Evergreen is celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas beginning with Christmas Night Supper at the Kanes and culminating in the Kings’ Day Feast on Sunday, January 6. Through out these days we teach our children to honor their elders and to give generously. Cindy Pope is hosting a craft workshop at which children will make gifts for their parents. Children are making and/or purchasing gifts for the senior members of Evergreen, presenting these gifts at the Kings’ Day Feast. Teens will be serving the seniors and children will perform their Talent Show in honor of the seniors.The month prior to Christmas Day is Advent on the church calendar. During these days we anticipate the coming of Christ, preparing our hearts to receive Jesus and his holy gospel. Christmas Day is the first of the Twelve Days. If you are interested in joining our celebration, then read through the Twelve Days of Christmas booklet attached to this post. It includes daily Bible readings and prayers along with opportunities to serve and to give, promoting private worship and devotion in our homes. You don’t have to keep the tree up to celebrate the Twelve Days (undoubtedly, your tree is a fire hazard at this late date.) But you can keep the gifting alive and slip into a New Year reading the very words of God and praying daily in the name of Jesus. We wish you a happy Christmas and New Year!
Twelve Days of Christmas
Most of the western world celebrates Christmas as they shop, sing, and feast their way through the days preceding Christmas Day. On the traditional church calendar, these preceding days are the season of Advent. During Advent the church is encouraged to anticipate the coming of Christ. Shopping, singing, and feasting may aid us in this anticipation, creating a growing excitement culminating on Christmas morn. The Church has traditionally added a corporate worship element to the celebrations, gathering together on Christmas Eve, (in some traditions at midnight). The church at large has also gathered for worship on Christmas morning! Christmas Day is the first day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. These twelve days connect two important events in the history of Christ’s Nativity: The birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem and the visitation of the Magi. On Christmas Day, the first day, we celebrate the humble birth of Jesus. On Kings’ Day, the final day, we celebrate the regal visit in adoration of the Christ. The days between have been largely dedicated to the encouragement of private and family worship and the offering of good deeds in the name of Christ. While most of us place all of the gifts under the tree and in one whirlwind event rip them open with glee, bows flying and children yelling, the Twelve Day tradition spreads out the opening of gifts over twelve days. On each day a family member would open another gift. This is preserved in the popular song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” each verse describing a daily gift to one’s lover.
Considerations for 2007
This may be the year that you would consider spreading out the opening of gifts. (If you have put up your tree early in December, you may need to take it down December 26 before your house catches fire.) You may retain the tradition of opening a boatload of gifts on Christmas Day (after all, it is the birthday of Jesus, and what better way to celebrate the One “who gives good gifts to men,” than to give to each other.) You may also consider reserving a few, small yet special gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. These can be placed on a table, mantle, or hidden away until the appointed time. The Twelve Days of Christmas is another “excuse” to promote the family altar and private devotion along with the extending of good deeds in our community. The daily opening of a gift aids in gathering a family for worship, adding a special touch to the meeting, capturing the attention of children, enhancing their excitement. Were a husband to surprise his wife with a gift in the presence of his children, he would be giving more than one gift! Perhaps this year is the season of experimentation for you. Test some of these considerations to see if they produce a spiritual benefit you have yet to receive in our usual Christmas celebrations. You may enthusiastically decide to make radical changes in your celebrations in 2008! The following pages of this booklet outline daily prayers, meditations, and activities for individuals and families wishing to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. Take special note of our two annual, corporate gatherings: Christmas Night Dinner at the Kane home and the Kings’ Day Feast at the church building.
12 Days Staff
2007-2008
Kings’ Day Feast Coordinators
Larissa Friesen
Rhonda LeClerg
Craft Part Coordinator
Cindy Pope
Kings’ Day Master of Ceremonies
Robert Jones
Producer of Booklet
Nathan Lewis
“On the First Day of Christmas”
December 25, 2007
Tuesday
You are cordially invited to the Kane home, at 1234 N.W. 25th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97210, for Christmas Night Supper. Bring food and treats remaining from your Christmas celebrations earlier in the day. The time is reserved for informal conversation, an evening prayer, and the singing of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
“On the Second Day…”
December 26, 2007
Wednesday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Concentrate meditation and discussion on the first clause, “But when the fullness of time had come…” and answer these questions: 1) Why is the incarnation of Christ at the center of history? 2) How have you seen God’s controlling of time? Can you give some examples from your experience of God’s timing being different than your own and how God’s timing is perfect?
