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"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The Second Christmas
“Advent” is Latin for “coming.” For twenty centuries, the Jewish people waited for their Messiah to come. For twenty centuries, Christians have
waited for him to come back.
Why is the second Christmas delayed? So more people can be ready: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God is getting his Christmas wish—there is a Fifth Great Awakening happening in our world today. More people are becoming Christians than at
any time in history. More Muslims are converting to Christianity than at any time in Islamic history, thousands after seeing dreams and visions of Jesus.
South Korea sends more missionaries into the world than America. A million people in Cuba have become Christians in the last decade. Communist
China is now the largest Christian nation on earth.
Will the Fifth Great Awakening come to your home and heart?
The Center for Informed Faith has prepared this Advent devotional guide to help you connect with the spiritual movement sweeping the world.
Join us as we prepare for the second Christmas. What if it were this year?
 The First Week of Advent: Invitation to Awakening
Sunday, November 29
What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child? Mine was a chromeplated, black-leather-seated Mattel Stallion bicycle built to imitate a motorcycle.
I rode it until the tires went bald and the springs broke.
One fact all Christmas gifts have in common is that they must be opened. My bike wasn’t much good under wrapping paper. Our Scripture for Advent begins: “If my people, who are called by my name…” Note its first word: “if.”
The Lord of the universe chooses to honor the freedom he has given us. He will not make us love him, or obey his word, or join the Awakening
his Spirit is bringing to the world. Jesus tells us that “whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)—but we must believe in him. He invites us: “Come, to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)—but we must come to him.
Would you decide today to join the Fifth Great Awakening?
Monday, November 30
What is your earliest Christmas memory? Mine takes me back to my grandmother's two-bedroom frame house in Kansas. My brother and I were put to bed on scratchy wool blankets, just around the corner from the tree where Santa would soon visit us. Sleep was impossible. The night crept by. Dawn finally dawned, and our smiling parents welcomed us to the day we thought would never come.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name . . ." Spiritual awakening transforms nations and cultures, but it begins with God's people. The Bible says that "the himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:16-17). If Jesus is your Lord, you are a child of God. Your Father planned Christmas just for you.
Spiritual awakening starts when Christians choose to crown their Father as their King, submitting themselves completely to him as their Lord and Master. Have you surrendered your day to Jesus?
Tuesday, December 1
Why do Germans say froeliche weihnachten at this time of the year? In Iraq they say, idah saidan wa sanab jadidah. Koreans say sung tan chuk ha. Eskimos wish each other jutdime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluarito. Americans say, "Merry Christmas."
Our Scripture continues, "If my people, who are called by my name . . ." More than two billion people around the world will celebrate the first Christmas again this year. We are all part of one faith family: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26-29).
There are more Christians in Africa than in America. Christianity is growing most quickly among people who don't look like Anglo-Americans. More than 82,000 people come to Christ every day, but only 6,000 are in Western Europe and North America, combined. Are you and your church part of this great awakening?
Wednesday, December 2
Why are candles part of our Christmas traditions? In ancient Ireland, Christians believed that the Christ Child wanders from house to house on Christmas Eve, looking for a family to welcome him. A candle placed in a window would invite the Savior into that home. Centuries later, we still light candles to welcome the Light of the world into our hearts.
Our Scripture continues, "If my people, who are called by my name . . ." The Hebrew word translated "called" means to be invited or called by name. Before we invited Jesus into our lives, he first invited us to himself: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
A Fifth Great Awakening is growing around the globe, spreading to every heart which welcomes Jesus as Lord and King. You can consider this Advent guide to be your personal invitation to join this movement. How will you respond to the call of God?
Thursday, December 3
Why do people sometimes refer to Christmas as "Xmas"? The Greek word for "Christ" is "Christos"; "Ch" in Greek is the letter "X" (pronounced kai). "Xmas" therefore can be a short form of "Christos-mas" or "Christmas." Or it might be an attempt to remove the name of Christ from the day which celebrates his birth.
