Advent Reflections – Page 3

Galatians 4:4-5 – God’s Child

Read Galatians 4:4-5

God’ Son is Jesus, but we can call ourselves “children” of God according to these words from Paul. Stop for a moment to reflect on what it means to be a child of God. It’s comforting, isn’t it? It sure makes me look at the world a little differently. I’m pretty sure most of the people walking down the street don’t know Jesus like I do and know they can be children of God, too.

This is an interesting passage to use for an Advent reflection, but it speaks to Jesus’ role in the world then and now. It’s a bit of the gospel, Jesus’ birth story, and our future hope all wrapped up together. What jumped out to you in this reading? Continue reading “Galatians 4:4-5 – God’s Child”

Psalm 122 – We Have Jesus

Read Psalm 122

Our last Advent reading spoke of our future trek to God’s mountain, and this psalm gives us a “song” to accompany our march. It’s known as a “psalm of ascent” because pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for holy days and festivals would sing this collection of psalms as they went up the mountain to Jerusalem.

For our Advent journey, “Let us go to the house of the Lord,” and be glad as the psalmist. We’re called into community with other believers for this special time. While we may not be headed to Jerusalem, we can gather with our own church friends and give thanks. Continue reading “Psalm 122 – We Have Jesus”

Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain

Read Micah 4:1-5

Our Advent reading points to the LORD’s mountain. Remember during Advent we are remembering and celebrating Jesus’ first coming as well as looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. It’s a meaningful time to dig deep into God’s word for messages hidden there for us.

Even though this is an Old Testament text from Micah, it points forward, all the way to the last days. Some people say we’re living in those last days. What does this text say to us if that is truly the case? After all, people for generations have been seeing the signs. All we can do is agree that God’s timing will be perfect. Continue reading “Micah 4:1-5 – The Lord’s Mountain”

Advent Revelation 22:12-13 – Soon

Advent will end, just as Christmas morning dawns. The waiting and preparing for Christmas, Jesus’ first coming will be complete. We still have the waiting and preparing for Jesus’ second coming. That is something we have paid special attention to during Advent. Isn’t Jesus’ return something we should think about every day to keep the fires of readiness burning brightly?

Jesus said he was coming soon. Our final Advent reading takes us to the final chapter of the book of Revelation. That is such a great chapter. I remember writing the closing reflection of the book of Revelation back in 2020. Today’s text is from that chapter, and this is what Jesus says through John:

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.”

Advent John 14:1-3 – Trust

Have you ever wondered where Jesus went when he left his followers on the mountain that day? Luke tells us in Acts 1 about Jesus’ ascension. In his last in-person appearance, Jesus was “taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.” (Acts 1:9) Surely the disciples must have wondered where he went!

Jesus had prepared them, and these verses from John 14:1-3 tell us where Jesus might have gone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”