Day 12 - Around the World: Ethiopia Ganna

Ethiopians celebrate Ganna on January 7 with fasting, white clothing, church services, and joyful meals. It emphasises purity, worship, and remembering Christ’s humble birth. 

Day 11 - Devotional: Peace That Interrupts Fear 

The angels’ first words to the shepherds were 'Do not be afraid'. Before God gives instruction, He gives peace. Christmas is a reminder that His peace arrives before clarity.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. -  Luke 2:10 (NIV)
 

POEM: Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 – 1882

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound 
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Day 10 -  Prophecy: Virgin Birth

Isaiah spoke of a virgin giving birth — something humanly impossible. It reminds you that God keeps His promises in supernatural ways that exceed human logic.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k_jOn9loC8

Day 9 -  Did You Know: First Nativity

Saint Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in 1223 to help people visualise Jesus' birth. It spread across Europe and became a key Christmas tradition. 

Day 8 - Around the World: Philippines Lantern Festival

The Philippines hosts the Giant Lantern Festival, symbolising the star that guided the wise men. It reflects how the light of Christ reaches nations and cultures in unique ways. 

Day 7 -  Devotional: The Waiting Season

Advent teaches patience. God often works behind the scenes. Silence is not absence; delay is not denial. You can trust Him in the in-between because He is shaping something good.

Day 6 -  Prophecy

 Micah foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem — a small, unlikely town. This fulfilled prophecy shows that God uses humble places to birth great purpose.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.” - Micah 5:2 (NIV)

 Day 5 - Did You Know?

https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/media.2343.churchinsight.com/b2348970-843c-4e99-a567-2b03df4ec732.mp4

The name Emmanuel/Immanuel means 'God with us'. Christmas celebrates the moment God entered humanity, not from a distance but intimately. He came into your world, your struggles, your reality.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). - Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 (NIV)

Day 4 - Around the World

The German Advent wreath holds four candles, one for each week of Advent. Each candle represents growing hope, peace, joy, and love. The gradual lighting reflects how Christ, the Light of the World, brightens every darkness. 

Day 3 - Prophecy

Isaiah prophesied a Child who would carry peace, wisdom, and government upon His shoulders. This prophecy points directly to Jesus, showing that His coming was intentional and long-awaited.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 

 Day 2 - Did You Know?

The Advent calendar tradition started in Germany where families marked the days to Christmas with chalk lines. Over time it evolved into decorated cards, candles, and now digital versions. The heart behind it remains the same: to build anticipation for the arrival of Christ.

Day 1 - What is Advent?

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned. - Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)