Our Scripture continues, "If my people, who are called by my name . . ." In the Old Testament, the "name" of God denotes his presence and personality, his character and power. God told Moses that his name is Yahweh, which means "the One who was, is, and ever shall be." God's people are invited to know and trust the eternal, never-changing, omnipresent Lord of the universe.
In response to the Fifth Great Awakening, more people than ever before have accepted his invitation. Why do you need to surrender your problems and fears to the unchanging God who loves you?
Friday, December 4
Why do we refer to Jesus' birthday as "Christmas"? The name shortens "Christ's Mass," a reference to the Catholic worship service held on the day we celebrate Jesus' birth. The day in English was originally Cristes maesse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.
Yesterday we considered God's proclamation that spiritual awakening begins with "my people, who are called by my name." In the New Testament, we approach the Father through his Son, "Jesus Christ." "Jesus" means Savior, the One who would save us from our sins. "Christ" means Messiah, the Promised One who would liberate God's people.
When you became a Christian, you experienced personally the salvation and liberation Jesus came at Christmas to give. When was the last time you crowned your Savior as the King of your heart and Lord of your life?
Saturday, December 5
Did you know that Christmas was once illegal in England? When Puritans came to power in Great Britain in 1653, they abolished the holiday as pagan and frivolous. Their sentiments carried over to the New World as well. Statutes against Christmas were repealed decades later, but many still chose to ignore the holiday and treat December 25 like any other day of the year.
Our Scripture continues, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves . . ." "Will" implies the possibility of "won't." Not all will accept God's invitation to join the Fifth Great Awakening. Some Christians will choose self-sufficiency over the Spirit's power, the status quo over spiritual renewal.
Not to decide for Jesus is to decide against him. All this week, we've considered God's invitation to spiritual awakening. What is your answer to him?
The Second Week of Advent: The Need for Awakening
Sunday, December 6
Do you know why we hang Christmas stockings on fireplace mantels? The custom originates with St. Nicholas (born AD 280 in modern-day Turkey), the original Santa Claus. He was a wealthy Christian priest who left gifts at the homes of needy people. Tradition says that Nicholas once heard about a poor man who had no money to give his three daughters for their wedding day. To help them, he dropped bags of gold into stockings they had left to dry by the fire. Ever since, we hang stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve for Santa to fill.
Even God cannot give us presents we are unwilling to receive. As we have learned this Advent, our Father is inviting his people to join the Fifth Great Awakening sweeping the world. How do we accept his invitation? Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves . . ." The first step to awakening is admitting that we need awakening. So long as we believe that our churches are winning enough people to Christ, that our nation is sufficiently moral and spiritual, we will not pay the price to join the global awakening.
Complacency is spiritual suicide. Does your country needs a mighty movement of God in these days? Do you?
Monday, December 7
When you were a child, did you write a letter to Santa? I did, mailing it to "Santa Claus, North Pole." I was worried that he might not remember what I wanted for Christmas. The post office receives hundreds of thousands of letters like mine during the Christmas season, all asking for toys and presents. No matter how busy you are with Christmas cards this season, Santa is busier.
Consider the Christmas card God has sent to you. Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves . . ." God's invitation is addressed personally to you. You cannot humble your neighbor or pastor or mayor. The only person whose relationship with God you can determine is your own. Gypsy Smith, a great evangelist of an earlier generation, was once asked how revival begins. He suggested: "Take a piece of chalk and draw a circle around yourself. Pray until everything inside that circle is right with God, and revival will be upon us."
Would you take his advice today?
Tuesday, December 8
Why is mistletoe a Christmas tradition? In medieval England, people believed that the plant possessed medicinal qualities and magical powers. When two enemies met under the mistletoe, a magical spell was supposed to cause them to lay down their arms and embrace. In a similar way, young men at Christmas parties have long hoped that the magic of mistletoe would help them with young ladies.
