Hi TCCo fam!! Good job on finishing the week ☺️ We’re now just 15 days away from Christmas 🎄 Before you sleep, take some time to quieten your heart and read through the devotion we’ve prepared for today 😃

Read: Luke 1:39-56 (Mary’s Song)

In this passage, we hear Mary’s song of praise to God as she begins to realise just how favoured she is and just how special the baby she carries is.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (v46-47), Mary exclaims, before calling to mind all the great things God has done for her and others in her life. But perhaps most significantly, she ends off with a heartfelt revelation, “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (v54-55). For a long, long time, Israel had been waiting for their promised Saviour, and this prophesy was finally coming to pass. Mary perhaps didn’t understand the full gravity of what was about to happen, but she was spot on in her praise of God – God had promised a Saviour to save Israel (and all of humanity), and true to His word, He was about to deliver this Prince of Peace through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Just as Mary rejoiced, we too have every reason to rejoice in song, praise and thanksgiving for the gift that God has so graciously given us. Without Jesus’s sacrifice, we wouldn’t be able to enter into a relationship with God for we would still be dead in our own sin. There would be no promise of eternal life, and without the peace of God and Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us each day, life would be unimaginably difficult.

So no matter your circumstances, rejoice! Jesus Christ has already won the victory, and death no longer has the final say. We can walk confidently through life, knowing that we are deeply loved, completely forgiven, and tightly held in the steadfast arms of God.

Reflect:

1. Meditate on the gift of grace God has given us through Jesus Christ. How does this make you feel? Talk to God about it.

2. What is holding you back from experiencing joy today? Commit it to God in prayer.

Hi TCCo family!! Hope you had a wonderful day today. Before you head off to bed, spend some time reading through the devotional we have prepared for today. ☺️ Have a blessed rest!

Read: Luke 2:1-7 (The Birth of Jesus (Part 1))

In today’s passage, we read about the moments leading up to Jesus’s birth as well as the actual circumstances of His birth. The way that the story is written as well as the way Jesus was brought forth into the world highlights just how incredible our Saviour is, for we see the deep humility of our Servant King.

Let us focus on verse 7 - “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

In one sentence, the birth of Jesus was described - there are no added frills or details about the birth, and the simplicity of the statement reflects very well the humble nature of the One who came not to be served but to serve (Matt 20:28)

Next, we see that it is Mary who wraps her baby in cloths, and who places Him in a manger. This fact points to the implication that it was a lonely birth. With nobody but Joseph to help her, Mary was the one to clean and clothe her baby. It wasn’t an elaborate affair - they didn’t even have a guest house to stay in, and baby Jesus didn’t even have a crib to lie in. Instead, He slept in the trough where animals fed.

From this one verse alone, we are amazed at how the Saviour of the world came into the world in such a humble manner. Truly, as Jesus told us Himself - He didn’t come for us to serve Him, but to serve us - to wash our feet and to die for our sins. What undeserved love the Father lavishes onto us! We are but sinners, yet we are so deeply loved but a Father who is so full of grace. Our God is good indeed.

Reflect:
1. Pause and reflect on how Jesus entered the world. What significance does this humble beginning hold?

2. How can we take the attitude of the Servant King - to serve and not to be served? What are some practical steps you can take?

Hi TCCo family! We hope you had a blessed Sunday ☺️❤️ Before you sleep, take some time to read through the devotion we’ve prepared for you tonight and spend a few quiet moments with God :)

Read: Luke 2:8-14 (The Birth of Jesus (Part 2))

Yesterday, we read about how Jesus entered the world in a humble manner. Yet, this doesn’t mean that His birth was not celebrated and that God’s magnificent glory wasn’t portrayed. In today’s passage, we turn our focus to one of the very first people who had the gospel preached to them - the shepherds tending their sheep.

As the shepherds were watching over their flock in the dark and quiet night, they were startled when angels suddenly appeared, announcing the birth of the Messiah. Yet, from what we already know about the character of God, it was fitting that God chose to reveal this to the humble shepherds, as opposed to the earthly kings with status and power. It was another nod to the fact that Jesus was here on earth for the last, least and the lost.

Another point to highlight is the fact that the angels described Jesus as “Saviour”, “Messiah” and “Lord”. From the moment Jesus was born, it was clear that He would be something special - more specifically, that He would be a mighty Saviour, something that mankind needed desperately. Not an advisor, a leader, or a reformer, but a Saviour to save us from our sinful nature and bring about peace and restoration. We know that what was prophesied by the angels thousands of years ago came to pass - Jesus indeed is our Messiah, Lord and Saviour!

Reflect:

1. Imagine that you are one of the shepherds that the angels appeared to. How do you feel? What is your response?

2. What does Jesus as “Saviour” mean to you? How might this change the way you respond to trials that might come your way?

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Thank you once again for being a part of our year ❤️ Have a blessed Advent season!

