Dear Lord, Help us to hold steadfast to prayer. Help us to rely on the Word of God in all despair. Increase our hope in you as our doubts and fears decrease. Help us, Lord, to be a light of hope to all those in need, in our families, communities, and around the world. Help us to be an example of your love and mercy and give us a boldness to share our story with others. Amen.

Day 2: One day, God sends the angel Gabriel to Mary. He has some very special news! | Help a child buy their favorite book to donate to a children's hospital. (Stay for reading time if you can!)

Day 3: Mary is greatly troubled when she hears the angel's greeting. | Pay for the person's order behind you. (Being sneaky while doing good is fun!)

Day 4: Gabriel responds to Mary: "Don't be afraid; God is very happy with you!" | Send cards to service men and women who are serving overseas. (Long-distance Christmas cheer!)

Day 5: Gabriel tells Mary the special news: She will have a baby boy, and He will be named Jesus. | Donate new toys to a local charity that provides for families in need. (Visit www.toysfortots.org for some great info!)

Day 6: Gabriel shares more details of God's plan with Mary: "Jesus will be great and will be called God's very own son!" | Help someone do a chore or other job. (And sing Christmas carols while you work!)

Day 7: Mary doesn't understand how she can have a baby without being married, but the angel Gabriel assures her of a great truth: Nothing is impossible with God. | Donate non-perishable food or toiletry items to your local food bank or volunteer to sort donated items. (Spread that Christmas cheer!)

Day 8: "I serve God with my life and want all that you have said to happen," Mary tells the angel, and he leaves. | Give Christmas candy attached to a gift card for lunch to your mail carrier or neighbor. (They give to you every day!)

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your joy! Your joy is our strength and you have promised that your grace will keep us despite any circumstances. Fix our hearts on you and instill in our hearts a joyful disposition so that we may bring comfort and cheer to those around us and be salt and light to those that are facing troubles or difficulties. Amen

Day 16: When the shepherds see the angel, they're afraid! | Drop some money in the Salvation Army bucket. (Make the bell ring!)

Day 17: The angel tries to calm the shepherds: "Don't be afraid -- I bring wonderful news that will bring joy to all of the world!" | Make a Christmas card for someone who needs a little cheer. (Add glitter for more cheer!)

Day 18: "A Savior -- the Rescuer you have been waiting for is born today!" the angel proclaims to the shepherds. | Take a coffee or a favorite soda to teachers at your local school. (Christmas caffeine!)

Day 19: The angel explains that the shepherds will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. | Leave some Christmas candy with a thank you note for the garbage crew. (Or anyone else who cleans up after you.)

Day 20: More angels come to celebrate the good news -- they arrive at the shepherd's field and begin praising God! | Volunteer at a local food kitchen. (Don't forget to smile and say, "Merry Christmas!")

Day 21: The shepherds leave their flocks and hurry to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who is lying in a manger. | Deliver Christmas flowers to the elderly in your neighborhood. (Help them deck their halls!)

Day 22: After they see the baby, the shepherds excitedly go and tell everyone they run into the good news! | Tell a joke to make someone smile. (Or tell several to spread even more joy!)