(following Bible lessons focus on the other clauses found in this text.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, blessed controller of all things: Your ways are not our ways. Your timing is often different than our timing. You are perfect in all of your actions and at just the right time, you accomplish your holy will. Help us to trust in you. Make us to rest in you. Give to us the virtue of patience and the fruit of hope. Give to us child-like faith. Thank you for sending your one and only Son to earth. We confess that his life and death have opened the way to heaven for all believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“On the Third Day …”
December 27, 2007
Thursday
Discussion:
Who do we know that has a particular need at the moment and what can we simply do to meet that need? Who do we know who is discouraged at the moment and what can we simply do to encourage him/her?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Shepherd of the Sheep: Care for our loved ones undergoing trials and sufferings of various kinds. Show us how we might be your representatives offering your love to _________ in his/her time of need. We give thanks for your watch and care over us. We give you thanks for the promise fulfilled of your Holy Spirit poured out upon us. Now, send us out into the world to do your good works, empowered by your Spirit. Amen.
“On the Fourth Day…”
December 28, 2007
Friday
Planning Meeting:
The coordinators of the Kings’ Day Feast have matched children with senior members of the Church. Parents are to help children present a gift to these senior members. A child can make a gift or purchase one (keeping the cost under $20.00). The intent is to honor our elders and to teach our children to do so. A child or the children of your household, should present a card along with the gift. The card can also be handmade. Children should decide what to write in the card and do so. At the Kings’ Day Feast, the Master of Ceremonies will announce the appropriate time in the program for children to present their gifts.
If you are a senior member of our church (50 years or older), please plan to attend the Kings’ Day Feast and receive these gifts from children. Your part is vital to our celebration and instruction. In past years, one of the challenges has been to find plenty of senior members to lavish with gifts!
“On the Fifth Day…”
December 29, 2007
Saturday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Begin to memorize these verses.
Discuss the second clause: “God sent forth his Son, born of a woman,” and answer these questions: 1) What words would you use to describe the Son’s departure of heaven to incarnate? What words are used in the Westminster Shorter Catechism?
2) How important is the biblical teaching that this “woman,” was a virgin? Why?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we marvel at your loving plan to redeem us from our sins, the sending of your one and only Son to earth. We confess that your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ has a dual nature: fully divine and fully human. In his incarnation you added to his divine nature the human nature, making him the federal head of our race, to accomplish what Adam, our first federal head was unable to do. Your plan included a miraculous conception so that this dual nature could result and so that we would enjoy so great a salvation. All praise, honor, and glory belongs to you, and to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
“On the Sixth Day…”
December 30, 2007
Sunday
“This is the Day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118: 24
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Continue to memorize these verses.
Focus meditation and discussion on the clause: “God sent forth his Son…born under the law,” and answer these questions: 1) What is ironic about the Son born under the law? 2) What does “under the law” mean? 3) What benefits have flowed to us from the Son born under the law?”
Prayer:
Our Father, your infinite justice and holy law demand our perfect righteousness. Our race has never been able to perfectly obey your law and so we are condemned apart from divine intervention. Thank you for sending your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born under the law. His perfect obedience has satisfied your demands. Finally there is a member of the human race who has obeyed and fulfilled every one of your holy commands. To believe that Jesus Christ has shared the benefits of his obedience with us is the greatest faith imaginable! We profess this faith on this Lord’s Day, asking your direction and guidance of us along with your lavishing upon us the good gifts that flow from this faith. Increase our assurance of faith, that gracious gift that flows from the gift of faith itself. Make us holy in our thoughts, words, and deeds throughout this New Year. May the coming of our Lord Jesus occur in this New Year. Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen
“On the Seventh Day of Christmas…”
December 31, 2007
Monday
Craft and Shopping Day/ Talent Show Arrangements:
Make and/or purchase the card and gift for the senior member assigned to you.