12 days to Christmas!! Hope you had a blessed day today ☺️

Read: Luke 2:15-21 (The Birth of Jesus (Part 3))

Today, we will focus on the last part of the passage in Luke that describes the happenings during the birth of Jesus.

After the angels visited the shepherds, it is striking that the immediate reaction of shepherds was to go straight to Bethlehem to see this supposed Messiah that had been born. They were so in awe of what had just happened that they put down everything and their sole desire was to witness this incredible event.

After visiting baby Jesus and realising that all the angels had told them was true, the shepherds were amazed! They “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (v20).

Think about the reaction of these shepherds and the pure joy and amazement that they experienced. It is clear that they had witnessed first hand the glory of the Lord. What is our response and reaction to coming into the presence of Jesus - whether in church or in our cell groups? Are we as blown away as the shepherds? Perhaps we have gotten too comfortable and familiar with the routine of church that we have forgotten the first encounter with God that left us in deep awe. It is our prayer for you today that you would come to experience once again that reverence that drives us to our knees, or to jump up in praise. May we never lose our wonder of Jesus, our Mighty Saviour.

Reflect:

1. When was the last time you felt in awe of God?

2. How might we develop a deeper reverence of the Lord?

Hi TCCo fam! Hope you had a good day today ☺️ It’s just 11 days to Christmas! Let’s continue to prepare our hearts as Christmas approaches.

Read: Luke 2:22-32 (Jesus Presented in the Temple Part 1)

In today’s passage, we learn about the next big event that happened in Jesus’s life since His birth. Just about 8 days after He had been born, Jesus took part in a purification and circumcision ceremony. In those days, purification and circumcision ceremonies were done as a reminder that all are born in sin and need to be made clean before God. However, wasn’t Jesus sinless from birth till death? Why did He still go through these ceremonies?

The fact that Jesus still underwent the purification ceremonies shows not just the obedience of His parents to the laws of Moses and their reverence of God, it also shows that a week into the life of Jesus, He was already being identified with sinners.

As aptly put by New Testament commentator Alexander Whyte,
“For He who knew no sin, and who never was to know sin, was already in His circumcision made sin for us. Mary’s firstborn son was a lamb without blemish and without spot, but before He was a week old, He began to bear the sins of many… And as He began in the temple that day, so He continued every day to lead a life of pain, and shame, and bloodshedding, for us, for our children, till He finished on the cross the sin-atoning work His Father had given Him to do.”

From the moment Jesus was born, He was marked to take on the sins of the world and redeem us at Calvary. “...the son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20:28). Remembering this afresh this day, what is your response to our Mighty Saviour, Jesus?

Reflect:
1. Meditate on Matt 20:28. How does this verse make you feel? Speak to God about it.

2. Are there unconfessed sins in your life that you need to bring to God? Come before God with these sins, knowing that you have been redeemed through the blood of Christ.

Hi TCCo fam! There’s just 10 days to Christmas!! 🥳🎄 Before you sleep, take some time to read the devotional we’ve prepared for you tonight

Read: Luke 2:33-39 (Jesus Presented in the Temple (Part 2) )

Today, we continue from where we left off yesterday in Luke. We know that it was revealed to Simeon, a righteous man of God, that the child that Mary held was going to be the Saviour of the world and a light to many (including the Gentiles!). For this reason, Simeon praised God and rejoiced greatly. He knew that God had been faithful in keeping His promises.

When Mary and Joseph heard all that was said about their child by Simeon, they “marvelled” (v33) at it. Bit by bit, Mary and Joseph were coming to understand just how incredible the baby they held in their arms was. It also definitely filled them with joy to see how God was touching the lives of others through an understanding of their baby boy. Likewise, we may know Jesus well, but there is always something special about seeing the lives of others be changed and transformed as they come to know Christ for themselves.

At the end of today’s passage, we also read that Jesus grew and became strong in spirit and full of wisdom. It is heartening to see that apart from growing in stature like other children, Jesus’s spiritual development is also focused on here. Just as Jesus grew spiritually as he developed from a child to an adult, we too should not neglect growing spiritually as we age. Maturity through acquiring life experience is not enough, we need to also grow to become spiritually mature by continually looking to God each day.

Reflect:

1. This Christmas, is there anyone in your life that you would like to share Christ with? Bring these people to God in prayer and pray for opportunities to share the gospel at the right time and place.

2. How might we emulate Jesus and grow to become more spiritually mature each day?

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Hi everyone! In the past 7 days, we’ve slowly worked through the first 2 chapters of Luke and revisited the story of the birth of Jesus. In the next 7 days (17 - 23 Dec), we will be following an age-old tradition and focusing on the “O antiphons”. Just in case you’ve never heard of antiphons, today we will go into a brief introduction of antiphons before we begin proper tomorrow! We pray that you will continue to join us on this journey and be blessed by the antiphons we will focus on each day 😊.

