Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.”

So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.”

So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”

Then the woman took the two men and hid them. So she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And it happened as the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went I do not know; pursue them quickly, for you may overtake them.” (But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.)

Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was on the city wall; she dwelt on the wall.

So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down.

Then she said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.

—From Joshua 2:1–21 (NKJV)

Reflection

Imagine Rahab, described as a harlot, trying to convince her family to seek refuge—with her. The urgency of her message needed to overcome her unworthiness—she had lied to the king’s men, a treasonous offense, and now she had to convince her family that their only salvation rested with her and her alone. It would have been an unbelievable tale, and Rahab may have felt unworthy to the task. We never learn how many of her family actually survived the defeat of Jericho. Do you ever feel like you’re facing an impossible task? Do you feel unworthy of God’s love, his grace? The simple truth is: you are. We are all unworthy. But God’s grace is a gift, freely given to those who will do the absurd, like Rahab’s family, and believe. Reflect today on anything that blocks you from fully believing and accepting God’s love for you. 

Celebrate Together

Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Wonder at the glimmer of a promise for all of us in Rahab’s story, explore the Jesse Tree symbol of a scarlet cord, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about our own family trees.

Inspiration

Music

Watch this dramatized version of O Holy Night and recall where (and with whom) Jesus spent his time. [Play Video]

Imagine Rahab’s hope as the walls of Jericho crumbled all around her as you listen to My Soul in Stillness Waits. [Play Video]

Visit our Joy of Advent YouTube playlist for featured videos, our Ultimate Christmas playlist for all our favorite carols, or our sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style.

Prayer

Lord, be with us this day,

Within us to purify us;

Above us to draw us up;

Beneath us to sustain us;

Before us to lead us;

Behind us to restrain us;

Around us to protect us.


St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland (c. 389–461)

Resources

• Does the children’s song, Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho have a basis in historical truth? After much doubt on the part of experts, evidence now says yes.

• Support the ministry Women At Risk International this holiday season.

• Enjoy a printable coloring page of Rahab and the spies.

• Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.

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