This is the story of a baby from Bethlehem who became the most influential teacher of the ages. As chronicled by Luke, a physician of his time and with great attention to detail, his Gospel account includes a cast of unexpected characters: Fishermen. Beggars. The poor, lame, & blind. Religious leaders. Women. The life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth seemed upside down for a man who claimed to be the Messiah. He surprised many with talk of loving enemies, parables of grace, and proclamations of an ever-present kingdom of God. Jesus: sentenced and put to death by his own people, resurrected in three days to prove His Lordship. He entered this world an infant: Emmanuel (God with us), and left as Yeshua Hamashiach (Jesus the Messiah). Use this devotional and advent calendar to mark the days leading up to Christmas by remembering Jesus' life and teachings. May you connect His purpose and story to your own, and lead your family in the light of His love and grace.