Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
—From Genesis 12:1–7; 15 (NKJV)

“When God says, “Trust, believe, go,” what will we answer?”

— The Joy of Advent

Reflection

Notice in our reading that Abram was blessed to be a blessing. His blessing was not for him alone. The future blessing of the whole world would come through him—in the unlikeliest of places, an inn’s stable. Are we likewise blessed? We have all been given gifts of time or talent or wealth or wisdom. A question for you: What if your blessings are not for you? Consider how your blessings might be used as outward blessings, not for your own enjoyment, but as a source of encouragement, hope, and support for others. Consider and, as Abram did, obey. Ask: How can I bless others today?

Celebrate Together

Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Wonder at the uncountable stars in the sky, explore the Jesse Tree symbol of a starry night, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about believing in things we cannot see.

Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
A **Starry Night Sky** reminds us of God’s covenant promise to Abraham.

Inspiration

The Caravan of Abraham

James Tissot (1836–1902). Abram’s faith in God’s promises led him to radical obedience.

Music

Creator of the Stars of Night reminds us that all earth and heaven call him Lord. [Play Video]

Reflect as you enjoy Every Star Shall Sing a Carol. “Every star and every planet, every creature high or low, come and praise the King of Heaven by whatever name you know.” [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

Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, obedient to Thy commandments, for then shall all things go prosperously with us, if we follow the Author of our whole life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(From Ancient Collects, and Other Prayers, William Bright, 1902)

Resources

Is it even possible to count the stars?
Printable coloring pages of Abram and the starry night.
Have you heard of the tradition of Wishing Star Cookies? According to legend, if you break one of these crisp, star-shaped cookies in three while making a wish, your wish will come true.
A sweet children’s song called Starlight will delight the whole family.
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.