Advent is a time of waiting.  We wait in line (or online).  We wait for the Holidays.  We wait at airports and/or in traffic.  We wait for those who will celebrate with us. 

 The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “advenire” meaning “to come” and its derivative “adventus” meaning “arrival.”  The real focus of this season is our collective “expectant waiting” and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus; Christ coming to earth as fully God and fully human.  The birth of the Christ Child changed the world forever – and He has the power to change each one of us today.

 Christmastide liturgically starts at sunset, or Vespers, on Christmas Eve and continues through to Twelfth Night on January 5, followed by Epiphany on January 6, when, by tradition, the Magi visited the Christ Child.  

 During these seasons of Advent & Christmastide, may these devotionals help move your heart toward the Christ Child as you expectantly wait for the coming and the celebration of His birth.

 We encourage you to use the devotionals to help the children in your life engage with and understand the true meaning of Advent, Christmastide & Epiphany.  Instructions for making a Christingle on the Saturday before Christmas.

 This year, we will continue using the Advent Sunday Devotionals and the Christmas Day Devotional during the Lighting of the Candle with the devotional being read by members of Asbury.

 You will notice that each Saturday and on Christmas Day, the devotionals have a family focus.  We encourage you to use the devotionals with the Family Activities to help the children in your life engage with and understand the true meaning of Advent, Christmastide & Epiphany.

 This year, for the first time, we will be using the Advent Sunday Devotionals and the Christmas Day Devotional during the Lighting of the Candle with the devotional being read by members of Asbury.  In this eleventh year of Asbury's devotionals, please join me in a prayer of gratitude for those who paved the way, Jeanne Farmer and Marti Pieper.  It is an honor to follow in their footsteps.  

 More than 80% of Asbury’s devotional booklets reach beyond members and former members of Asbury and touch and bless many through our growing outreach ministries. 

 A heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to and / or supported the development and production of this Advent & Christmastide Devotionals Booklet, through prayer, writing and in the publication and distribution.

                                                                                                    David Vatcher, Editor