Christmas ADVENTure | “Do You See What I See?” | Introduction

“Open my eyes that I may see…”

Psalm 119:18a (NIV)

SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives!

Advent is an invitation to slow down, look up, and ask God to help us see what we might otherwise overlook. ADVENTure is an invitation to invite others to do this with us! Right now, before we step into the stories of Mary, the Wise Men, the Shepherds, the Angels, and the Victory of Christ, let’s begin here — with open eyes and open hearts. This simple prayer becomes our starting point for the whole ADVENTure: “Lord, open my eyes to see what You want me to see.” Let’s Seek Him about this today! (Listen to the Introductory Podcast here.)

WHAT: What is God saying through this Scripture?

The psalmist asks God to open his eyes, because seeing spiritual truth is something only God can do. We need His help to notice His presence, pay attention to His Word, and recognize what He’s doing in and around us. ~ What do you think the psalmist wanted God to help him see? Why do we need God to open our eyes spiritually? What might God want to help you see this Advent season?

WHY: Why does this Scripture matter?

Isaiah 40:5 says, “And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.” God is a God who reveals Himself. He wants to be seen. He wants to be known. And He promises that He WILL reveal Himself. The Christmas season matters because it is filled with so many things that our God wants to show us: His promises, His presence, His glory in the coming of Jesus. And when God reveals, we get to respond. What’s more, we can respond WITH our people, as we lead them to follow us in meaningful, intentional devotion-driven discipleship conversations. This matters for this holiday season AND for eternity. ~ Why do you think God wants His glory to be seen? What makes it easy to miss what God is showing? How might slowing down help you recognize God’s work more clearly this December? Who are the people in your life that you want to see Jesus with you?

HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth?

1 Chronicles 16:11a says, “Look to the LORD…” and this sets the tone for everything we’re doing this month in our devotion-driven discipleship. Advent becomes an ADVENTure when we make space to look for the Lord, intentionally, consistently, simply. Moses asked the Lord, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). This week, let’s do the same, praying: “Lord, I’m looking. Show me what You want me to see.” As He opens your eyes, speak about what He shows you. That’s the heartbeat of devotion-driven discipleship: we seek Him… then we speak Him.~ Where can you set aside some time each week of this holiday season to intentionally “look to the LORD”? With whom can you share what God is showing you? How can you and your loved ones commit to seeking and seeing Jesus together this Advent?

SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others!

This introduction begins this year’s Family Disciple Me ADVENTure. As God opens your eyes and shows you His truth, turn and share it with someone else. Talk as a family about what you’re seeing, then step into the simple weekly ADVENTure activities together. This season is more than counting down to Christmas. It’s about learning to see Jesus more clearly and helping those entrusted to you see Him too. The ADVENTure has begun: do you see what I see? This year, let’s look to see more closely than ever before!