ-follower needs a fresh focus that will strengthen my faith even more, to overcome the stresses and worries that seem such a constant companion in the heart and mind of this mom and grandmother. This is my first exposure to LGG, and I am already blessed.
My name is Amy and I’m from WV. I am a new stay at home mom. I am trying to be the best mom and wide I can be while but putting God first. This study is my way of beginning my days right and putting him first. I pray that I can grow in studying God’s word, follower of Christ as well as gain insight from others to help me through my journey.
I am Hannah from Mississippi and my goal is to be vulnerable enough this Christmas to let other people see why I need a Saviour and show them what a Saviour I have! I have the tendency to want to make “the season” pretty and tidy and I neglect the bigger picture of the gospel beyond Christ’s birth during this time.
I’m from Indiana!
Biggest takeaway I want from this study is that I’d learn to wait, be patient, grow in trust & hope… That I’d just *slow down* and not allow this season be a time of flustered busyness and rushing… That my focus would be on Christ. ❤️
My name is Olivia and I live in Montreal Quebec.
My desire is to spend more time in God’s word and am yearning for a deeper hunger and fire in my heart for Him.
Hi, my name is Keishia Johnson. I live in El Centro, California, USA.
I want to learn and memorize God’s word so that I may live how He wants us to live so that I might be able to bring people to Christ (or a plant the seed) by starting in my home with my children.
I’m Erin from Tennessee. I am expecting to draw nearer to God and help my family focus on this precious reason for the season.
Are you Erin from Cleveland TN???? One of my besties live in TN and named Erin 🙂
I’m Brandi from Texas and my prayer and goal for this study is to really lean into the true meaning and real purpose of Christmas and to carry that focus into the next year.
My name is Courtney and I am from south GA. I have never done an LGG study before but God With Us–Emannuel–what a beautiful reality! My desire is that I will become more aware of God’s reality in my life, every moment–that the truth of His name, Emmanuel, God with us–I will see Him and feel Him, with an conscious reality of God’s presence and nearness.
I’m Birdie from Maryland. I am seeking a deeper relationship with the Light of the World in this season of Advent, and would like to be able to make more prayers more intentional instead of wandering all over the place.
I am Kelley from Columbus, MS. My goals are to be consistent with my study, draw closer to God and in the process talk to God and pray more. Don’t let myself get distracted by worldly things.
My name is Shannon and I hope to deepen my relationship with the LORD- to know Emmanuel as my constant shield, sovereign LORD, peace and comforter who is always here with me. I want to yield to Him and have discernment to hear a voice behind me saying “this is the way, walk in it”. Praise you Father, Praise you LORD.
My name is Shannon and I’m from Florida. This is my first LGG study and it’s been awhile since I had a consistent quiet time. My goal is to complete the full study and in the process hear and grow closer to God.
Hello,
My name is Stephanie. I am from Manhattan KS. My goal is to redeicate my life to the Lord. To learn how to grow with and be more of the person that the Lord has set out for me to become. To also teach my child to love God and to know that he never fails us!
I’m Brook from Fort Worth. I have loved my husband for 34 years. I know everything about him. When we were in our courtship phase, I immersed myself into his world to learn his likes, wants and dreams. I have been a Christian for 44 years. God is my ultimate love, yet I have not devoted myself to learning about him like I did my husband. My goal is to learn more about this amazing Lord. I want to cling to him. I want to love Him better.
My name is Angie. I’m from Louisiana. My hope is that this study will equip me to keep my eyes on Jesus during this Christmas season and every day after that. I want to surrender my life to Him, to act and react the way He would want me to. Lord, help me to live in such a way that others see You in my life, not me. Thank you so much for this study. It is such a blessing.
My name is Angi and I’m from Minnesota. My one goal this study is to stay on top of the study and finish it to the end. Refusing to make an excuse for why I didn’t study Gods word today!
My name is Krystal and I’m from Burleson Tx I have really enjoyed SOAPing with your studies over the Last several weeks. My goal is to just draw closer to the Lord and to take every minute I can to soak up what Christmas is all about and rejoice in Jesus. He is so good and worthy of our praises and I am so unworthy of that gift. God bless everyone, can’t wait to dig into his word.
I’m Meredith from South Carolina. My goal throughout this study is to be diligent in spending quality time with the Lord each day. I’m grieving the loss of my Mom and dreading the upcoming Christmas season without her. I know Christ is the only one who can fill this void and I pray that I will focus on him, his grace, his mercy, his unconditional love and provisions that have brought me to this place and will carry me through it until by his same grace and mercy will reunite my mom and me. I have so much to be thankful for, despite this devestating loss. My goal is to focus on Him and his blessings on me and our world through the birth of his son.
Hello Meridith, I also had a devastating loss, my husband. It is very painful to lose someone that is very close to us. I had never felt this kind of pain before, at times I felt so alone with my pain, but Jesus was and still here with me, He feels my pain and your pain. I’ve learned through prayer and faith to surrender to His will for my life. Sometimes I can’t understand why this happened, but I am hopeful I will see my husband again, our God is so merciful and loving, He will see us through the valley.
Hi, my name is Liz and I’m from San Diego, Ca. I’m excited to begin this new bible study together with you all! My goal is to stay focused and committed to spending time with God on a daily basis and to remember, throughout all the hustle and bustle, what the Christmas season is REALLY all about.
Hi, I am Amanda from San Diego. I want to focus my heart and mind on Jesus and learn to trust again. Thank you for this study.
Hola! I’m Roberta from Puerto Rico. I want to give Jesus first place in my heart and the first moments of my day.