God calls us to lay down our arms and submit ourselves to him as our King. We have seen that spiritual awakening begins when "my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves . . ." "Humble" translates a Hebrew word which means to "subject" or "be subdued," in the sense that an inferior army subjects itself to a superior force. John the Baptist demonstrated such a humble spirit when he said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).
How could you glorify Jesus during this Christmas season?
Wednesday, December 9
Why do we hang wreaths at Christmas? In Greek and Roman times, a wreath signified victory in an athletic competition. Much like our Olympic gold medals, wreaths woven of leaves or made of gold were given to winners of significant races and contests. In the same way, Christians wear the wreath of eternal victory in Jesus. If you have asked Jesus to forgive your sins and give you eternal life, you have won the battle for your soul.
Many Christians have surrendered themselves to Christ as Savior but have gone no further in the spiritual life. Humility, admitting that we need a great movement of God's Spirit, is the first step to spiritual awakening, but not the last. Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and . . ."
Are you seeking to know God more intimately today than you did yesterday?
Thursday, December 10
Have you heard of rosemary? The herb is used today to season foods, but it was once a staple of the Christmas season. Tradition said that Mary laid the garments of the infant Jesus on it, giving it a wonderful aroma. During the Middle Ages rosemary was spread on the floor so that people would walk on it, filling the house with its scent. People were terrified of evil spirits that might attack their children at night, and believed that the fragrance of rosemary would ward them off.
All great awakenings begin with desperation, the sense that we urgently need a great movement of God's Spirit. In South Korea, for instance, Christians pray for revival at 4 AM each day; many pray for spiritual renewal each Friday, all night long. Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray . . ." The Hebrew word means to "entreat, supplicate, beg." It describes a person seeking God with earnest, heart-felt passion.
When was the last time you sought God like that?
Friday, December 11
Who were the Wise Men? The Magi were a class of priests in Persia, modern-day Iran. They were familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and their promise of a coming Messiah. When they "saw his star in the east" (Matthew 2:2), they traveled to Israel to meet him. If Persian priests could worship Jesus 20 centuries ago, all can worship him today.
Our Scripture calls God's people to "humble themselves and pray . . ." The Hebrew word means to pray in the collective, for the entire nation. Paul told Timothy, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). When we ask God to bring spiritual renewal to our leaders and nation, we advance the cause of spiritual awakening across our land.
Have you prayed for your president and leaders yet today?
Saturday, December 12
Have you heard of the Christmas rose? It blooms during winter in the mountains of central Europe, and is tied by legend to a shepherd girl named Madelon. As she tended her sheep one wintry night, the Magi passed with their gifts for the Christ child. Grieved that she had nothing to give him, she began to weep. An angel saw her tears and brushed away the snow to reveal a beautiful white flower tipped with pink—the Christmas rose.
What can we give Jesus for his birthday? Our Scripture calls believers to "humble themselves and pray . . ." The tense indicates an ongoing, habitual lifestyle. God instructs us to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). All through this Christmas season, you and I can serve the cause of spiritual renewal in prayer. Pray for the people you'll see at parties. Pray before going to a family member's home. Pray for opportunities to put others before yourself, to treat others well in stores. Pray for God's Spirit to help you be kind in this hectic season, exhibiting the joy of Jesus in the season of his birth.
For whose soul have you prayed today?
The Third Week of Advent: The Price of Awakening
Sunday, December 13
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Surveys indicate that more than one in three began shopping before Thanksgiving. Just under 36% began between Thanksgiving and December 15; 26% will begin between December 16 and 23. Approximately 2% don't begin until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (yes, there are stores open on Christmas). Their holiday will be consumed with consumption.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face . . ." "Seek" in the Hebrew means to "go hard after." God wants us to seek his presence with passion. He wants us to run after the Christ of Christmas harder than we run after a gift for Christmas.
Have you sought an audience with Jesus yet today?
