I made this Bible Advent Calendar using some lightweight card and mini gift cards and envelopes from K-Mart (I only used the envelopes). You can download the FREE PDF of the Bible verses and quotes below. I've included a PDF of the numbers for the envelopes too but you could handwrite them. I was going to cut them in circles but found a cute stamp punch in my craft supplies. I pegged them to my Ikea lights but you could use string. Enjoy!

Someone I know died of cancer last week. She was a beautiful person and loved God. I know she is with Him now and is pain-free - but sometimes it's hard to understand how a good God can let bad things happen. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned and the world has been broken since. But there is hope!

In Romans 8:18, 21 Paul said, We have sufferings now. But the sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be given to us... But there was this hope that everything God made would be set free from ruin. 

Revelation 21:4 says, He [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone. 

The reason we have this hope is because God sent Jesus to die in our place so that we can spend eternity with him. So, this Christmas season, remember that despite the pain, there is hope because of the gift of Jesus.

These guys are touring Australia next February - find out more here.

Someone once told me that a good test of whether something is true or worthwhile is to ask, "Does it give glory to God?" If you're not sure whether a particular theology or idea is true, ask yourself if it gives glory to God? If it does, it's probably true. If it doesn't, then it's probably a bit dodgy. For example, some people argue that the world was literally created in six days while others suggest that it is symbolic. It gives God more glory if it was literally six days so I'd rather err on that side of the argument.

If you're not sure whether to do something or not, ask yourself, does it give glory to God? If it makes God look good - go for it. If it doesn't make God look good, you might want to rethink your actions. For example, you're not sure whether to join in the underage drinking at a party or not. If you drink you're no different to everyone else and may make some poor choices as a result. But if you don't drink, you give God glory by doing what's right and being prepared to stand out from the crowd.

This video is aimed at kids but it's a good explanation.