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Advent Devotional 2021
The Gospel of Luke

Day 24
Tuesday, December 21th
Read Luke 21

Picture

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:3-4 (NLT)​

Erma Bombeck taught me a lot about Christmas. She talked about how Christmas changes over the years. When our children are small they will use five dollars worth of Christmas wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon to wrap up a twenty-five cent gift. But when they get older; the gifts are much more expensive and professionally wrapped.  

I don’t think Erma was trying to say she didn’t appreciate the gifts she got from her adult children, I think she was just missed those gifts that came more from the heart than a catalogue.   
That might be what Jesus is talking about in Luke 21:1-4.  

The Jewish Temple was made up of areas called “Courtyards.” The outermost Courtyard was for the Gentiles. (The Temple had a place for them.)  

Next, was the Courtyard of the Women (this is where the collection boxes were kept). Followed by the Courtyard of the men, and finally the Courtyard of the priests.  

Jesus was in the Courtyard of the women, possibly doing some teaching when he saw the perfect illustration.  Wealthy people were putting a lot of money into the collection boxes (which were actually made of brass which meant, when they poured in their coins they made a lot of noise . . . drawing attention to themselves).  

Jesus had nothing against these gifts but they were given out of one’s surplus . . . they were purchased from a catalogue and professionally wrapped.  

The widow’s gift . . . came from the heart.  

Erma said she always missed those; popsicle stick - Elmer’s glue gifts . . . because they came from the heart. I wonder if that is what Jesus misses from us . . . gifts that come from the heart.



Prayer focus:  God, we don’t always give you our best. Forgive us. Lead us to seek you first in how we give. 
Community prayer focus: Children receiving Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

Favorite Christmas Carol
“Hallelujah” because I really like the song. 
Rebecca Collins, 11 y.o.
(Children's Choir song from 2019 Christmas Eve Service)


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Centenary Church
1911 Toyon Ave.
Corner of McHenry/Tokay
​Modesto, CA 95350
Church Office: (209) 527-5441
Fax: (209) 527-3230
Email: ​centenary@centenarychurch.net
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  • Home
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    • I'm New
    • In-Person Worship Services
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      • Pastor's Corner
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  • Adult Ministry
    • Jesus and Coffee
    • Men's Ministry
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  • Resources
    • Preschool
    • Devotionals >
      • Lent Devotional 2023: The Gospel of Matthew >
        • Day 27 - Promise Keeper
        • Day 26 - Who Am I
        • Day 25 - The Messiah
        • Day 24 - New Thing
        • Day 23 - Abundant Life
        • Day 22 - Have Faith
        • Day 21 - Miracle
        • Day 20 - Courage
        • Day 19 - Share the Love
        • Day 18 - Kingdom of God
        • Day 17 - Choose Him
        • Day 16 - Why Use Parables?
        • Day 15 - Growing
        • Day 14 - Unity
        • Day 13 - Criticism
        • Day 12 Life Change
        • Day 11 A Cup of Cold Water
        • Day 10 Jesus is God
        • Day 9 Good & Faithful
        • Day 8 Good & Faithful
        • Day 7 Lord's Prayer
        • Day 6 Lists
        • Day 5 Beatitudes
        • Day 4 Temptation
        • Day 3 Prepare the Way
        • Day 2 Follow the Star
        • Day 1 Geneology
        • Introduction to Matthew
      • Christmas Devotional - 2022 >
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      • Lent Daily Devotional >
        • Day 2: Pointing the Way
        • Day 3: Follow Me
        • Day 4: Transform the Ordinary
        • Day 5: Who has Authority?
        • Day 6: God So Loved the World
        • Day 7: Worthy of Worship
        • Day 8: Everyone
        • Day 9: Signs & Wonders
        • Day 10: Rejected & Despised
        • Day 11: Do Nothing On Your Own
        • Day 12: Don't Let Go
        • Day 13: "I Am the Bread of Life"
        • Day 14: Adjusting my Expectations
        • Day 15: Learn by Doing
        • Day 16: God's Anointed Messiah
        • Day 17: We Are All Sinners
        • Day 18: I am the Light of the World
        • Day 19: Jesus is God
        • Day 20: The Work of God
        • Day 21: Hard Hearts
        • Day 22: Abundant Life
        • Day 23: Eternity With Him
        • Day 24: An Ultimate Purpose
        • Day 25: A Purpose Fulfilled
        • Day 26: A Choice to Make
        • Day 27: For This Very Reason
        • Day 28: He Proved His Love For Us
        • Day 29: Secure and One with the Father
        • Day 30: Love One Another
        • Day 31: The Way, the Truth, & the Life
        • Day 32: Order to Our Chaos
        • Day 33: Remaining
        • Day 34: You Are Never Alone
        • Day 35: Never Alone
        • Day 36: In His Will
        • Day 37: What did Jesus Pray For?
        • Day 38: Jesus Prays
        • Day 39: Complete Unity
        • Day 40: Peter's Worst Day
        • Day 41: My Kingdom is Not of this World
        • Day 42: For the Joy Set Before Him
        • Day 43: It is Finished
        • Day 44: You are Loved and Accepted
        • Day 45: Doubting Thomas
        • Day 46: Gone Fishing
        • Day 47: Follow Me
      • Advent Devotional 2021 >
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    • Operation Christmas Child
    • Gospel Mission
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    • Neighborhood School Partnership
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