Monday, December 14
Where did Santa Claus get his jolly face? Thomas Nast (1840-1902) was one of the most famous political cartoonists of his day. In 1863, Harper's Weekly asked him to begin a series of annual drawings depicting Clement Moore's famous The Night Before Christmas. He based his character on "Pelznikel," the Santa Claus of his German ancestors. Santa's face, with his round cheeks and flowing white beard, is now beloved around the world.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face . . ." The face is the most individual part of our bodies. We don't really know people unless we know their face. God wants us to know him in intimate, personal communion.
Have you spent time getting close to Jesus this morning?
Tuesday, December 15
Why are candy canes part of Christmas? Four centuries ago, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany asked confectioners to create sticks in the shape of shepherds' crooks. He then gave them to children to keep them quiet during Nativity services. In 1847, a German immigrant used the candy cane to decorate his Christmas tree in Wooster, Ohio. Millions are now sold during the Christmas season, each reminding us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has come to lead his sheep to abundant life (John 10:10). But even God can lead only those who will follow.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways . . ." "Turn" in the Hebrew original means to "turn back," to stop going the wrong direction and turn back to the way we should be traveling. God's word cautions us, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God" (Ephesians 4:30). Before we can experience spiritual renewal, we must first remove anything which hinders his transforming work in our lives.
Is an attitude or action in your life grieving the Spirit today?
Wednesday, December 16
Who tells Santa whether children have been "naughty or nice"? According to tradition, Alabaster Snowball is the elf in charge of the Christmas list. He and his fellow elves watch children all year long so they can report their behavior to Santa. He then brings presents to those who have been good.
No one who loves children can reward them for wrong behavior. Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways . . ." "Wicked" translates the worst Hebrew word for sin. "Their" explains "wicked"—we choose our ways rather than God's will. Your ways may not be wicked in the eyes of the world, but if they are not obedient to your Father's will they are not the ways of God.
Is an area of your life "wicked" to God today?
Thursday, December 17
How much will you spend on Christmas this year? According to the latest Gallup poll, the average American plans to spend $740 on gifts, down somewhat from the $801 predicted at this time a year ago.
How much would you spend to experience spiritual awakening? Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways . . ." "Ways" translates a Hebrew word for roads or journeys. Are you walking away from God's will today? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind any attitudes or actions which displease your Father. Write them down, specifically and honestly. Confess them to God, claiming his forgiveness and grace (1 John 1:9). Throw the list away, and ask the Spirit to help you live in God's ways.
Will you make such a spiritual inventory today?
Friday, December 18
Why do we put lights on our Christmas trees? The tradition began four centuries ago, when people attached small candles to the ends of tree branches. Due to the risk of fire, people didn't put out their trees until Christmas Eve. Electric Christmas lights were introduced to America in 1882 by Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison. They eventually spread from trees to houses. Now some people leave them on their rooftops all year long.
Spiritual awakening is not an event but a lifestyle. To experience genuine renewal, God's people must "turn from their wicked ways." Such obedience is a daily commitment. Before every choice, facing every decision, you can ask the Spirit to show you God's will for you. Then Scripture promises, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (Isaiah 30:21). God wants us to know his will more than we want to know it.
Have you asked your Father to guide you in his ways today?
Saturday, December 19
What is the most popular cookie left for Santa? Oreos win, hands down. More than 9.1 billion are sold each year. Back in the 1930s, children began leaving cookies for Santa Claus—"naughty" kids to bribe him, "nice" kids to thank him for his hard work on Christmas Eve.
Why must God's people "turn from their wicked ways" to experience spiritual awakening? Do we earn God's favor by our obedience? Can we bribe him with our service? The biblical answer is simple: obedience positions us to receive all that God's grace intends to give. God can bless only those who live in ways consistent with his will. He can give only to those who will receive his grace.
Can God bless you with spiritual renewal today?
