Good Morning!
If you’re new here, welcome! Let’s focus our day by spending some time with Jesus before it begins.

WORSHIP FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Worship can be as simple as thanking God for who He is & what He does. (Psalm 100:4)
1. Start out by writing or saying out loud 3-5 things you’re thankful for.
2. Play or sing some worship music you love, or use this Christmas Worship Playlist.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Pray a simple prayer before reading, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. (John 14:26)
Today’s reading is from John 1:1-5, 9, John 8:12, Genesis 1:1-5, Isaiah 42:5-9 & 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Highlight verses that capture your attention, and ask three simple questions as you read…
S = Say. What is the main point? What does it teach about God (Jesus) & yourself?
O = Obey. What can you apply (practice) from this passage today?
S = Share. Who can you share what you’re learning with today?
One of the best ways to learn more about the Bible is by discussing it with others.
Work through this week’s Discussion Guide and meet up with a Paradox Lifegroup.

A THOUGHT FROM TODAY’S READING…
Every year when I walk out into the woods on a cold November morning to hunt, it’s dark. The only thing I can see clearly is my breath in front of me. After a long trek out, I sit down... and wait. When those first rays of sun break over the horizon, I can see beauty around me. I can feel warmth. The excitement of the day ahead begins. And as the sun sets and it’s too dark to see the outline of deer against the wood-line, hope fades along with it. Our world (and life) can be cold, dark, and hopeless. Just as the people of Israel waited in anticipation of the promised Messiah for thousands of years, we now wait in anticipation of Jesus’ return. When Jesus - God in the flesh - was born, light entered the darkness. Jesus is the true light. Can you see His beauty? Can you feel the warmth of His love? Do you recognize Him as your Messiah - the light you’ve been waiting for? And just as the sunrise brings hope each morning, Jesus’ birth was the first ray of God’s glorious new day. Jesus, the God who came, is coming again to make all things new. He’s just getting started, and the best is yet to come! This Advent season, I pray that Jesus would open your eyes to see God, yourself, others, and the world in light of who Jesus is. May you see the kingdom of God all around you as you slow down to remember, contemplate and celebrate Jesus, the light of the world who has come and will come again. - Dave Kubiak

PRAYER FOCUS | 5-15 Minutes
Prayer is a conversation that involves both talking and listening to God.
One simple way to “pray constantly” is to take “breather” moments throughout your day to pray.
Start by practicing one of these Advent Breath Prayers.

SHARE THE FOCUS | 1-5 Minutes
1. Text someone a prayer/encouragement, or share a thought/question with us in the Forum.
2. Invite someone to read the Focus with you. Text “FOCUS” to (586) 200-6277.
Every new person that signs up for the Focus until December 1st gets entered to win a steak dinner!

That’s all for today.
Stay focused on Jesus, and make it a great one!