Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One

Read Mark 1:1-8

How seamlessly Zechariah’s prophecy in our last reading flows into seeing John the Baptist’s purpose up close and personal. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t waste any time in recording Jesus’ ministry becoming known. Mark skips past the Christmas story and jumps to Jesus’ grand appearance in the world he created. (Yes, Jesus was extremely active during creation – but that’s a totally different reflection.)

John the Baptist had been born to be that voice “shouting in the wilderness” about the coming Messiah, King Jesus. What a magnificent honor John had. I think that all of those early followers must have been a bit starry-eyed at being around Jesus once they discovered his identity as the Messiah. John did call him the “greater” one. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One”

Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace

Read Luke 1:67-79

This is the passage we read this week at the orphanage during the lighting of our second Advent candle on the Advent wreath. It was the candle of “peace.” These verses speak of our Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and because of an angelic encounter earlier, Zechariah knew that his child would become a great prophet of God. He had to be beaming with pride as well as giving thanks to God. Continue reading “Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace”

Daniel 7:13-14 – Daniel Sees Jesus

Read Daniel 7:13-14

In his vision, Daniel saw “someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.” The prophet Daniel lived a long time before Jesus, so they hadn’t met. But these words clearly line up with Jesus referring to himself as the “Son of Man” in the New Testament. (Here are a few examples: Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; John 1:51) Our God is amazing, isn’t he, to have had this all planned out for our own good?

What else do you notice from this Advent theme text? Ponder on that for a moment. I was moved by imagining a peek into heaven as Jesus approached the “Ancient One.” That title sounds so wise and loving, doesn’t it? Continue reading “Daniel 7:13-14 – Daniel Sees Jesus”

Matthew 24:36-44 – The Son of Man is Coming

Read Matthew 24:36-44

In our Advent reflections, Matthew now weighs in on the return of Jesus. We’ve read through the accounts of Mark and Luke and noticed some overlap. Here again, there are similar themes. As a disciple, Matthew would have had a front row seat to Jesus’ foretelling.

The news Jesus shared about his return would have certainly been hard to believe. Not because Jesus himself is unbelievable, but because the people hearing would not be used to having people go to and from heaven. Death was usually a one-way street. But Jesus’ death was not final. He rose from the dead and then ascended into heaven. Jesus is alive! Continue reading “Matthew 24:36-44 – The Son of Man is Coming”

Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid

Read Luke 21:25-36

The Gospel of Luke shares more details about what to look for when Jesus returns. People have been noticing such signs for many years, but I’m guessing that what Jesus describes is more intense than any changes we’ve seen.

Even though we’re walking through Advent together, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of the Christmas season. Magnificent as Jesus’ birth was, that was only the beginning. We must never forget Jesus is coming again, too, and that’s something to be ready for! Continue reading “Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid”

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