The Fourth Week of Advent: The Promise of Awakening
Sunday, December 20
What was the star of Christmas, that light in the sky which drew the Magi to Israel? A nova, comet, meteor, and planetary alignment have all been suggested, but none match the biblical description of this event. It seems that God created a unique astronomical phenomenon to guide the Magi to his Son. If these Persian priests could worship Jesus, all can worship him today.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven . . ." Not "might I" or "can I." God unconditionally promises to hear the prayers of his people when they are humbled, seeking an intimate and obedient relationship with him. Spiritual renewal is his gift, the work of the Spirit in our lives: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6).
Have you asked the Spirit to bring spiritual awakening to your soul and nation yet today?
Monday, December 21
Who originated the custom of singing carols at Christmas? None other than St. Francis of Assisi. In 1223, during a Christmas Midnight Mass in a cave in central Italy, he led the congregation in carols celebrating the birth of Jesus. Today carolers go from house to house, singing for all who will listen to their music.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven . . ." "Hear" translates a Hebrew word which means to "listen, give attention to, understand." God hears every prayer for spiritual awakening we offer to him. His word paints a wonderful picture of this reality: "Another angel . . . was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand" (Revelation 8:3-4).
Is God waiting to receive the incense of your intercession today?
Tuesday, December 22
Who originated the Christmas tree? Martin Luther, the great German reformer, was walking in a forest toward his home one clear evening. He was struck by the beauty of the stars shining through the trees. Determined that his family would share this experience with him, he cut down a small tree and brought it home. His fellow Germans picked up the custom, and later brought it to our country. Now more than 36 million Christmas trees are bought each year. The tree of Christmas reminds us of the tree of Calvary, where Jesus died to pay for the sins of humanity.
Our Scripture continues: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin . . ." God promises to forgive every sin we confess to him (1 John 1:9). Then we can say with the Psalmist, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). Then God will "tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). Then we can claim his promise: "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34).
Repentance and forgiveness are essential to spiritual renewal. Have you been cleansed by the grace of God again today?
Wednesday, December 23
Why is the Poinsettia plant part of Christmas tradition? It is named for Joel Poinsett (1779-1851), American ambassador to Mexico. While traveling the Mexican countryside, he was struck by a beautiful plant he found growing there. He brought it with him to his South Carolina home, where its popularity spread. Its red leaves remind us of the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross for us. His atoning love now transforms all who trust him as their Lord.
Our Scripture concludes: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." A revival changes a person or church; spiritual awakening transforms a nation. When the Fourth Great Awakening swept Wales, for instance, saloons went bankrupt and police formed barbershop quartets to sing in churches since there was no one to arrest. We will know that the Fifth Great Awakening has come to America when our nation is transformed by the gospel and grace of Jesus.
When was the last time God changed your life through prayer, Scripture, and worship? Will he again today?
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Why was Jesus born at Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph? He was the only baby to choose his parents—he chose peasants from the country. He was the only baby to choose his birthplace—he chose a cave crowded with farm animals. He was the only baby to choose his first attendants—he chose grimy field hands.
If he would choose them, he would choose you. If we will humble ourselves, admitting we need a spiritual awakening; pray fervently for our nation to come to Christ; seek Jesus with intimate passion; and align ourselves with his word and will—awakening will come to us.
The Baby of Bethlehem was "the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). He died for you—will you live for him?
Friday, December 25
Christmas Day
How many nations will celebrate Christmas today? More than 160 around the world. The good news of God's love is circling the globe. Jesus told us that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). The Fifth Great Awakening is bringing more people to Jesus than ever before in Christian history. There are now more Christians in Communist China than America. South Korea sent more missionaries last year than we did, many of them to our nation. The Kingdom is on the march.
How can you be prepared for the Advent—the coming—of Jesus? Consider once more God's promise: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14). Are you obedient to your Father's call on your life?
On this day when we celebrate the first Christmas, we are one day closer to the Second Christmas than ever before. What if it were today?
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