Season of Wonder
By STACEY WEEKS
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About this ebook
We know the story—the manger, the shepherds, the star. But in the busyness of holiday preparations, it can lose its wonder. If we're not careful, the opening lines of the biblical account stir little more than nostalgia, and we risk missing the true miracle of Christmas.
Jesus' birth is more than an ancient tale; it's the fulfillment of God's promise, bringing joy beyond measure. This joy wasn't just for the shepherds or Israel—it's a joy for all people, across every generation, including us today.
Season of Wonder offers 25 daily readings to help you rediscover the awe and glory of the coming of Christ through Scripture, reflections, and prayers. Perfect for personal contemplation or as a meaningful gift, this book will enrich your Christmas celebrations and transform the way you experience the hope, peace, and joy of the season. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just beginning to explore the faith, Season of Wonder is the perfect companion to rekindle the wonder of Christmas and draw you closer to God.
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Season of Wonder - STACEY WEEKS
SEASON OF WONDER
LONG AWAITED PROMISES FULFILLED
STACEY WEEKS
Grace and Love PublishingCopyright © 2024 by Stacey Weeks
All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book was outlined with the assistance of AI technology. The author has expanded upon, refined, and revised upon these outlines to create the final text. The ideas, themes, and messages presented are the author’s own, shaped through thoughtful collaboration with AI as a tool for brainstorming and inspiration.
ISBN: 978-1-7381668-3-1
Grace and Love Publishing
Call to actionCONTENTS
I. A Season of Hope
The Promise of the Messiah
1. The Prophecy of Hope
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
2. Hope in the Waiting
Read Micah 5:2-4
3. The Faithfulness of God
Read Lamentations 3:22-24
4. Mary’s Hopeful Expectation
Read Luke 1:26-38
5. The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
Read Luke 1:5-25
6. The Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise
Read Luke 1:46-55
7. A Personal Reflection on Hope
Read Psalm 33:20-22
II. A Season of Peace
The Peace Brought by the Messiah
8. The Prince of Peace
Read Isaiah 9:6
9. Peace in the Storm
Read Mark 4:35-41
10. Peace with God
Read Romans 5:1-2
11. Angels Announce Peace
Read Luke 2:8-14
12. Living in Peace
Read Philippians 4:4-9
13. Be a Peacemaker
Read Matthew 5:9
14. A Personal Reflection on Peace
Read Colossians 3:15
III. A Season of Joy
The Joy of the Messiah’s Coming
15. Joy Foretold
Read Isaiah 35:10
16. Joy in Jesus’ Birth
Read Luke 2:10-11
17. Joy in the Presence of Jesus
Read Matthew 2:10-11
18. Rejoicing in Salvation
Read Luke 1:67-79
19. Joy Through the Holy Spirit
Read Galatians 5:22-23
20. Joy in Trials
Read James 1:2-4
21. A Personal Reflection on Joy
Read 1 Peter 1:8-9
IV. A Season of Love
The Fulfillment of Hope, Peace, and Joy
22. Immanuel: God With Us
Read Matthew 1:22-23
23. Love Made Clear in Jesus
Read 1 John 4:9-11
24. The Birth of Jesus
Read Luke 2:1-7
25. Look Up in Expectation
Read Luke 21:25-28
Notes
About the Author
Also by Stacey Weeks
Fiction by Stacey Weeks
You Can Make a Difference
PART I
A SEASON OF HOPE
THE PROMISE OF THE MESSIAH
1
THE PROPHECY OF HOPE
READ ISAIAH 9:6-7
Hope can feel risky because disappointment lurks closely behind it. If you’ve ever faced disappointment, you know that it’s easier to expect little and be pleasantly surprised than hope big and feel crushed. Hope and fear often tango, each fighting to lead our hearts.
Continuing to hope in a desperate situation can feel like the dangerous, more painful choice. But if we give up, we risk missing the miracle.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
ISAIAH 9:6-7
The hope born in Jesus will never disappoint. Scripture tells us that when Jesus rules—and He will rule—it will be wonderful. He understands our weaknesses and needs, yet holds the power and authority of God. His rule will not be like any earthly leader. Our human leaders repeatedly disappoint us. Their leadership can be marked by imperfections, failures, or corruption. But Jesus will reign with true justice, righteousness, and peace. The Bible describes this coming Kingdom as a place where every wrong will be made right, where sorrow and suffering will cease, and where God’s glory will shine forever.
The promise of this Savior is woven throughout Scripture. The prophets foretold of a Messiah who would rescue and restore God’s people. This King will sit on