Celebrate Joy! Word&Way's Advent guide features devotional writers from a cross-section of Baptist life. Remember and celebrate the joy Jesus brings to your life.
December 25, I John 1:1-4 By Nodell Dennis, Director of Missions, Blue River-Kansas City Baptist Association In closing his introductory statement John uses this phrase, "
December 24, John 1:10-14 By Judith R. González, Hand in Hand Ministries, Springfield "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did
December 23, Matthew 2:19-23 Be sensitive to God's Word By Bill Miller, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Farmington My late Dad and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, were carpenters. I have two sons. One is also in the construction industry. The
December 22, Matthew 2:13-18 By Alton Lacey, Missouri Baptist University President Much of what we cherish about Christmas is in the many stories of how it evokes the best in human nature. Music, movies, television and newspapers are full of happy stories
December 21, Matthew 2:1-12 By Bob Johnston, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rolla I have always been fascinated with the contradictions so apparent at Christmas. We speak of the joy of this season, and yet some lonely souls experience this as the most depressing time
December 20, Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 By Don Wideman, Former MBC Executive Director An old adage states, "It is always darkest just before dawn." Israel was going through dark days because of continued disobedience of God's laws and disregard for the covenant He
December 19, Luke 2:16-20 By Randy Curless, Sports Crusaders Illinois Coordinator It was Sunday, Oct. 16, at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The Houston Astros were one out away from their first-ever trip to the World Series. There were men
December 18, Luke 2:13-15 By Jim Hill, Baptist General Convention of Missouri Executive Director Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on
December 17, Luke 2:8-12 By Alberta Gilpin, Education and Administration Director, Parkade Baptist Church, Columbia What a gift! The message of the Messiah was hand-delivered by the angels to a group of shepherds there in the middle of the night. That message
