Christmas Traditions: 25 Days of God’s Promises

Today begins our Christ-Centered Christmas Tradition series.  A month of ideas to help you keep Jesus as the focus of the month and to create traditions to last a lifetime.

This may very well end up being my favorite Christmas Tradition.  Not necessarily because it will make profound memories but because I need it.  Call it a 100%, totally selfish tradition to begin.  Frankly, I am fine with the personal twist because I have seen a change in my attitude since I began creating it.You have most likely seen the idea of hanging single ornaments on the tree from December 1st until Christmas day.  Some posts suggested using the names of God.  Others have specific scripture readings telling the story of Christ’s birth.  Of course there is the traditional number count down or up to Christmas.  Really, you could put about anything on the tree as a countdown.

While all of these ideas are great and have the potential for a wonderful tradition, the Holy Spirit placed it on my heart to focus on God’s promises to us.  And, in the mist of our chaos, I need to know that God’s promises are true, especially now.

So, the 25 glass-ball ornaments and permanent markers were purchased.  Next the verses.

What I am going to share with you are possible ideas to write on the ornaments.  Understand that depending on who is calculating, there are between 3000 and 7000 promises in the Bible.  Thus, the 25 that you choose to write on your ornaments are just a drop in the bucket.

I can not encourage you enough to search for the verses on your own.  Reading promise after promise will rock your world.

But, here are a few to get you started:

• Hope – Romans 15:13
• His Word is Flawless – Psalm 18:30
• Created in the Image of God – Genesis 1:27
• Knows Me – Psalm 139:1
• Redemption – Galatians 3:13
• Mercy – Psalm 145:9
• Hears Prayers – Jeremiah 33:3
• Love – John 3:16
• Salvation – Romans 10:9
• Wisdom – James 1:5
• Strength – Isaiah 41:10
• Forgiveness – I John 1:9
• Supply Our Needs – Philippians 4:19
• Grace – Ephesians 2:8-9
• Joy – John 15:11
• Omnipresent – Deuteronomy 31:6
• God Works for Good – Romans 8:28
• Protection – Psalm 32:7
• Victory – James 4:7
• Plans of Hope – Jeremiah 29:11
• Rest – Matthew 28:11
• Peace – John 14:27
• Guidance – Psalm 32:8
• Nothing is Impossible – Luke 1:37
• Jesus is Lord – Isaiah 9:6

To make this easier for you, I have created a printable with the date, promise, scripture, and verse.  Depending on the size and make of the glass-ball ornaments, you may be able to roll the scripture up inside the ball.  You could also cut the scripture into strips and make a paper chain, tearing off one each day.

If you are familiar with the Advent Candles or Wreath, you may want to add the ornaments with the corresponding Sunday.

Make this tradition personal with your family.  Introduce the promise and scripture each morning at breakfast or the evening meal.  Bedtime devotions would be nice as well.  The sky is the limit on how you use this activity.

What other promises would you add?