Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas that are traditionally set aside for preparation and anticipation of Christ’s birth. This Advent season, Crossroads is embarking on a Framily ADVENTure. Each week, we will post a devotional, a special activity, connection questions, playlist, and daily readings to help you seek God and focus your attention on the Christ Child during this busy time of year. Grab your friends, your family or whoever makes up your Framily, and use this page as a resource for your own Framily ADVENTure.

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

The people who walk in darkness     will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness,     a light will shine.

Isaiah 9:1-2

DEVOTIONAL: Ch-ch-ch-changes Have you ever watched a “makeover show” like Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, Queer Eye, etc.? These types of shows start with a person or property that is in need of freshening up, so to speak. The episode chronicles the process of change and closes with the big reveal at the end, leaving the audience thinking “Wow, what a change!” Why is it that as a culture, we’re so attracted to the idea of transformation? We make New Year’s resolutions, start fad diets, or embark on a new exercise program. Perhaps at a gut level we are longing for something more out of life, holding the knowledge that we are called to something deeper, something greater. The prophet of the book of Isaiah addressed this longing head on when he was writing to the Hebrew people. They were in a dark place in their history, and certainly in a place where they knew there had to be something better. The prophet foretold of a coming time when darkness would turn into light—transformation on the horizon. The Christmas story is really a story about transformation. The God of the universe transformed into a human infant, opening the way so that our very lives could be transformed by that same God, darkness into light. Take heart this Advent season and rest in the hope that God is still in the business of transformation. CONNECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Describe a time when you either experienced or witnessed an impactful transformation. Think silly or serious!
2. Where are the dark corners in your heart, and how might God be shining a light into your life this Advent season?

ADVENTure ACTIVITY: EnJOY the little things… like Sprinkles! Make Christmas cookies or another type of Christmas treat with your FRAMILY! Invite someone into your home that may need a little extra joy during the holiday season. Be in the moment: turn up the Christmas music, and enjoy creating and eating. Don’t think about the mess—the icing that gets on the table—or the sugar rush or the calories. Enjoy the company of friends and family! SONGS: 1. Seasons by Hillsong Worship 2. Light of the World by Lauren Daigle DAILY READINGS: Isaiah 9:1-7 Psalm 27:1-6 Luke 2:8-20 John 1:1-14 2 Corinthians 5:16-18