In six days from now we are celebrating the Kings’ Day Feast! Contact the coordinators to let them know which children will be participating in the “Talent Show,” at the feast. Any child may perform a musical piece, offer a recitation, or exhibit any talent he/she possesses. A group of children may perform a dramatic sketch or form a music ensemble.
“On the Eighth Day…”
Happy New Year!
January 1, 2008
Tuesday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Continue to memorize these verses.
Any individual and/or family unit who can publicly recite these verses from memory at the King’s Day Feast, will receive a special gift from Pastor Nathan Lewis.
For Meditation and discussion, consider the clause: “to redeem those who were under the law,” and answer these questions: 1) What was the main reason for the Son of God born under the law? 2) What does ‘redeem’ mean? 3) Who has been born under the law besides Jesus? 4) Apart from the gracious work of Jesus, how is our being born under the law bad news for us?
Prayer:
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! In this New Year the heavens declare your glory and the earth displays its splendor! O that we would also glorify you, our gracious God! You have redeemed us from sin and death so that we might glorify and enjoy you forever. If we do not do so, the rocks and the hills will cry out to glorify you. Indeed the trees clap their hands in praise of you. We, who are your chief creation, have been given superior capacity to worship you and so we ask, Sovereign Lord, for your Holy Spirit to move upon our hearts and our minds eliciting a praise worthy of your infinitely glorious name. May the words of our mouth and meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O God, our rock and our Redeemer. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
“On the Ninth Day…”
January 2, 2008
Wednesday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Continue to memorize these verses.
Focus on the clause: “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Discussion: 1) What is the purpose of our redemption? 2)What is adoption? Why must God adopt us? 3) Does ‘sons’ include sons and daughters? Why does the Bible speak of our inheritance from God in terms of ‘sons’? 4) What are the benefits of being adopted by God, our heavenly Father?
Prayer:
Pray for those friends and family members who have yet to receive the benefits of adoption into God’s spiritual household.
“On the Tenth Day…”
January 3, 2008
Thursday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Continue to memorize these verses.
Focus on verse (6): “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” Questions: 1) What is the greatest benefit of our adoption into God’s spiritual household? 2) How is it that we come to call God, ‘Father’? 3) What terms of endearment does your family use for different family members? -For fathers? -For grandfathers? 4) How does (6) describe a ‘child-like’ faith?
Prayer:
Pray for the needs of your family, church, and nation.
“On the Eleventh Day…”
January 4, 2008
Friday
Bible Lesson: Galatians 4: 4-7
Continue to memorize these verses.
Focus on (7): “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Questions: 1) How is it that we were slaves prior to our redemption through Christ? Who was our former slave master(s)? 2) How is it that we have been transformed into sons? 3) Of what are we heirs?
Prayer:
For so great an adoption, we give you thanks, O Lord. For the end of bondage to sin and death, we praise your holy name and infinite wisdom and power. As sons of God, children of the heavenly Father, we trust in you and express our child-like faith in you, our Provider and Sustainer of our lives. AS heirs of the heavenly kingdom, we glorify the name of our Lord Jesus, who taught us to pray, saying….
“On the Twelfth Day…”
January 5, 2008
Saturday
Craft Party at Evergreen
9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Cindy Pope and her team help children make a selected handcrafted gift for a nominal fee. At the Kings’ Day Feast, children present their gifts to their parents.
Kings’ Day
January 6, 2008
Sunday
On Kings’ Day we are gathering for worship. Directly following we are sharing a meal together in honor of Christ and of the senior members of our church. The teens of the church will serve the meal and the children will present cards and gifts to the honored guests. The Master of Ceremonies will announce each child and ensemble of children performing in the annual Talent Show.
These festivities are designed in the spirit of the Magi, who went to great lengths to find the Christ Child, presenting to him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The star of Bethlehem along with prophecies, and the angel, guided them. Today, we are most fortunate to be guided by the very Spirit of Christ, applying the Word of God, directing us internally so that our lives might be living sacrifices, wholly acceptable to God.
We need Church members of 50 years old or more, to attend this Kings’ Day Feast, to be honored by our children. These senior members, by virtue of graciously accepting honor and gifts, teach our younger generations to respect their elders and to return thanksgiving in the household of God. We need children to serve, present gifts and to perform in the Talent Show. By doing so, children learn to honor and respect their elders, returning thanksgiving in the Church.
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