Listen to: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (https://open.spotify.com/track/1rUwQ9nkNoKctz3wAurcGM?si=XyGCEotwRJqQZMkrbf_duQ)

The hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a popular one that is often sung during advent. However, did you know that this 18th century hymn’s lyrics come from what is known as the “O Antiphons” of the ancient church?

Simply put, an antiphon is a short phrase, usually taken from Scripture, that is sung as a refrain before and after a psalm. In the same way, the O Antiphons are a series of seven antiphons beginning with “O”, (used since the 8th century!), that are used in the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve, with a different antiphon proclaimed each day.

So, what’s so significant about the O Antiphons? Well, Advent means “coming”. In this season, Christians prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ, and in some ways, we put ourselves in the shoes of ancient Israel and cry “Come, Jesus, come!”. As Israel waited for their Messiah eagerly, we, too, wait in great anticipation for his second coming. Advent reminds us not only of how God fulfilled His promise to the Israelites by sending Jesus the Messiah, but it also pushes us into the future with confidence, knowing that our new prayer will be answered too.

In this way, the O Antiphons signal an intensification for the longing for Christ as we await the celebration of Christmas. As they are only proclaimed in this one week, these antiphons are extra special. Deriving from the prophecies of Isaiah, they refer to the various titles given to the Messiah, the God who will save Israel. They tell of the history of salvation - how God has never abandoned his people even in the darkest of times, and how He will continue to fulfil His promises to us.

Now that you know a little more about Antiphons, we hope that you will eagerly anticipate each day’s antiphon and join us as we prepare for Christmas together!

Reflect:

1. What does the season of Advent mean to you?

2. Now that there are just 9 days left to Christmas, how can we better prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s arrival on Earth?

Just 8 days to Christmas! Today we begin the first of our 7 antiphons - join us as we reflect upon today’s antiphon: “O Saptientia (O Wisdom)”

Read:
(This can also be sung to the melody “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”!

“O Come, O Wisdom from on high,
who orders all things mightily,
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.”

The antiphon here is a brief summary of the wisdom tradition of the Bible. Notice that the antiphon says that wisdom orders all things. This refers to the obvious fact that there is an order in all of creation. Things work together intricately on many levels. The microscopic level of atoms, molecules, and cells is the foundational matter of an amazing interplay of delicately balanced realities that make possible complex systems of higher life and matter.

All of this magnificent interplay of systems, this balance and design, is what the wisdom tradition extols, and what the antiphon describes as coming forth from the mouth of God to order all things mightily and sweetly.

Wisdom was with God in the beginning of all things. She was there when the circle of the seas was written on the deep waters, and she is there now, crying out to us to turn and seek after the Lord. Wisdom is something after which we all seek. But wisdom is something more than just an acute understanding of how to get along in the world. It is more than common sense and street smarts. These words from Scripture remind us that wisdom is rooted in the Lord. Wisdom is the One who comes to be with us, the One who was there when we were made, the One who became for us righteousness and sanctification and redemption in order that we might know God.

Reflect

1. What's the difference between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world?

2. Take a moment or two to rest in this revelation of God’s eternal wisdom—the love offerings of Jesus in Bethlehem and Calvary. Rest in the immensity of God’s profound love for you.

(Adapted from devotional by All Saints’ United Methodist Church)

Hi TCCo fam!! Hope you’ve had a blessed Saturday! Can you believe it - we started at 25 but we’re now just down to 7 days until Christmas! 🎄😬😄

As we continue preparing our hearts, we move on to the second antiphon: “O Adonai (O Lord)”.

Read/ Sing to tune of “O Come O Come Emmanuel”:

O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might!
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did give the law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.

This antiphon speaks of Jesus as Lord and Ruler.

“Lord” is the name that the people of God used in place of the four-letter name too sacred to pronounce (YHWH). And yet, that same Lord made covenant with a people. God bound God’s self in relationship with a people, a people who often rebelled and disobeyed and turned away from God.

In this covenant God gave the people the law as the ways to live with God among them. The Lord delivered them from bondage to Pharaoh and unending slavery. He went before them with arm outstretched. Then the Lord came as a shepherd. He came in the form of a servant, as one born in a manger. Foreign kings feared him and wise men came looking for him, and yet he was wrapped in thin blankets and laid in a cow trough.

What a strange Lord we have, full of beautiful contradictions. He came among the flames of a burning bush and the thunder of Sinai’s mount. He came in Mary’s womb and on the wood of the cross. He comes even now in the bread and the wine. And now as we eagerly anticipate Christmas, we cry, “Come, Lord, come and save your covenant people once more!”

Reflect:
1. Am I seeking after a relationship with God?

2. What can I do to prepare myself for a deeper relationship with Christ?

(Adapted from devotional by All Saints’ United Methodist Church)

6 days to Christmas! ☺️ Today’s antiphon is “O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)”.