Hello, my name is Laurie and I am from Akron, OH. This is my second study and I am part of a group who do this together via text and we are from around the US. My goal with this study is to refocus my holiday back onto Jesus daily. And to let God reveal himself to me through my time in His Word. What a privilege it is to seek him freely….I don’t want to miss out on a single day. My hope is to continue these studies and let it become such a habit that I just can’t let the business of life get in the way anymore.
Hey, I’m Mandy from Georgia. My hope is to get rid of the distractions and focus on the true reason for Christmas. I’m tired of letting myself get derailed by the stress and drama of the season, and I want to fix my gaze on Him.
I’m Gabie from St. Petersburg, Fl … my prayer is that as I reflect on the struggles of the past year, I am reminded of the hand of God and as I expectantly look to the upcoming year with changes on the horizon, I look forward to being held in the mighty hand of God without worry, only joy. The joy that only our Savior brings!
Hi, im Ashley from North Carolina.. My goal and prayer with this study is to grow and gain a closer relationship to God and for my heart and mind be connected to His.. I just found this study so I’m a day late but excited to begin.
I am Shirley from Knob Noster, MO. My prayer is to reflect on the struggles of this past year and know with God strongly in my life he will bring much love and joy.
The advent season is truly an amazing season and we reflect on the real reason for the season! Jesus!!
Hi I am Lydia, from Germany. In the last years I struggled to really focus on Jesus during advent season. So one of my goals during our study is to lift my eyes on Him and see his light and love shower my whole family and sphere of influence.
I’m Tiffany from Bayfield, Colorado. My goal is to strengthen my relationship with God. I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, kids, work and the holidays that I don’t always put God first. I want to bring that relationship back because without God first nothing else is possible.
I am from Austin, Texas. I am really praying that I will keep God first all season long.
I am Rose from Cleveland My goal is to strengthen my relationship with God and help my children to grow closer to him by example to give them peace
Hello! Im Crystal from Laurel, MD. Im here to strengthen my bond with Christ, so I can be a better mother, wife, and daughter.
I am Nicole from Towanda, IL. My goal during this study is to draw closer to God and be reminded of who He is and how much I am loved by him. I want to become a better wife, mother, daughter and friend through Him and get back to putting Him first.
Im Debi from New Jersey. I’m beginning this journey hesitantly, but with great anticipation, hoping to walk back into the light.
The Facebook post about this class appeared last week, and I couldn’t scroll past. I knew I was being called, and I took a leap and answered. I feel blessed just being here. Thank you all!
Hi I’m Lisa from NJ. Love LGG studies. This is however my first Advent study. My hope for this study is to discover a deeper, richer love of God and meditate more on the joy of Jesus birth rather than the hectic and commercial holiday which exhausts me every year. I’m always left with disappointment after Christmas that I didn’t take time to love Jesus more and show my children what Christmas is all about.
Hi, my name is Crystal. I’m from. California. My goal is to know God deeper, and his plan for me. My goal is to fight the flesh that doesn’t want to let me believe in God’s promises. That doesn’t want to let me believe I will receive what I ask him for. That doesn’t let me. Lay it all down before him.
Hi, I’m Melissa from Georgia. I want to continue to grow in Christ from these lessons.
Good morning, I’m joining in from the Western North Carolina mountains. My goal is to stay in the Word and grow closer to Jesus.
I am currently living in Vicenza, Italy due to army assignment. Started using LGG materials for our bible studies at PWOC. The paired studies for moms and kids is what got me to order the journals. I am a fan of the SOAP method and my goal is to look at Advent from a new perspective. Bought this for my daughter, who lives in Alaska and my desire is to do this together and grow more together as mom and daughter in our faith.
Hi! I am Veronica from Montana. Enjoy using LGG to provide focus to my quiet time. My goal with this study is a focus on our Lord and His mercy and applying that to my own very strong willed child that I have been struggling to parent. This post could not have been more timely, thank you Jesus.
Good morning,
My name is Bethany. I am from central Texas. I hope to use this study to help me really reflect on the “reason for the season” and to help me draw nearer to God. I downloaded the app to help give me a better way to spend some of my down time as opposed to using other social media.
Hi, Sashka from Czech Republic’s writing. Thank you for this great project, it’s helping me in my goal to slow down and not to be only consument of this Christmas time but go deeper. May God bless you all.
Late beginning. Sandy from western North Carolina here. Thank you for this study. Pray with me that I will see it through.
I’m Amy from Seattle, WA. I’m working on really REALLY trusting God thru this season. Been experiencing abuse and possible homelessness, while battling mental health issues and suicidal tendencies. Having to separate from family during this time of the year that is usually all about family, and learn to rely on God and His goodness and love and mercy.
Hi, I’m Cheryl from Detroit. I want to know God more intimately and be more like Christ. This is my first study group with you ladies. I am excited to have this opportunity to study and grow in God Word.
Hello, I’m Michelle from New York. My goal is to learn more about God and to grow deeper in his presence and to be covered with it. I also want to be a woman after his own heart. Then I came across this app and so far I’m an truly grateful because I feel I am going to complete my goal using it. I’m so excited 😆.
My name is Stacy I am from Florida, my prayer, my hope is to go into a deeper more intimate relationship with God. Less of me more of Him.
My name is Stefanie, I am from Florida. My prayer and goal is to grow deeper into God’s Word through the Christmas season.
My name is Sheri and I live in Oklahoma. My prayer for this study is to keep my heart and mind focused on what really matters this Christmas – Jesus!
My name is Mary and I live in Iowa. I want to know God more this December and reflect Him and His mercy to my family. Not get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.
Hi I’m Amanda! My hope for this study is keep focused on the reason for the season and to grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus. If you’re starting with me here in 2020 say HI! What a year it’s been! Jesus is still King!